Embracing Change and Creating Genuine Connections: The Ins and Outs of 2024 Marketing Trends

In the ever-changing world of marketing and branding, trends come and go like the wind! Some leave lasting impressions on audiences, while others fall short. What is cool and relevant today may be old and tired by tomorrow. With the start of a new year comes refreshing new takes on developing creative content that resonates with your audience. Let's explore some of the "INs" and "OUTs" trending at the start of 2024.

INS

Organic, Personalized, Authentic Content:

Social media and marketing for businesses will look more personalized in 2024. Marketing has said goodbye to the idea of a one-size-fits-all approach to marketing campaigns. Companies or brands should strive to connect with audiences in more meaningful ways.

For example, we're seeing audiences crave interactive content. Whether you use short or long-format videos, your content should focus on creating genuine connections with your audience. Another example is personalizing your content by showcasing your team and their role or sharing collaboration. People want genuine connections that feel relatable.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

If you've followed our blogs, you've already read our take on AI. As a business, you should adapt AI to assist with your efforts. AI tools can analyze your data to deliver personalized experiences to scale. For instance, platforms like Polymer, Tableau, Monkey Learn, or Microsoft's Power BI can pull data analysis from website visits and social interactions and divide those by your audience into segments based on various criteria like age, location, and interests.

Why is this relevant? These tools can assist brands in better understanding each segment's preferences to tailor content to fit targeted demographics. This data-driven approach allows real-time dynamic content changes, such as adjusting website content, emails, or product recommendations.

Putting the SOCIAL in social media

As you strategize how to create content for social media, it's essential to remember the most important part: make it "social!" Engagement is critical in 2024, and it's vital as a business that you listen to your audience. Actively engage with your clients and potential clients by soliciting feedback and participating in conversations. Social media platforms are no longer just for sharing information but can serve as a vibrant community where you can interact with your followers on a personal level. Authentic engagement humanizes your brand and cultivates loyalty and advocacy among your followers. To increase engagement, try hosting a live Q&A session or share user-generated content. Hosting a competition encouraging user participation is also a great way to capture your audience's data and increase the number of viewers and followers on your social platforms. 

Social media is ever-evolving. We are seeing several trends, some that appeared to have once been the holy grail of marketing, falling by the wayside. Here are some things to remember to help you create more compelling content this year.

OUTS

Generic marketing

Out in 2024 are generic marketing campaigns. Using plug-and-play strategies is not an effective way to elevate your brand. Generic marketing campaigns that lack personalization and authenticity are increasingly ineffective in capturing your audience's attention and are out for 2024. 

Overly staged content 

Likewise, overly staged content that feels manufactured and insincere is losing its appeal to the eye of consumers. What sets you apart if a consumer sees the same concept for your brand as everyone else? 

Posting and Ghosting 

Don't "post and ghost!" If you take valuable time to create personalized content and earn your followers' engagement, do not miss out on the opportunity to connect with them by not responding. Businesses that do well recognize the importance of ongoing engagement and relationship building.  

Antiquated Thinking 

And finally, let go of antiquated thinking that resists change and innovation. Having a "that's the way we've always done it" mentality is a barrier to success, especially in the fast-paced world of social media marketing.

By embracing organic content, leveraging AI technologies, and putting the "social" back in social media, you can help your brand thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape. If you need a marketing team that elevates YOUR story and speaks directly to your desired audience, connect with us today!

Written By: Valerie Wilson