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2018 Digital Trends You Need To Know About Now
By: Lara Harb
The digital world is changing at a rapid pace. We’ve seen many changes in 2017 such as the rise in augmented reality, Google and Facebook algorithm changes, as well as social platforms embracing stronger governance policies to prevent ‘fake’ news. In 2018, we continue to see areas in digital such as marketing, development and strategy change at a rapid pace. Here are 9 digital trends to prepare for in 2018:
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The End of Generic Stock Photography is Here
Whether you are a web designer looking to refresh your website’s look and feel, or selecting an image for your next Instagram post, we all know that stock images are an easy solution. As a digital marketer, you are looking for an image that is clean, high-quality and professional to represent your brand. Though it’s easy to turn to stock photos, customers are looking for genuine, real photos. A company who only provides images from stock photography sites, lack the brand personality that your viewer is drawn to. Since these images are usually free and royalty-free, many brands start using them. You do not want to risk your competitors using the same image!
What do companies with good content marketing have in common? Quality images that have TONS of personality. This has everything to do with use of colour, subject, focal perspective, and lighting. Though smartphone cameras have improved, nothing beats the quality of a DSLR camera. You can learn all this and foster your creativity by taking a photography class. Whether you are a digital marketer looking to improve the image quality of your content or you are looking to be the next top macro photographer, it’s worth trying out a class. Don't believe us? See how Continuing Education student went from photography rookie to professional photographer in about a year, here.
LEARN MORE: Photography classes range from Digital Photography 1 to Macro and Portrait. Photography certificate available at our North Campus.
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Learn How to Organize Big Data
Have you heard of big data? Every day we create 2.5 Quintillion bytes of data on the internet. Used correctly, this ocean of data can be a powerful tool. It has created an unprecedented opportunity for digital marketing professionals to analyze and optimize data in order to reach and understand their consumers. Knowing how to slice and dice data from different applications, not only saves time, it paints the story of a brand’s online landscape. Being a digital marketer is part creative, analytical and strategic. Do you have this trifecta of skills? Learn how to model data for the best results and decisions by exploring a Big Data Certificate!
LEARN MORE: Courses include Google Master Class, Data Mining, Social Media & Web Analytics and more! Big Data Analytics certificate also available at both our North and Lakeshore campus.
Accurately Measure your Social Media ROI
Monitoring and listening are two activities that digital marketers are expected to perform when running a successful social media strategy. Especially with constant algorithm changes, how do you measure the effectiveness of a brand's strategy? Using social media analytics tools, are key to making informed decisions. Answer the question on everyone's mind: How do you measure social media return on investment?
LEARN MORE: Enroll in Measuring and Monitoring Social Media class or learn how social media ties into web analytics, in our NEW Social Media and Web Analytics class. Social Media Certificate also offered in our Lakeshore campus.
Video Content is on the Rise - Can you Produce & Edit?
Did you know that video is the most viewed content on the web? The demand for online video has never been higher than it is right now. Online viewing options and audiences have increased at exponential rates (imagine a world without Facebook or Youtube videos)! More brands are creating video content to entertain, inform and inspire their viewers. Basic video skills can go a long way. From shooting content to video editing, it’s wise for digital marketers to know the basics. For content creators, video production will help bring story ideation to life, where as the editing process is how stories are shaped, and messages honed. Consider taking a single video production/editing class or level up your content creation skills with a certificate!
LEARN MORE: Take your video skills to the next level with a Media Video Production Certificate or a Video Editing Certificate offered at our North campus.
AODA - Inclusive Design is No Longer An Afterthought
If you are responsible for the creation of your organization’s internal and external communications, you need to know about Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). AODA is legislated for an accessible Ontario by 2025. This means that standards of design have changed with accessibility in mind. The Information and Communication Standard of the AODA looks to remove barriers to information in all aspects of business; from accessible documents creation to responsible web development.
