In a previous blog, we reviewed the marketing trends and predictions for 2023, but somehow, it’s already time for 2024. Time goes by fast, but the world of marketing is faster! So, to help your company stay ahead of the game, we’re going over some of those 2023 trends that will continue to be important in the new year, and discussing some additional ones for 2024. Let’s get into it!
2023 Recap
Managing The Digital Customer Experience
In a society of speed, digital experiences, and constant connectivity, consumers have high expectations for companies’ digital presence. Companies that can’t deliver will quickly fall behind. These expectations will continue in 2024.
Working On Authority and Authenticity In Your field
Customers continue to value quality and transparency, building a trusting relationship with the companies they are loyal to. If your company wants that customer loyalty, they have to earn it. Low prices may be a strategy for short-term gain, but value is the name of the game in the long run.
Customers Will Practice Smarter Purchase Choices
Due to these customer values, they make smarter purchase choices. These decisions begin long before they enter the store – that is, if they don’t just purchase online in the first place. This means companies’ marketing needs to portray the values and benefits consumers desire before they go to make the purchase.
Balancing Physical and Digital Connections
Both physical and digital connections have their own values that they bring to the consumer relationship. While people enjoy the convenience and stock of digital purchases, there are many cases where they like to interact with the product or with someone who can answer their questions. Continue to balance these connections in 2024.
Influencer Marketing and Social Commerce Will Become Common Practice
Consumers’ want for transparency and authenticity can often be fulfilled through influencer marketing. These ‘real people’ are easier for consumers to trust and build relationships with than a brand logo. Influencers will continue to be an important part of marketing strategies in 2024, especially with the emergence of virtual influencers or AI characters on social media.
New in 2024
AI and Automation
While AI and automation are far from new concepts in 2024, they will be increasingly utilized and normalized. This will result in highly personalized, real-time content enabled by AI algorithms, chatbots, and data analytics. Keeping up with this technology and implementing it in thoughtful ways will be essential for companies this year.
SEO and Search Results
AI and other technological advances are also shaking things up for SEO. In 2024, there are many more ways to search for information other than typing. Searching with voice and images are just two ways companies will have to start considering. As well, AI is making it easier for search engines, such as Google, to understand queries, resulting in more information being found more easily. Companies will need to be extremely up-to-date and innovative with their SEO practices to stay on top of these changes.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Integration
Advancements in VR and AR should be top-of-the-mind tools for marketers in 2024. Integration of these technologies can make marketing more personalized and customizable, whether it’s a VR showroom tour for a car company or an AR app that lets users visualize how furniture will look in their home. Utilizing these tools can set your company apart from others.
Sustainability, Social Responsibility, and Ethical Marketing
Although these ideas are not new to consumers or marketers, they are increasingly important. Purchase decisions now go far beyond the realm of price and quality. Consumers want to understand brand values, beyond their products and services, particularly concerning environmental and social responsibility. While quality is still important for consumers, marketing in 2024 is as much about values as it is about value.
Dominance of Video Content
Finally, video content, especially short form, will be the dominant content format in 2024. The rise of short-form video platforms has made this type of content particularly enticing for consumers and marketers alike. This dynamic and visually appealing content is perfect for advertising, storytelling, product launches, and even customer testimonials.
Even with these predictions, the ever-changing marketing world can be tricky and confusing. Luckily, unLOCKEd can help with that! Contact us to ensure your marketing doesn’t fall behind while you’re busy running your business.
Author: Sarah Murphy
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