In the world of Marketing, things change constantly but there are a few trends we think will stick around this year. Read on to find out what to expect in 2024 Marketing and how your business can stand out. 

1. Social Media Platforms will be Used as Search Engines

Ever found yourself scrolling through social media to dig into product reviews for the real scoop? Or researched a topic on social to see what information is out there? If you’re like us, you have, and if you haven’t we bet you will in 2024. Gone are the days of boring SERPs (search engine results pages) with no photo or video.

In 2024, less time will be spent on conventional search engines and more research will be done via social platforms. Internet users will increasingly embrace social media like we used blogs in 2012: our go-to source for all things *insert topic you’re interested in.* And since video is king, social is quick and to the point, and our attention spans are shrinking, more and more people will start using social platforms as search engines. Get ready for a year where social platforms redefine how we seek and discover information. Here’s a funny note: one of our team members even has a social media account strictly dedicated to research. 😱

2. Storytelling will (continue to) Lead to Sales

Last year, we predicted that AI would take a lasting place in marketing. It has but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This year, overuse of AI copywriting and lack of human editing will lead to consumers passing up the robo copy and leaning into authentic storytelling. Storybrand anyone? 

With any new tactic, skills and expertise are necessary for great results. The same goes for AI. Sure, you can use AI to help write copy and send messages to your ideal clients, but without proper editing you might end up regretting it. Now’s the time to hire a professional copywriter who understands how to use Messaging to connect to real people. 🚀

3. Brand Experience will Dictate More Purchasing Decisions

Piggybacking off of our last prediction, people will begin to bypass brands they feel are inauthentic or AI-generated and long for thoughtful experiences. Consumers will crave human interaction, personalized buying processes, and individualized relationships with the brands they interact with. Say goodbye to quick fixes and cheap, superficial branding. Audiences will expect more from brands in 2024 from social media communications and ease of website use to corporate responsibility and authenticity.

4. Consumers will Choose Value-Based Marketing

Cookie-cutter values that lack substance won’t do in 2024. Consumers will be choosing to work with brands that back up their values with action. Clients want your product or service to do exactly what you say it does, solve a problem they have, be easy for them to access, and for you to operate with likeminded morals. You’ll have to prove these things to them with real case studies, social proof, and numbers too. 

Once you’ve solved the problem your target audience is facing as it relates to your industry, then you can assess if it’s necessary or appropriate to address any social issues. Hint: most of the time, it’s a bad idea. As seen in 2023, one of the biggest mistakes you can make as a business is not understanding your customer base. Last year, we saw several brands make political statements that didn’t align with their target market and they’re still paying for it.

So there you have it!

The Final Word

All in all 2024 looks like an exciting year for marketing! As a small to medium sized business, you should leverage social media as a business asset, connect with people through proper storytelling and messaging, tailor your busing process for clients, and stick to values that make sense for your area of expertise.

If you're ready to market your business wisely in 2024, contact the marketing experts at Bolt today. Give us a call today and get started leading your industry!