Officially well into 2019, it's time to check in on some things. How are those resolutions holding up? Is this year shaping up to be the one you envisioned - full of growth and health for you and your business? While we can't keep tabs on the sweets you sneak, we can help make sure your marketing-body is tight and toned. Here are some marketing trends for 2019 that you should know about, and be practicing.

People are putting more trust in who they know, and reputable content versus ads.

The fading effect of traditional ads is not a surprise - it's something we've anticipated for some time. A 2015 Nielsen study reported that the most-trusted sources of advertising were: people you know, branded sites, editorial sites, and reviews. Ads are near the bottom of that list, and those statistics haven't really changed.

In fact, before you buy that ad space - hold up! Note that 30% of all internet users are expected to be using ad blockers by the end of this year, meaning that traditional ads now won't even reach nearly one third of possible target audience members.

This information is not meant to discourage your efforts or upend your goals - it just means that ads must be more relevant and valuable to the consumer. In our world, that means that content marketing, influencer marketing and referral partnerships are key. These strategies result in cost-effective, rich visual campaigns that live where your customers spend their time; on their phones.

Creativity, not conformity, will set successful marketers apart.

With more access to countless brands, businesses, faces and places than ever before - we begin to feel comfortable with what we know, and what we recognize. In some cases, that can be a benefit - if you do a good job modeling yourself after what you consider to be a successful vision, then you may be considered an equal in that space. The downside, however, is you may have also put a ceiling on your growth - and opted to have your campaigns dictated by something you're trying to emulate, not something you are.

Remember this saying, that "fortune favors the bold." Fresh, distinctly original ideas and campaigns are always a good goal and will many times win in the ways that matter most.

Understanding how your customers communicate is vital.

The biggest change to be aware of over the past few years is that customers expect companies to communicate with them, and to do it well. That's why it's so important for marketers to be aware of their customers' communication preferences.

Fill-form boxes are quickly deteriorating into the realm of dial-up internet. Live chats, video conferencing and voice activation are what your customers are going to be expecting in the next few years. Do you have yourself a Siri?

Helpfulness and authenticity will combat relationships lost through tech and automation.

There's no stopping marketing automation and technology. And while they bring plenty of benefits, these advances sometimes come at the expense of the relationships those same marketers have typically built with members of their audience.

It's important to do your best to add a personal touch or offer direct help when possible. If your communication strategy stays authentic and helpful, satisfying your customers' needs will always be more meaningful, and help create the loyal customer your business deserves.