It’s the most wonderful time of the year: time for our look ahead to the upcoming marketing trends of the year to come!
As we bid farewell to the whirlwind that was 2023, it’s time to unwrap the shiny gift of future knowledge – because, let’s face it, who doesn’t love a sneak peek into what’s next?
So pour yourself a cup of holiday cheer, and hop on our digital sleigh ride into the marketing trends of 2024, where artificial intelligence meets jingle bells and influencers dance to the rhythm of holiday joy. Together we’ll take sneak peek at the year ahead that’ll have you saying, “2023, you were cool, but 2024, hold my coffee – we’ve got trends to conquer!”
AI-Driven Marketing
Overall, we expect to see a push to use AI to help create content and drive marketing strategies in 2024 – even more than we already have! Beyond traditional data analysis, the expansion and growth of artificial intelligence platforms will continue to encompass more predictive modeling and personalized content recommendations, empowering businesses with anticipatory intelligence to enhance engagement and achieve optimal returns on investment.
Despite the exponential growth we expect to see in AI over the next year, you don’t want to hand over the reins to your marketing strategy completely to ChatGPT! Instead, think of AI as the ultimate wingman. Let it reinforce your strategies, do a mid-year check on what’s developing, and be your fail-safe checklist. Your human creativity and insights bring the heart and personality to your brand strategy, while AI adds the brainpower to fine-tune and optimize. It’s the perfect tag team – you bring the vision, and AI brings the data-driven finesse.
The Evolution of SEO
The landscape of SEO is experiencing a fascinating evolution, and a growing percentage of users are making their first stop at ChatGPT before heading to Google. Now, there’s no question that with 90% of the search engine market share, Google still reigns supreme – but as ChatGPT and other AI platforms continue to evolve, the implications for your SEO strategies are pretty clear – in 2024, you’ll need the right experts on your team who are on top of this evolving search scene. It’s not just about keywords and backlinks anymore; it’s about understanding how people interact with conversational AI and ensuring your content aligns with these changing search behaviors.
It’s a reminder that staying ahead in SEO isn’t just about chasing algorithms; it’s about having a team that’s nimble, informed, and ready to ride the wave of this fluid future where ChatGPT might just be the new gateway to information. So, buckle up, keep an eye on those stats in the coming year, and make sure your SEO game is flexing with the times.
Short-Form Videos
We’ve been saying it for a while now, but short videos are still the way to go. Why? Keeping videos short keeps engagement high! The more you can refine, consolidate, and shorten your content, the more engaged your users will be be, and the more likely they are to stick around. As our attention spans juggle multiple stimuli (no matter how effectively or ineffectively), the power of succinct storytelling cannot be overstated. It’s the sweet spot where creativity meets efficiency, and the result is an engaged audience that doesn’t just watch but actively participates, shares, and stays tuned in. So, in the world of bite-sized content, the shorter, the sweeter, and the more captivating.
Influencer Marketing
This probably won’t come as too much of a surprise, but influencer marketing is no one-hit-wonder; it’s here to stay. What was once thought of as a flashy trend aimed at the younger generation has turned into a cornerstone of many solid marketing strategies. But the real rise we’re seeing in 2024 is the popularity of micro-influencers – those with a smaller but seriously engaged, local, or niche following. They bring a personal touch and relatability that mega influencers might sometimes miss.
So, in the dynamic landscape of influencer marketing, you don’t always have to spend the big bucks or connect with total strangers halfway around the globe. Instead, consider strategic partnerships this year with local influencers who can authentically connect with your audience, whether they’re sporting millions of followers or carving out a niche with a smaller but equally dedicated community.
Instagram Reminder Ads
Instagram Reminder ads are quickly rising in popularity since their official launch in late October, and we expect them to continue stealing the spotlight in the ever-evolving landscape of digital advertising in 2024. These ads aren’t just there to look pretty; they’re strategically designed to keep your brand at the forefront of users’ minds. Whether it’s an upcoming event, a product launch, or a limited-time offer, these reminder ads play the role of the virtual post-it note, so your audience doesn’t miss out on what’s coming.
Their effectiveness lies in their ability to create a sense of urgency and anticipation, driving engagement and conversions. As users seamlessly scroll through their Instagram journey, these reminder ads act as a personalized tap on the shoulder, subtly influencing their next move and contributing to the overall success of your marketing campaign. If you haven’t added them to your digital advertising repertoire yet for the coming year, we bet you’ll want to do so ASAP!
Detailed Targeted Content
Every day, brands are collecting more and more data on their audience. Numerous companies already leverage machine learning algorithms to assess customer behavior, identifying optimal targeting strategies. AI also plays a huge role in enhancing precision in consumer demand predictions and optimizing advertising campaigns. As a result, we fully expect to see an increase of “I swear my phone is listening to me!” marketing campaigns in the next 12 months.
Minimalism in Design
Minimalism in graphic design continues to reign supreme. This timeless aesthetic resonates with a broad audience, conveying messages with simplicity and clarity. But this “less is more” philosophy doesn’t only impact aesthetics – it’s also an indication of an increased global focus on environmental consciousness. Clean and efficient visuals also lead to reduced ink usage in print materials and lighter digital assets that contribute to lower carbon footprints. This eco-friendly approach also extends to packaging design, where minimalist principles often result in less material consumption and waste.
In 2024, we expect to see an increase in the innovative use of negative space, subtle gradients, and bold typography. Look for a rising blend of technology and minimalism, with augmented reality and interactive elements moving to enhance the user experience while maintaining the core principles of simplicity and functionality.
As you consider how these trends will impact your marketing efforts in 2024 and beyond, don’t forget that for every emerging or growing trend, there are plenty of anti-trends – or things to leave behind in 2023 – to factor in, too! For our full list of anti-trends, and our recommended approach to replace or counteract them, check out our companion blog here.
And whether you’re looking to dive deeper into one of these up-and-coming trends that you’ve already been working on, or you’re curious to take a closer look at something brand new, our team is here to help you with your digital marketing efforts all year long. Reach out to our team today, and let’s make 2024 your best year yet.