What DTC Brands Learned About Digital Marketing in 2020 and What it Means for the Future

With the light at the end of the tunnel visible and the extending difficulties of 2020 seemingly reaching its final corner, the marketing world has begun to settle and plan for the non-pandemic riddled future. However, among all the exciting and new prospective campaigns that are being planned or already rolling out for when things return to normal, many businesses and advertisers alike reflect on the challenges of last year and how they've changed our approach to sales and communication. Specifically, following a significantly impactful year, DTC brands have been using the knowledge they've gained from 2020 to influence a similarly successful 2021.

Supermarkets and Brick & Mortar Aren't so Set in Stone

Stemming from the initial panic of the pandemic breakout in March 2020, the nationwide shortages in medical drugs and certain necessities proved for the first time that supermarkets and similar brick and mortar establishments could become unable to meet demand when heightened and under pressure. Entering a Tier 3 drug shortage that recently called for Canada to extend an implemented import program, the rush to purchase drugs, food, and other wares called for consumers to look to alternative sources to obtain their needs.

 

This event caused a sudden uptick for most DTC brands, as most found their needs answered with lesser-known brands and startups. Though DTC brands were already seeing an increase in revenue for the years leading up to the pandemic, the surge in popularity for DTC brands last year has marked their permanence in the market space for years to come.

Digital Marketing Methods are the Tried-and-True Way to Go

DTC brands have found a path to maintain growth and market alongside their growth thanks to the increase of computer and smart device usage stemming from stay-at-home and work-from-home orders. With social media consumption rates increasing by a massive 72% since the start of the pandemic, brands have focused primarily on increasing their presence on social platforms, allocating more ad spend on digital ads and placements.

 

DTC brands are no stranger to this, due in part to DTC taking out physical locations for customers to be exposed to their products, highlighting their need to advertise heavily in the online space. By continuing to focus and on digital marketing methods such as email marketing and unique people-based social media strategies, DTC brands can continue to reach new audiences and increase their brand influence online.

Thanks to the past year's increase in popularity for DTC brands and Kingstar's current direct-to-consumer focus, advertising for a successful 2021 has been the path of least resistance for challenger brands and new brands. If you're interested in pursuing a unique and efficient marketing campaign for your DTC brand, contact Kingstar Media, Canada's #1 media buying and top performance marketing agency.