Taking your marketing to new heights

Over the past few years, drone footage has become an increasingly popular choice for video marketing. Brands and content creators of all sizes have begun incorporating aerial shots into their video campaigns, social media content, and digital advertisements. There are several key reasons behind the rapid growth of drone videos as a marketing tool. At a high level, drones now allow both large brands and amateur creators to capture unique and compelling aerial perspectives that were once reserved for big-budget TV and film productions. Advances in drone technology have made high-quality aerial videography much more accessible and affordable. Drones also provide production value and visual interest to otherwise standard videos, helping brands better connect with audiences. As regulations around drone use continue to evolve, aerial footage is becoming an even more viable option. Given these trends, drone videos have emerged as a creative way for brands to tell stories, showcase products, and capture attention. More Affordable Drones Over the past decade, drones have become significantly more affordable. When consumer drones first hit the market, high-end models like the DJI Phantom cost over $1000. But as the technology matured and more competitors entered the market, prices came down dramatically. For example, DJI's latest Mavic series drones now retail for under $1000, while more budget-friendly options from companies like Ryze and Potensic can be bought for under $500. Some drones now cost less than $100! This drop in prices has opened up drone videography to a whole new segment of business owners, marketers and content creators. Drones allow small teams and bootstrapped entrepreneurs to get aerial shots that previously required hiring a professional videography crew and equipment. The accessibility of drones has unleashed creativity and enabled more dynamic visual storytelling. So as drone prices continue to decrease, expect to see drone footage become ubiquitous in marketing campaigns, social media content and digital advertising. The skies are opening up for visual storytellers. Easier to Use Drones Advancements in drone technology have made them simpler to fly and capture footage. Newer drones now come equipped with auto pilot and tracking features, taking much of the skill out of manually piloting them. With a press of a button, drones can take off, fly to a preset location, orbit around a subject while keeping it centered in frame, and land safely back in place. This makes it feasible for anyone to pick up a drone and start capturing professional-quality aerial footage without much practice or training. Even high-end drones that allow for manual control have settings to stabilize the footage and simplify the piloting. Built-in cameras that automatically adjust exposure and focus also make it easier for novice pilots to capture great video. The technology has developed to the point where the drones do most of the hard work of getting the right shot. This ease of use makes aerial filming more accessible for all levels of video creators. Regulation Changes Laws around flying drones commercially have eased over time, allowing for more legal drone use for marketing purposes. In the past, strict regulations made it challenging for companies to legally use drone footage for promotional videos and other marketing. However, updated laws by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have opened the doors. For example, the FAA's Part 107 rule, which went into effect in 2016, established a framework that makes it easier for commercial operators to legally fly drones. This includes a streamlined remote pilot certification process. The FAA has continued updating and expanding permitted uses for drones. There are still regulations in place for safe and responsible drone operation, but the legal landscape enables increased commercial drone footage usage compared to 5-10 years ago. As drone laws become more flexible and technology improves, marketers now have access to a powerful new visual storytelling tool. Drone video offers unique aerial perspectives that were once only possible with far more expensive equipment and planning. The changing regulatory environment has allowed marketing teams to take advantage of this engaging new media format. Unique Perspectives Drones allow for aerial filming and photography at heights not possible before without expensive equipment like helicopters or cranes. This opens up entirely new perspectives and vantage points for capturing video footage. Drone-mounted cameras can swoop and soar to provide bird's-eye views from creative angles. This gives viewers the chance to see familiar places, objects, or events in an exciting new way. A drone video can make a corporate campus, hotel, or other location suddenly seem new and intriguing. For example, circling above a resort's pool and amenities shows off the property in a way not visible from the ground. Unique overhead shots of a neighborhood, beach, or city let audiences discover new details and gain fresh appreciation for these familiar scenes. The bird's-eye view provides a new dimension that engages viewers. Drones also enable tracking shots that follow along with moving subjects like athletes, cars, boats, or animals. The camera can match their speed and movement for thrilling footage not possible with traditional equipment. This brings viewers directly into the action for an immersive first-person perspective. Drones give filmmakers the flexibility to capture one-of-a-kind shots from any altitude or angle. This creativity and uniqueness is a key reason drone footage stands out in video marketing. Increased Production Value Drone footage can increase the production value of marketing videos significantly