BY KAYLA NOBREGA

Have you ever wondered what the future of marketing is? I mean, look at how far marketing strategies have come; no longer are newspapers and billboards the most efficient way of getting your message out to the masses. Now we have easier and quicker ways to reach our audiences, and on a much bigger scale too.

Online social media has not only helped businesses reach their audiences, but it has made a way for these audiences to give feedback and engage with their favourite brands. It is a two-way stream that is only growing in what it has to offer.

New jobs have been created in the advancement of social media; there is now a need in every company for content creators, social media specialists, and online marketing strategists.

With the history of online marketing in mind, one cannot resist trying to guess where it is headed. What will be available to businesses and clients in the near future that has not been available over the last couple of years?

My guess; the future of social media marketing lies in virtual reality. Things like holographic screens, 360degree video, as well as immersive experiences are on the next level after standard web content.

People are interactive. The more they can engage with content, the more likely they are to connect with a brand and its message. Virtual reality allows audiences to dive into a world that is built up by their favourite brands in the form of virtual games, tours, or simulations.

This kind of engagement has only been available on a face-to-face level, but it is speedily becoming the norm on online platforms.

The future of online social media marketing strategies is here. Companies need to consider tailoring their marketing plans to accommodate the changes, or risk falling behind and rendering their content irrelevant.