The marketing landscape is ever-evolving. From market trends to technological advancements, marketers must adapt to the changing landscape by adopting new techniques and strategies to attract consumers. Like every year, 2024 will require more dedication to research and tech than ever before. AI launched onto the scene and made significant headway in 2023, and virtual reality also made giant leaps in practicality. To ensure your business is ready for the new year, look at the expected marketing trends in 2024.
1. AI Marketing Automation
AI marketing automation uses artificial intelligence to automate decisions based on existing data. While you cannot trust AI unquestioningly, the technology helps sort through data quickly because it can identify patterns and predict consumer behavior in real-time.
AI is also useful for automating repetitive tasks, such as subscriber list curation or emailing customers about abandoned shopping carts. AI tools are also getting better at offering automated customer service and support.
2. Hyper-Personalization
One of the leading and most promising marketing trends is hyper-personalization, which uses real-time data and AI to create targeted and custom customer experiences. The technique allows brands to treat customers as individuals, catering to their tastes and preferences.
3. Influencer and Video Marketing
Influencer and video marketing is a combination of two successful marketing strategies. The technique uses an influencer — a social media user with a significant and engaged following — to promote a brand's products through a promotional video or endorsement.
The strategy is most effective when influencers promote the product or service as a personal recommendation rather than a traditional advertisement. The connection between the brand and the influencer can create credibility for the brand within the influencer's audience.
4. Virtual Reality (VR)
Virtual reality or VR marketing is relatively new in digital marketing trends. The primary benefit of the technique is that it is new and provides a unique experience for consumers. Brands can create immersive experiences that allow customers to interact with their products or services in a virtual environment. The technique lets a brand showcase its research and development processes to interested consumers.
VR content can include everything from virtual tours to interactive experiences with 3d models. The technology presents opportunities for immersive narratives and other digital experiences.
5. User Generated Content
User-generated or UGC marketing uses customer-created content to market or promote products or services. The most common form of this marketing strategy is reviews or testimonials. The most significant benefit of UCG marketing is that it is free to businesses and easy to come by.
If a company wants to secure reviews or testimonials, they just have to ask. Many people are willing to write a brief review of a product or service they love when asked, especially when businesses make it easy. You can make it easy by providing a form or offering links to the sites on which you want the reviews to appear.
6. Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Marketing
Among all the current trends in marketing, sustainability and purpose-driven marketing are likely the most popular. Rising environmental threats and social conflicts push popular culture to embrace products, practices, and brand values that focus on environmental and social responsibility. The practice is known more broadly as ethical marketing.
This marketing strategy is about brand transparency. Consumers want to know how the business uses sustainable practices and how it uses its profits to better the world. Consumers understand for-profit entities are not non-profits but still expect brands to do their part.
The marketing environment is constantly changing. To maintain consumer interest, businesses need to focus on how customers interact with various media and how they communicate. Talk to a business consultant or marketing professional to learn more.