compared to traditional ground-based filming. The ability of drones to capture unique aerial perspectives makes the footage seem more cinematic, dynamic, and visually impressive. Whereas standard video can look basic and amateurish, well-executed drone footage has a polished, professional quality that reflects positively on a brand. Viewers perceive drone videos as demonstrating a higher commitment to production budgets and resources. There is an elevated, prestige feel to marketing content that incorporates high-quality drone videography and photography. The production value sets brands apart from competitors still relying solely on pedestrian ground shots. Drone footage adds prestige and gravitas even to short marketing spots. Brands invest in drone filming because the cinematic, sweeping aerial shots allow them to showcase products, locations, or services to maximum effect. The bird's eye perspectives create an immersive viewing experience that makes static products like real estate come alive. Drone videos give brands a powerful way to highlight offerings and create an emotional impact that lingers in viewers' minds. The elevated production value makes the brand content more shareable and memorable. Virality Drone footage tends to go viral on social media platforms more often than standard video marketing. The unique aerial views provided by drones elicit interest and engagement from viewers. When people see footage taken from the distinctive vantage point that only a drone can provide, they are intrigued and more likely to watch, like, comment on, and share the video. Brands are leveraging this effect by incorporating drone footage into their social media marketing campaigns. An otherwise ordinary video can capture attention and get high engagement rates if enhanced with drone footage showing landscapes, cityscapes, events, or products from above. The bird's eye perspective allows audiences to see things in a new way, satisfying their curiosity. Drone videos also lend themselves well to being condensed into snackable clips perfect for platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The novelty draws viewers in, while the short length caters to modern social media consumption habits. This combination makes drone footage the ideal ingredient for viral marketing success. Brands that tap into the shareability of drone videos can expand their reach and get their messaging in front of larger audiences. Brand Storytelling Drones provide an exciting new way for brands to tell visual stories that resonate with audiences. By following a subject or journey from the air, drones can capture unique narratives that showcase products or company values in an engaging way. Brands are using drones to create mini documentaries, taking viewers behind the scenes or on an adventure. For example, outdoor clothing companies can showcase athletes traversing remote landscapes. Food brands can provide an aerial tour of how ingredients are sourced. The storytelling opportunities are endless. Drones allow brands to be cinematic storytellers, capturing grand vistas and tracking subjects seamlessly. The aerial perspectives create visual interest and give audiences new immersive experiences with the brand. Instead of a static ad or commercial, brands can now create short films that inspire and captivate. Successful brand storytelling with drones often has an emotional component. The aerial footage evokes wonder and excitement while bringing audiences along on a branded journey. When done right, drone storytelling feels authentic and inspired rather than commercial. It helps forge lasting connections between audiences and brands. Targeting Audiences Drone footage is especially effective at reaching certain target demographics. With the rise of drones being more affordable and accessible, younger and more tech-savvy audiences are often impressed and engaged by high-quality drone footage. The unique aerial perspectives allow brands to showcase products, locations, or events in innovative ways that feel fresh and modern to younger viewers. Additionally, drone footage evokes a sense of adventure and exploration that resonates with active, outdoor-loving audiences. Brands in categories like travel, real estate, and outdoor gear find aerial drone footage ideal for showcasing scenic landscapes or properties. The sweeping drone visuals attract audiences looking to explore the world around them. Overall, brands aiming to capture the attention of younger, tech-forward, adventurous audiences are smart to incorporate drone footage into their video marketing. The aerial views and dynamic motions appeal directly to the demographics most likely to be wowed by the latest drone technology. Summary Drone footage has rapidly grown in popularity for video marketing due to several key factors. Drones have become more affordable and easier to use over the past decade. Regulatory changes have also made it simpler for businesses and individuals to legally fly drones. Most importantly, drones provide unique aerial perspectives that were once only possible with helicopters and cranes. This leads to increased production value and visual interest. Drone videos also tend to be more viral since the footage looks so unique and compelling. Brands leverage drones for visually engaging storytelling. Drones allow marketers to easily target and film-specific audiences and locations. Looking ahead, expect continued innovation in drone technology like better cameras, longer battery life, and more automation. As drones get cheaper and easier to fly, more businesses of all sizes will adopt drone videos for marketing. The future is bright for beautiful drone footage to connect brands with audiences in new creative ways. We've only begun to scratch the surface of what's possible.

