Context can make or break the communication – and, ultimately, the relationship – between a consumer and a brand. Today’s consumers expect relevant communications that speak directly to their needs in the moment. We have the technology today to deliver such messages – but there are significant barriers to developing relevant, contextual programs of this kind. Some of the development challenges represent new versions of old challenges. Take data as an example: it has always been hard to harness data from different sources and to leverage insights in real time. But today, there are additional opportunities – if not expectations – for marketers to use contextual data to better reach and engage customers through the optimal channel(s).
