As we appreciate the trends already unfolding in 2024, it’s important not only to observe but also to innovate. Trends are like whispers of change in the marketing world, sneaking in through shifts in behavior, tech advancements and cultural buzz. They’re not fleeting moments; they unfold over time, providing us with the chance to mix things up. Catching onto these trends is your ticket to adapt, innovate and grab the metaphorical opportunity bull by the horns. It’s the insider knowledge that helps you not just stay afloat but ride the wave in this ever-evolving market.
Now, let’s get you onto that wave and dive into the top 15 marketing trends of 2024 thus far. Here’s a look at what happened in the last month and trends that are setting the tone for the year ahead.
1. Beyond Transactions: Crafting Lasting Connections Through Brand Values
Customers no longer settle for products; they seek brands aligning with their principles and beliefs. This shift transforms transactions into meaningful connections. Today’s audience is a group of conscious individuals seeking brands that reflect their values, so it’s on us to adapt. Acknowledging the strategic role of values is crucial for lasting customer retention.Â
As per Consumer Goods Technology, 82% of shoppers prefer brands aligning with their values, and 75% have severed ties with conflicting brands. Even with their favorite products, most shoppers won’t compromise on principles. If values aren’t aligned, 39% said they’d boycott even their favorite brand, and 24% would break ties at least temporarily. And perhaps just as importantly, most won’t be quiet about their concerns with 28% of consumers sharing their concerns with friends and family, and another 15% sharing theirs on social media.
Here, we specialize in aligning brand values with customer expectations and creating meaningful connections that stand the test of time. Crafting messages that resonate with the fundamental beliefs of our audience is at our core, ensuring we create a space where they feel seen, understood and aligned.
2. Quick-Content Cravings: The Short-Form Video Revolution Continues
Why is short-form content so popular? It offers instant gratification and entertainment in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever
The interactive nature of short-form content turns passive viewers into active contributors, creating a dynamic and inclusive content ecosystem and reshaping how we connect, share and ultimately sell. According to a recent M&C Saatchi Performance survey, more than 56% of consumers make purchases based on TikTok ads, and 36% are willing to do so, leaving marketers in the position to leverage short-form video like nobody’s business in 2024.
From creating engaging Reels for clients like The Henry, Flybye, Flower Child and more of Fox Restaurant Concepts, to keeping our own social pages filled with short-form fun, our talented team is equipped with the recipe to feed these quick-content cravings and keep up with demands.
3. TikTok’s Unstoppable Surge: Riding the Wave of Short, Engaging Videos
In that same breath…TikTok. It’s like the catchy song you can’t get out of your head, and this magic lies in the platform’s short, engaging videos—a perfect match for those aforementioned quick-content cravings. And it isn’t showing any signs of slowing in 2024, with 56% of marketers planning to increase their investment, the highest among social media apps. Additionally, 24% of marketers claim this platform delivers the highest ROI compared to any other channel, according to HubSpot.
Brands, captivated by its viral potential since it began four years ago, continue to flock to the platform. And contrary to its reputation, it’s not just for younger demographics. HubSpot’s 2022 Consumer Trends Report showed 50% of millennials and 38% of Gen X-ers visit the site.Â
TikTok’s personalized feed, driven by a savvy algorithm, keeps users hooked, making it a marketing goldmine. But as it evolves, brands must stay agile and adapt to its ever-changing landscape, recognizing that TikTok isn’t just a trend; it’s a strategic imperative for anyone aiming to captivate an audience and stay relevant.
4. AI Ascendance: The Transformative Power Shaping Our Future
AI’s transformative power is poised to take center stage, with 88% of marketers planning increased investment in 2024, according to Foundation Marketing research. It’s the hero we didn’t know we needed but that we don’t yet fully understand, and that’s often the scariest part of any new technology.
But, that doesn’t stop its popularity from rising. Fueling this ascendance is continuous innovation, the constant evolution of algorithms increasing integration into various facets of our daily lives, and unlocking insights into consumer behavior. From personalized recommendations and predictive analytics to automation and problem-solving, AI is becoming an indispensable force, shaping the way we interact with technology.Â
Did you know that experts foresaw AI bringing media and creative agencies together? They predicted using first-party data to create customized content, and they were right. Here at TJA, we’re ahead of the curve. As an integrated, full-service agency we’re ready to meet the demands and embrace the power of AI and first-party data to stay ahead of the game.
5. Influencer Marketing: Where Authenticity and Trust Meet Social Currency
In the age of social currency, influencers rule the roost, wielding the power of authenticity and reach in an age where brand trust rules everything.Â
According to Influencer Marketing Hub, 83% of marketers believe influencer marketing to be an effective form of marketing, stating they would increase investment in the year to come, with micro-influencers being a popular choice for affordability and success.Â
At TJA, we leverage influencers for meaningful connections, recognizing it’s not just a choice but a timeless strategy. Social currency is today’s language, and we use it strategically for brand credibility.
6. Podcasts and Audio Content: The Soundtrack of Our Digital Lives
Amid the flood of visual content, the world of audio is evolving and our love for audio content remains strong, reshaping how we consume information. As the popularity of podcasts and other audio mediums continues to grow, marketers are only planning to increase investments, recognizing the impact of spoken word. This is your sign to develop strategies that seamlessly integrate your brand with the right audience, create captivating audio narratives and capture attention in the ever-evolving digital soundscape.
7. Blogging Renaissance: Where Ideas Flourish and Online Communities Thrive
Contrary to whispers of its demise, blogging is experiencing a renaissance, a resurgence that’s especially impressive considering the world’s fixation with short-form video content. It’s all about balance.