Introduction As all marketing professionals will know, the marketing profession is continually evolving, which is driven by rapid technological advancements (such as AI) and constantly shifting consumer behaviour (online purchasing v in-store. In this blog post, we will explore the future of marketing strategies and how businesses can navigate this dynamic landscape. We will examine the impact of emerging technologies, the power of data, the shift in consumer behaviour, and the evolving marketing channels. The Digital Revolution Over the past decade, digital marketing has undergone significant transformations, revolutionising the way businesses connect with their customers. Ten years ago, digital marketing was heavily focused on traditional online advertising like banner ads and search engine marketing. However, with the advancement of technology and changes in consumer behaviour, the digital marketing landscape has evolved. One major change is the rise of social media platforms as key marketing channels. Ten years ago, social media was still in its infancy, with Facebook being the dominant platform. Now, businesses have a plethora of platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn to engage with their target audience. Social media marketing has become more sophisticated, with influencer collaborations, social commerce, and personalised content taking centre stage. Moreover, the shift towards mobile usage has had a profound impact on digital marketing. With the proliferation of smartphones and mobile apps, businesses have had to adapt their marketing strategies to reach users on their mobile devices. Mobile optimisation, mobile advertising, and location-based targeting have become essential components of digital marketing. Another significant change in the past decade is the emergence of data-driven marketing. Big data analytics has transformed how businesses understand their customers and make data-driven decisions. By leveraging data, marketers can now personalise messages, measure campaign effectiveness more accurately, and target specific audiences with greater precision. It's no secret that compared to ten years ago, digital marketing has transformed dramatically, therefore our marketing strategies need to change. Social media, mobile optimisation, and data-driven strategies have become central to successful digital marketing campaigns, enabling businesses to connect with their customers in more personalised and targeted ways. As technology continues to advance, it is clear that digital marketing will continue to evolve, presenting new opportunities and challenges for businesses. The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Marketing Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised marketing by offering personalised experiences, predictive analytics, and efficient customer segmentation. AI-powered algorithms analyse vast amounts of data to understand individual preferences and deliver tailored marketing messages. This enables businesses to engage customers with relevant content and increase conversion rates. For instance, recommendation systems on e-commerce platforms leverage AI to provide customers with personalised product recommendations based on their browsing and purchasing history. When you’re next creating an e-commerce marketing strategy, you need to consider how AI will help you make your strategy a success. The Emergence of Augmented and Virtual Reality Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming the way customers interact with brands. AR overlays digital elements in the real world, while VR immerses users in virtual environments. These technologies enable businesses to create interactive and immersive brand experiences. For example, furniture retailers use AR apps to allow customers to visualise furniture in their homes before making a purchase. VR, on the other hand, enables travel companies to provide virtual tours of destinations, giving potential customers a taste of what to expect. Big Data and Marketing Big data plays a crucial role in marketing by providing insights into consumer patterns and decision-making processes. By analysing large volumes of structured and unstructured data, businesses can uncover valuable information to optimise their marketing strategies. For instance, analysing customer journey data can help identify touchpoints where customers are dropping off, enabling businesses to refine their marketing campaigns and improve conversion rates. Ethical Considerations and Privacy The use of data raises ethical concerns around privacy and transparency. Businesses must prioritise the ethical and responsible use of customer data while maintaining transparency and gaining customer trust. Compliance with data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), ensures that customer data is collected and used securely and ethically. By adopting transparent data practices and obtaining explicit consent from customers, businesses can build stronger relationships and enhance brand reputation. The Rise of Conscious Consumerism Consumers today place increasing importance on values and ethics. They prefer to support brands that align with their beliefs and contribute to social and environmental causes. Businesses need to integrate purpose-driven initiatives into their marketing strategies to resonate with conscious consumers. For example, Patagonia's commitment to sustainability has cultivated a loyal customer base and differentiated the brand from competitors. The Demand for Personalisation and Authenticity Consumers now expect personalised experiences and authentic brand communication. Marketers must go beyond generic messaging and tailor their content to individual preferences. Personalisation can take various forms, such as personalised product recommendations, customised emails, and targeted advertising. Moreover, consumers value authenticity and genuine brand narratives. Sharing real stories, user-generated content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses can foster a deeper connection with customers. When was the last time you felt that a brand gave you a truly personalised service? Marketing Channels of the Future The Evolution of Social Media Marketing Social media platforms continue to evolve, offering new opportunities for businesses to engage with customers. Brands are embracing social commerce, where users can make purchases directly within social media apps. Additionally, influencer collaborations have become a powerful marketing tool (especially on Instagram and TikTok), as influencers have established trust with their followers. Building relationships with relevant influencers can amplify brand reach and credibility. The Future of Content Marketing Content marketing is evolving to meet the changing preferences of consumers. Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and immersive experiences, enhance user engagement and provide valuable insights. Even though storytelling remains a powerful tool, connecting brands with customers on an emotional level will be key to marketing success. Businesses that can effectively harness these storytelling techniques and deliver interactive content will stand out from the crowd. Summary Marketing is always changing, and this is why it’s an attractive career for many people around the world. As technology and consumer behaviour continue to shape the marketing landscape, your business must adapt its strategy to stay competitive. By embracing emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR, marketers can create increasingly personalised and immersive brand experiences. Leveraging the power of data enables businesses to gain valuable insights and deliver tailored marketing messages. Understanding shifting consumer behaviour, particularly the rise of conscious consumerism and the demand for personalisation and authenticity, is vital for successful marketing campaigns. By staying informed about these future trends and embracing innovative strategies, marketers can navigate the ever-changing marketing landscape and seize new opportunities to connect with customers. Looking to grow your business and need a teammate who can help you get actual results? Why not get in touch with us to learn more about how we help customers, get off the ground with their start-ups, scale their SMEs and expand their enterprises? hello@ambmarketingconsultancy.com | +44 (0) 1865 950827