It’s true digital has taken over a lot of our lives. Whether it’s the all-knowing computers we carry in our pockets, backup cams on our cars, or the way many of us have been doing our jobs for the last year+, digital is clearly integrated in our lives. But when it comes to marketing, digital hasn’t run off the other ways of connecting with customers.

Often, consumer behavior – especially in the ever-changing digital landscape – can feel like a moving target. And as we’re head-first into the new year, it’s always enlightening to sit down with our CEO and talk shop about what’s happening, what’s ahead, and what we as marketers should – and shouldn’t – be responding to. 

More and more, the zombie apocalypse is looking like people wandering the streets, driving, eating out, and doing just about everything with their faces buried in their screens. Communications have gone the way of messaging, leaving face-to-face, and even phone, conversations a novelty. We’re all guilty of it – or at least half of us are.

After 7 years of marketing research, Adobe compiled their findings into their Digital Marketing Survey, which turns a spotlight on companies that have achieved digital maturity.

It’s time to start thinking about how approaches to marketing strategy will be changing in the new year. If you want to gain an edge over your competitors, it’s never too early to jump-start new initiatives.

Altimeter recently released their 2016 State of Digital Transformation report. They define digital transformation as “The realignment of or investment in new technology, business models, and processes to drive value for customers and employees and more effectively compete in an ever-changing digital economy.” 

Digital marketing has become increasingly important in the era of customer-centricity. Customers demand personalized experiences that surprise and delight them. They want to find information about products and services in places that are convenient to them. When consumers don’t find what they want, they become annoyed with your business and go to your competitors.

The rise of mobile has changed the face of marketing. Consumers increasingly use mobile to evaluate products and services and make purchasing decisions. An additional challenge has emerged to complicate the marketing landscape. Customers aren’t just using one type of device to make transactions.

We’ve officially kicked off the holiday shopping season, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us. It’s a crucial time of year when marketers need to keep eyes on their current campaigns and ears to the ground for what’s coming next. 2015 saw marketers focused on the customer experience, while customers have been focused on decluttering. Everyone is still trying to find the sweet spot where the customer experience feels simple and seamless. So what’s on the horizon for 2016?

CDO’s come on one of two breeds: the kind that wall off mobile and web from the rest of the organization or the kind that embrace both consistent messaging and the two-way sharing of data.