Digital Marketing is constantly coming up with new stuff, but 2024 has been an especially exciting year, and this holds true even as we enter the final quarter.
AI (artificial intelligence), the growing power of social media, and the strategic use of data will continue to bring new directions. As the world becomes increasingly digital, it’s not enough to simply follow trends—you have to leverage them.
HubSpot’s 2024 report reveals the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Let’s look at how these trends can help businesses grow, and what tools you should use if you want to stand out in the market.
1. The AI Revolution: Not Just Machines Doing the Work
AI is not just another buzzword; it’s a real breakthrough transforming the marketing landscape. 64% of marketers are already using it, and 38% plan to introduce it in 2024. AI now means more than just automated ads—image, text, and video generators help with creative work, making content creation faster and more efficient.
But how you use AI matters. To maintain credibility, it’s essential that AI-generated content feels natural and human. Many worry that machine-generated content can’t maintain the same personal connection with audiences.
That’s why proper moderation and fine-tuning are necessary—to ensure that content remains authentic.
How can you do this?
Marketing solutions like those offered by Rankingz help moderate AI-generated content and make it more human. Speed isn’t enough—authenticity and a unique voice are also critical. AI saves you real time, while human refinement ensures that your brand doesn’t become “robotic” and retains its unique style.
2. Social Media: A Goldmine for Marketers
Social media will continue to be the most profitable channel in 2024, where brands can reach their audiences directly. According to research, 43% of marketers primarily use social media to maximize ROI.
This isn’t surprising, as platforms have not only become places for product discovery but have also turned into real shopping channels. Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are all strengthening this trend, integrating payment systems and virtual storefronts.
These platforms are especially important for younger generations: 64% of Gen Z discovered a new product through social media in the past three months. Therefore, it’s essential for your brand not only to be present on these platforms but to actively engage in communication.
How can you get the most out of it?
The key to success is targeted advertising and regular interaction. Whether you turn to Rankingz or run your own campaigns, the point is to use social media not just as an advertising platform, but as a tool for building relationships. This allows you to achieve not just one-time purchases but long-term customer relationships.
3. Facebook and Instagram: The Old Kings on a New Throne
While TikTok continues to gain attention, Facebook and Instagram still dominate the marketing world. According to HubSpot, 57% of online marketers still use Facebook, and it provides significant ROI. Instagram, with its emphasis on visual and video content, has become a favorite among younger audiences.
While TikTok focuses on quick and entertaining content, Facebook and Instagram’s strength lies in building deeper connections with your audience. Ads on these platforms not only serve sales purposes but also offer brand-building opportunities.
What should you do?
Think about how you can use the two platforms for different purposes: Facebook may be perfect for longer content and community building, while Instagram focuses more on visuals and impulsive shopping. A well-optimized campaign on both platforms can help you reach different demographics.
4. Short Videos: The Reign of Videos
Short videos remain one of the most popular content formats and will continue to grow in 2024. It’s clear that 57% of marketers are increasing their spending on short videos. This is no surprise, as these videos can quickly grab attention and convey a powerful message in a short time.
With the rise of TikTok, video content dominates social media, but Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts are also showing similar growth. Short videos offer the opportunity to reach your target audience quickly and effectively.
How can you incorporate video strategy?
Video content doesn’t just appeal to younger audiences—if targeted correctly, it can be effective for any demographic. With the services offered by Rankingz, you can easily develop your video strategy, whether it’s for brand building, product demonstrations, or short advertisements.
5. Micro-Influencers: Credibility on a Smaller Scale
It’s widely known that influencers are key players in marketing, but more and more brands are turning to micro-influencers.
Why? Because influencers with smaller followings often have more engaged audiences and can mobilize them better. 50% of marketers are increasing their spending on influencers.
The advantage of micro-influencers is that they have a more personal relationship with their followers, making their recommendations more credible. A well-structured influencer campaign allows you to reach new audiences while building deeper engagement.
6. Data Privacy and Personalization: A World Without Cookies
In 2024, the phasing out of third-party cookies will bring significant changes to the marketing landscape. 76% feel that marketing will become more challenging without cookies, but many are already looking for alternative solutions.
A world without cookies means relying more on first-party data, such as direct customer relationships and your own data collection systems. This type of data allows for more accurate, personalized marketing, which will be especially important in the coming years.
How can you incorporate these trends into your strategy?
These trends not only remind us to keep up with technological advancements, but also that personal touch and authenticity have never been more important.
Services like those offered by Rankingz give both marketers and agencies an extra hand. Whether it’s SEO, PPC, or content creation, a well-optimized strategy helps you stand out from the crowd and grow in the market.