In a recent HubSpot poll, researchers asked 325 people to share how often they read blogs and discovered that consumers read 1-4 blog posts a month. Blogs enhance search discoverability, benefitting websites in a big way, explaining why 92% of marketers are set to boost their investment in blogs in 2024.Â
In an era of creative self-expression, blogging remains a faithful medium where ideas flourish and knowledge is shared. At TJA, we understand the power of storytelling through blogs and the importance of using this platform to create content that not only informs but fosters connections within your online community. In fact, you can check out our blog right here!
8. Case Studies Triumph: Driving Leads Through Real-World Success Stories
Stories carry weight, and case studies are the narratives that resonate loudest, driving leads and brand credibility. Rather than just selling a product, case studies establish transparency and trust, allowing you to share first-hand proof points for how you’ve turned challenges into triumphs. It’s not just about what we say; it’s about the stories that speak volumes about the impact we’ve made.Â
For us, every success story is a testament to strategic excellence. In our portfolio, we go beyond the surface, diving into real-world examples that showcase our ability to overcome challenges and drive tangible results for our clients.
9. Visual Storytelling: Leveraging Infographics as Shortcuts to Engagement
The world is saturated with information, leaving people to turn to visuals for relief. Infographics are where data meet design to create a visual language that speaks louder than words. They cut through the noise, have the shareability and visual appeal of a nice photo and distill complex information into visually compelling narratives. It’s the shortcut to engagement and understanding in a landscape where attention is as fleeting as the last meme.Â
Here at TJA, visual storytelling is our forte. Our team of passionate designers works tirelessly to bring a brand’s vision to life. Our designs don’t just visually please, they tell compelling stories that stick.
10. Navigating the Social Galaxy: Impactful Presence in a Diverse Landscape
In the social media whirlwind, remember to focus on your guiding star. HubSpot studies show that on average, marketers leverage four social media platforms, with Facebook (57%), Instagram (55%), YouTube (52%), X (39%) and TikTok (42%) being the most used.Â
New outlets are emerging daily, so concentrating efforts on three to five platforms is key to expanding your reach while maintaining a realistic list without stretching bandwidth. It’s not about omnipresence; it’s about impactful presence and making a splash where it counts. Choose wisely, be where your audience is and let your impact reverberate through the social chatter.
Our expert social team guides brands through the social galaxy and its vast expanse of opportunities. Our strategic approach ensures that your presence is not just everywhere but making an impact where it matters—creating a resonance that echoes through the social cosmos.
11. The Visual/SEO Dance: Where Looks Matter and Being Seen Is EssentialÂ
SEO is an intricate dance where visuals take center stage. Video and image SEO aren’t just about looking good but being seen and heard. In a competitive digital landscape, visuals lead the dance, ensuring content isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also optimized for search rankings.Â
We’re in an era where video and imagery speak volumes, so don’t let SEO be an afterthought. Instead, leverage your online presence by giving your visual content the spotlight it deserves, ensuring it’s not just a looker but optimized to completely stop traffic (and lead it in your direction).
12. Historical Optimization: Breathing New Life Into Old Pages
Every page holds a story, and historical optimization is the master key to retelling it. Rather than letting old pages fade into obscurity, consider them untapped reservoirs of potential traffic. Revive projects from the past and re-optimize them for the present, or repurpose them into new, popular mediums such as short-form videos, podcasts or blogs. It’s not all about the latest releases but about ensuring your archives remain as vibrant and relevant as your freshest content. Â
13. Emphasizing Experience: Taking CX to New Heights
In 2024, the customer experience claims the spotlight, with execs dedicating more resources than ever to enriching the end-to-end customer journey. Emphasizing this is crucial for both business success and reputation. Satisfied customers are inclined to stay loyal, make repeat purchases and recommend your brand—happy customers share positive experiences, and positive experiences attract happy customers. Prioritizing the customer journey provides a distinct advantage in today’s competitive landscape, signifying a commitment to comprehending and fulfilling consumer needs.
At TJA, prioritizing the customer journey is a core philosophy. We believe in crafting experiences that captivate all while cultivating loyalty, satisfaction and advocacy. Our goal is to make sure your brand becomes synonymous with positive consumer interactions.Â
14. Chatflow Evolution: Streamlining Conversational Marketing With Chatbots
Chatbots lead the revolution in digital engagement, creating seamless, personalized interactions They serve as conductors of the chatflow symphony, streamlining conversational marketing. In a Tidio report, 53% of people find waiting for replies frustrating, and 62% prefer chatbots over waiting 15 minutes for a response. As brands aim for real-time audience connection, chatbots orchestrate dynamic round-the-clock engagement.Â
15. Link-Building Bridges: Growing Authority in the SEO Landscape
Authority is currency, and link-building is the cornerstone of growing brand authority and climbing search rankings. When sites with good rankings link to yours, Google’s crawlers note credibility and authority. Despite being time-consuming, of SEO marketers using link-building and backlinking, 63% consider it their brand’s most effective SEO tactic.
Beyond just links, it’s about building a network that solidifies our position as an authoritative voice. In the complex world of SEO, this strategy can propel your brand to new heights, where every link becomes a bridge connecting you to a landscape where authority is established, not just earned.Â
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As we step further into 2024, marketing trends will continue to erupt. What happened in the last month is only a glimpse—we can anticipate the revival of 2023 trends, the emergence of new ones and the decline of many others. If you’re in search of a team of experts ready to navigate this dynamic landscape and turn trends into opportunities, contact us today!Â
