The 2024 Marketing Forecast: Emerging Trends You Can’t Ignore

Written by: Robyn Quarles

Stanley cups, mob wife aesthetic, bathtub water, and Halara jumpsuits. Aside from sending a Victorian-era child into a coma, what do these things have in common? Trends that, for better or worse, have made their way onto everyone’s FYP—leaving no phone unturned. But what’s so special about these trends that makes them more important than what seems like literally everything, ever? Their new-age marketing tactics.

The masterminds behind these trends are getting the right message in front of the right people at the right time in the right place. As annoying as it might be to constantly be fed info about what’s trending, as a marketing agency, we respect the game. So, short of microchipping the public so they see your content whenever you want them to, how can you make sure your message is getting to the right people at the right time in the right place? You’ve come to the right place! Here are some marketing trends you definitely can’t hide from in 2024.

Hyper-Personalization

Everyone has that special someone in their life who knows everything about them: their likes and dislikes, their daily routine, their sense of humor, etc. For many of us, it seems like that special someone is our smartphone.

Powered by AI and machine learning, hyper-personalization is the name of the game in 2024. Brands are tailoring their content to each user’s behavior and preferences based on their data insights. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, we see you, we hear you, and we know what you like.” The success of these personalized campaigns proves that this approach works. Don’t hide it—that Instagram ad finally wore you down! (It wore me down, too.)

Video Marketing Evolution

Video killed the radio star and has dominated the world of content ever since. It’s no surprise we predict that video content will remain the center of attention in 2024, but it’s evolving from its traditional format to keep us captivated. Here are some video marketing trends to keep top of mind for your marketing strategy:

Short-Form Videos: Think TikTok and Instagram Reels! From tutorials and behind-the-scenes to podcast clips and GRWM, these videos are typically less than 60 seconds and are perfect for educating or entertaining in a short amount of time.
Live Streams: Platforms like Twitch, YouTube Live, and Facebook/Instagram Live are great ways to engage with your audience in real-time. If you’re thinking about hosting events, webinars, or Q&A sessions, live streams are perfect for keeping that connection with your audience.
Interactive Content: Increase engagement and create an immersive experience with interactive content. Things like fun filters, geotags, and 360-degree videos are great for keeping your audience engaged.

Influencer Marketing 2.0

Influencer marketing has taught us just how easily influenced the public can be but is evolving into something more substantial in 2024. While mega influencers still carry significant weight, the spotlight is shining on micro and nano influencers this year. Why? Because customers crave authenticity—which coincidentally is the secret ingredient to successful influencer collaborations! Here are some other questions to consider when implementing influencer marketing:

Does their content align with your brand, values, and target audience? Would their followers be interested in your product or service?
Are they credible and authentic? Do they focus on meaningful interactions with their audience or care more about their follower count?
Do they share quality content? How can your brand fit into their lifestyle?

Interactive Content

One of the best ways to drive engagement is to include interactive content in your strategy. Level up your users’ experience by gamifying your content: from quizzes and polls to immersive storytelling, these interactive elements will captivate audiences and have them coming back for more. I’ll admit it—I definitely want to know which of the Real Housewives I am…don’t you??

Sustainability and Ethical Marketing

It’s hard to remember that a company is made up of people when their profile picture is just a logo. However, consumers are smart people who realize the impact their choices have on the planet. They are changing behaviors, and brands are taking notice by adopting sustainable practices and integrating them into their core messaging. Why? Because people want to do business with good people. From compostable and recyclable packaging to eco-friendly production methods, it looks like green is the color of the year for customers and brands alike.

Voice Search Optimization

Yes, your phone is listening to you. (If it’s not already, it will be soon!)

Our fingers simply can’t keep up the speed at which we want to search, and with devices that have voice-activation capabilities, why should they have to? This is why it’s crucial for SEO-strategists to optimize their content for voice search. Some key things to keep in mind:

Conversational Keywords and Phrases: voice searches are more conversational in nature, so think about specific questions that would guide your target audience to your brand.
Local SEO Focus: more often than not, people use voice search to find local businesses or look up location-specific information.
Provide Clear and Concise Answers: voice algorithms prioritize content that best aligns with the user’s search. A great way to stay at the top of the search is to create pages using natural language that answer your audience’s FAQs.

AR and VR Experiences

Sims was our window into the world of Virtual Reality (VR). Meta gave us a glimpse of what a team outing at a Foo Fighters concert would look like through Augmented Reality (AR). It’s time for marketers to put on their top hats and create a world of pure imagination by utilizing these tools to provide a truly immersive experience for brands and consumers alike.

Data Privacy and Security

Matthew McConaughey asked it, but we’re saying it: data is the new gold. Navigating the landscape of data privacy regulations is tough, but an absolute necessity. Brands that prioritize privacy and security not only give their customers a feeling of trust but also a feeling of community. And like we said before, people like doing business with good people. So, make sure you do right by your people (and your business) and make sure you’re up to date with all of the privacy regulations.

We know it can be overwhelming keeping up with the latest and greatest to get your name out there, but that’s what we live for! If you’re ready to up your marketing game in 2024, give us a call at 877-623-6246. #BoldBrandsWin