The digital world is always changing, and changing fast. Since the first SMS was sent back in 1992, we’ve witnessed the rise of desktop computers, the arrival of broadband, and the domination of smartphones and social media. In 2020, we’re gearing up for 5G and even have AI living inside our homes.

With new social media platforms emerging what seems like every week, and people queuing 18 hours for a glimpse of the latest iPhone, it’s no wonder so many of us struggle to keep up. To do so can be exhausting, futile even, requiring an almost monk-like commitment to stay ahead of the game.

But, whether you’re a solo DJ or a burgeoning multi-op, you only really have two choices: sink or swim. If you want to continue making money by running a profitable business, you need to move with the times. And these days, that means moving with the tech. Every year there are new developments that change how we interact with customers and how they expect to interact with us. In order to market your DJ business successfully, you need to be communicating with people through the right channels, in the right way, using the right tools.

So, what does that look like in 2020? I’ve compiled the most common predictions from some of the internet’s biggest digital geeks. While some of these ideas may seem too ‘big’ or ‘out there’ for your business, there are plenty of takeaways to help you stay ahead of the competition. Just remember, everything can be scaled back to suit your business, and knowing what to be on the lookout for will help you make the right changes to your marketing.

Here are the digital trends you need to be aware of in 2020:

1. Niche social media platforms
I've previously written in this magazine about the benefits of wedding DJs being on Pinterest, a social media platform where brides-to-be love to 'pin' ideas for their big days. This kind of niche social media isn't going to disappear. Yes, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter may dominate, but people will always look to more niche platforms for specific features or to engage with a certain community based on their interests. Brides go to Pinterest to create a virtual scrapbook of wedding ideas. Recruiters and businesses hang out on LinkedIn. And computer game enthusiasts share their latest efforts on Twitch.

Always keep in mind niche social media platforms, especially if you want to stay ahead of your competitors. If a platform specific to party planning or weddings popped up tomorrow, would you relish the change and sign up? Or keep doing the same old?

Key platforms: Anything outside the ‘big’ three; any platform that your target audience is using.

2. Smart speakers
You’ll have seen good and bad press about smart speakers in recent years. At times, things can feel a little Black Mirror (“my Alexa is listening to me while I sleep” etc.) but smart speakers can also provide great assistance to everyone from disabled users to stay-at-home parents. There are loads of reasons why people might speak to their computer rather than type into it, which is why the number of Google searches made from smart speakers continues to grow. This is important information for businesses, as recent studies suggest that 60% of smart speaker owners have used them to make a purchase online.

Maybe you’re looking for a new client meeting booking system for your website? Or perhaps you want to increase your visibility in Google search results? The fact that more and more people are speaking to their devices these days will help define the keywords you use on your website and perhaps even the apps and systems you choose to use.

Key tools: Google Analytics, Google Data Studio, Jetson, SEO optimisation, website.