Whether you create meeting minutes, reports, marketing materials, sales kits and client correspondence you need to be able to share information in an accessible way both internally and externally. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the guidelines and best practices of AODA standards in web and mobile design development. Be a leader in your organization, an AODA expert, an early adopter of inclusive design, so you, and your company, are ahead of the curve.
LEARN MORE: Make all media accessible by enrolling in our 1-day workshop for Creating Accessible Documents and Communications Training or become an AODA expert by enrolling in our 2-day workshop, Inclusive Design Training for Media Professionals. Workshops offered in our Lakeshore Campus and NEW downtown Toronto location.
The Basis of VR/AR is Understanding 3D
Virtual (VR), augmented (AR) and mixed reality (MR) are taking over the technology world. With multiple headsets being released (ie. Facebook-owned Oculus Rift, Lenovo Mirage Solo, etc.) the potential for this technology ranges from consumer entertainment such as gaming, to breakthrough initiatives in healthcare. What does it take for a digital marketer to understand how this technology works?
At its core, all VR, AR and MR begins with 3D modelling. These 3D models are served to viewers in different ways that they can navigate through these worlds by looking in different directions. 3D modelling is excellent for digital marketers because it requires a creative, artistic eye as well as technical skills. For content creators looking to advance their careers in an exciting, innovative field, consider learning 3DS Max Modelling and Design.
LEARN MORE: Navigate a career in 3D by enrolling in our part-time intensive 3DS Max Modelling Design Certificate program offered at our North campus.
Communication is Key
Digital marketing is all about storytelling. We need to be able to share information and tell stories in an effective, impactful way. Despite which industry you work in or your job title, communication is an undeniable skill. We live in a world where communication skills are not only reserved for copywriters. According to a study done by GMAT, the top three skills companies demand in new graduate hires are oral communication, listening skills and written communication.
There are many benefits to being a good communicator. The ability to manage projects, being a team player and verbalizing a corporate message are just some benefits. If you enjoy a good one on one conversation, learning corporate communications and public relations well help you create conversations with thousands of people. The internet and social media have radically changed how corporations communicate with the public. PR professionals must be extremely reactive, flexible, social media-savvy and able to engage with their audience in real-time. Corporate communications and PR is one of the most dynamic, challenging and fastest growing professions in business. Hone your voice and learn how to communicate with the masses.
LEARN MORE: Communicate with confidence by enrolling in a Corporate Communications Certificate or an Event Mangement Certificate offered online and at our Lakeshore campus.
Digital Marketers Should Know the Basis of Coding
The future of marketing, PR, advertising and communications is all digital. All the many tasks digital marketers do, from updating a website to creating an analytics report, needs to be coded in some aspect. Coding is a series of inputs and outputs. Learning a basic programming language like HTML or CSS can help you understand every day tasks in an analytical way. It also helps you communicate with developers so you can effectively bring your project to life. According to Marketing Week the benefits of a marketer knowing how to code is, “It makes them drive a better cost deal for the company because they know the true cost of doing it and how long things take, but it also means that creatively they know what’s possible and not possible.” The need for digital marketers to be well rounded in digital literacy holds truer in small business due to the pressure of being a Jack/Jill of all Trades. Though marketers don’t necessarily need to know how to be a developer, a working knowledge of coding helps.
LEARN MORE: Learn the basis of coding with a Computer Programming certificate. Alternatively, learn Microsoft SQL Server offered online and at our North campus.
Drones are on the Rise
Many drone enthusiasts are taking their passion for flight to money-making ventures. Photographers and videographers are seeking drones to take interesting shots that their cameras can not take. Camera drones are now being used in several industries including real estate, film and advertising. Think of capturing a beautiful beach side property from the sky and displaying it on a realtor’s website. Or perhaps entering a short film to the Drone Film Festival. In some cases, marketers even use drones as flying billboards to act as a direct marketing tool. In either case, drones are on the rise to becoming the next content creation tool.
LEARN MORE: Take flight and explore a UAV Drone Certificate at our UAV Pilot Ground School offered online and on-ground locations!
Which digital skill will you develop this year?