Digital marketing has gotten better and more complex than ever shaping social media and interactivity with users. Brands and marketers have various channels and platforms, as well as analytics to reach out to their target audience.
The key is to harness different digital marketing channels to boost lead generation, nurture, and purchase. However, this is not free of challenges. Marketers have to manage and get the numbers with continuous focus to maximize conversion and face competition. And it’s gotten fiercer than ever with new tools and features, and algorithm updates.
Here are some social media marketing trends to look for in 2024:
AI
Generative AI made some noise in 2022 and took marketing to a whole new level in 2023. Organizations and brands are doubling their investment and use of AI across various activities. But this buzz hasn’t gone down well with the audience. They haven’t accepted or embraced AI wholeheartedly as businesses have. A report states that the idea of a machine stringing words or merging and mashing images together makes some people uneasy. This puts social media marketers and the audience on opposite sides of the table! It makes the audience nervous but the brands excited. The audience wants authenticity, so it seems there will be less hype on AI, or generative AI in 2024.
Strategy
Approach matters. And so does execution. It integrates digital marketing activities and investments. But companies run shy. A report reveals that about 47 percent of businesses don’t have a digital marketing strategy, but they are doing digital marketing. Strange, isn’t it? Experts recommend an integrated approach. It’s useful to have a dedicated digital strategy in larger organizations. Businesses require own plan covering aims, strategy, and how to deliver them using investment in communications, people, and marketing technology.
Algorithms
Algorithm is the key ingredient for marketing, performance campaigns, and branding. It allows for predictive calculations based on variables we want to have. In digital marketing, algorithms help manage customers so that the right content can reach them in the best way. Social media algorithms do this and more through user engagement, personalization, and relevance over popularity. Marketers or companies have to adapt their content marketing strategies. Focusing on high-quality, engaging content that leads to meaningful user interactions is becoming important.
User-Generated Content
A marketing expert says user-generated content (UGC), like social media posts and reviews, is important in strengthening brand credibility and engagement. It reflects relatability and authenticity, building stronger trust between a company and its consumers. Through reviews and social media posts, consumers share their stories about the product or service, successes and failures. It connects, engages, and is personal in a digitally connected world. This also creates and brings about brand awareness.
Highly-Personalized Ad Content
This has emerged as a powerful marketing technique to engage consumers at an individual level. Incorporating personalization into the marketing strategy is important if a brand or business wants to increase customer engagement and conversions. Highly personalized ad content makes consumers feel that the brand message was made just for them. If it hits home, consumers are likely to revisit it. They will show loyalty to brands that make them feel special. Moreover, through personalized ad content, brands can better connect with consumers, boost revenue, and create a stronger brand reputation.
Brands should pay attention to their consumers, and position their business by answering what their target audience wants and needs, and their story of course!
Also Read: Three Pillars of Nonprofit Marketing
