If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to figure out how the hell digital marketing works in this post-pandemic chaos. Good news—you’re not alone. The game has changed, and if you’re still using pre-2020 tactics, you’re already behind. Let’s break down what works now, what’s dead, and how to make sure your brand doesn’t just survive but thrives.
The new rules of digital marketing
Gone are the days of spray-and-pray ads and generic email blasts. The pandemic didn’t just change consumer behavior—it rewired it. People expect more authenticity, more personalization, and way less bullshit. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Authenticity isn’t optional anymore
Remember when brands could get away with polished, corporate-speak? Yeah, that’s over. Today, if your content feels like it was written by a robot (or worse, a committee), you’re toast. Real talk wins. Show the faces behind your brand, admit mistakes, and ditch the jargon.
2. Video owns the internet
TikTok didn’t just explode—it set the new standard. Even if you’re not dancing, short-form video is the fastest way to build trust and engagement. Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, even LinkedIn is pushing video now. If you’re not creating video content, you’re invisible.
3. DMs are the new email
Cold emails? Most end up in spam. But a well-timed DM? That’s where conversations happen. Prospecting on Instagram and Facebook is how smart entrepreneurs are closing deals without ever sending a single email. And yeah, there are tools to automate this without sounding like a bot—more on that later.
Post-pandemic marketing channels that actually work
Not all platforms are created equal. Here’s where to focus your energy (and budget) in 2023:
Instagram & Facebook: The relationship builders
Forget about vanity metrics—likes don’t pay bills. But DMs? That’s where the magic happens. Whether you’re selling coaching, e-commerce, or SaaS, direct messaging is your secret weapon. The key is personalization at scale. And no, that’s not an oxymoron.
LinkedIn: B2B goldmine (if you do it right)
If you’re in B2B and not leveraging LinkedIn, you’re leaving money on the table. But here’s the catch: no one cares about your “thought leadership” posts. Share real stories, engage in comments, and use DMs strategically. It’s networking on steroids.
TikTok & YouTube Shorts: The attention grabbers
Organic reach is still insane on these platforms. You don’t need Hollywood production—just your phone and something valuable to say. Teach, entertain, or solve a problem in under 60 seconds. Rinse and repeat.
Automation: Your unfair advantage
Here’s the truth: manual outreach doesn’t scale. If you’re still sending DMs one by one, you’re wasting time you could spend on strategy (or, you know, living your life). The right tools let you:
- Auto-send personalized DMs to targeted prospects
- Follow up automatically without being spammy
- Track conversations in a built-in CRM
Want to test-drive this? Try Instant Flow free—it handles Instagram and Facebook prospecting so you don’t have to.
Content that converts in 2023
Forget what you knew about content marketing. These are the formats that actually move the needle now:
Micro-content
No one has time for your 2000-word blog posts (ironic, I know). Break everything down into snackable pieces—carousels, tweets, short videos. Repurpose the hell out of everything.
Behind-the-scenes
People buy from people. Show your process, your team, even your fails. The more human your brand feels, the easier it is to build trust.
Interactive content
Polls, quizzes, AMAs—anything that gets your audience participating. Passive consumption is out; engagement is king.
Data isn’t just for nerds anymore
If you’re not tracking your metrics, you’re flying blind. But here’s the thing—most people track the wrong stuff. Forget vanity metrics; focus on:
- Conversation rates in DMs
- Content that drives actual sales (not just likes)
- Time spent on key pages (if they’re bouncing, your message is off)
Adapt or get left behind
The brands winning right now aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets—they’re the ones moving fastest. Test new platforms, ditch what’s not working, and double down on what is. The pandemic accelerated digital trends by 5 years overnight. The question is: are you keeping up?
