The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and as marketers, it’s our responsibility to stay ahead of the game. With the rise of new technologies and shifting consumer behaviors, it’s crucial for businesses to adapt their digital marketing strategies accordingly. But with so much information out there, where do we begin?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into 15 facts that are predicted to shape the year 2024 and share insights on how you can utilize them in your digital marketing strategy. From innovative technologies like AR and VR to changing demographics and consumer expectations, these facts will give you a glimpse into the digital future and help prepare your business for success. So buckle up, because by the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with valuable knowledge that has the power to transform your digital marketing approach in 2024 and beyond.
Fact #1: Gen Z will be the largest consumer demographic
According to a report by Denver Digital Marketing Agency, by 2024, Gen Z (those born between 1997-2012) will make up 40% of all consumers. This means that businesses must shift their focus and tailor their marketing strategies towards this generation’s preferences and behaviors. With a short attention span and a strong desire for authenticity, Gen Z responds well to visual content like videos and images, as well as user-generated content (UGC). So make sure to incorporate these elements into your digital marketing campaigns.
Fact #2: Voice search will continue to rise
With the increasing use of voice assistants like Alexa and Google Home, Digital Marketing Agency Denver estimated that by 2024, 50% of all searches will be done through voice. This means that optimizing your website for voice search is crucial to staying relevant and visible in the digital world. To do so, focus on long-tail keywords and conversational language in your content.
Fact #3: Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will become mainstream
With the global AR and VR market projected to reach $209.2 billion by 2024, these technologies will no longer be seen as niche or just for gaming. Businesses must start exploring ways to incorporate AR and VR into their digital marketing strategies to enhance the customer experience. This could include offering virtual try-on options, creating interactive ads, or utilizing AR filters on social media platforms.
The possibilities are endless.
Fact #4: Personalization will be key
In the age of information overload, consumers want content that is relevant and personalized to them. By 2024, it’s predicted that personalization in marketing will increase by 30%. This means businesses must invest in data-driven strategies to understand their target audience and deliver tailored content to them. Utilize customer data, segmentation, and automation tools to deliver personalized experiences across all digital channels.
Fact #5: User-generated content will gain even more trust
Consumers are becoming increasingly skeptical of traditional advertisements and instead turn to UGC for recommendations. In fact, 92% of consumers trust UGC over traditional advertising. By 2024, this trend is only expected to grow as more and more consumers turn to their peers for information. So make sure to incorporate UGC into your marketing strategy, whether it’s through customer reviews, testimonials, or influencer partnerships.
Fact #6: Social media will continue to dominate
Social media is not going anywhere anytime soon. By 2024, it’s estimated that there will be 3.1 billion social media users worldwide, making it a crucial platform for businesses to connect with their target audience. With the rise of new platforms like TikTok and continued growth on established ones like Instagram, businesses must stay up-to-date with these trends and tailor their content accordingly.
Fact #7: Video will be king
Video has been steadily growing in popularity over the years and is not slowing down anytime soon. By 2024, it’s predicted that video will make up 82% of all internet traffic. This means businesses must invest in creating engaging and high-quality video content to stay competitive. Whether it’s through tutorials, product showcases, or behind-the-scenes footage, find creative ways to incorporate video into your digital marketing strategy.
Fact #8: Mobile will remain the primary device for internet access
It’s no secret that mobile devices have taken over as the primary way people access the internet. By 2024, it’s estimated that 81% of global internet users will be accessing it through their mobile devices. This means businesses must optimize their websites and digital content for mobile viewing to ensure a seamless user experience.
Fact #9: Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a bigger role
AI has already made waves in the digital marketing world, from chatbots to personalized recommendations. By 2024, it’s expected that AI will be even more integrated into businesses’ marketing strategies. Utilize AI-powered tools for tasks like data analysis and customer segmentation to improve efficiency and deliver personalized experiences to your audience.
Fact #10: The rise of micro-influencers
Influencer marketing has been a popular trend for some time now, but by 2024, the focus will shift towards micro-influencers. These are influencers with smaller followings (typically between 1,000-100,000) who have highly engaged audiences and can offer a more authentic connection with their followers. Look for partnerships with micro-influencers in your industry to reach a highly targeted and engaged audience.
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious about the impact businesses have on society and the environment. By 2024, Social Media Marketing Agency California predicted that 75% of millennials and Gen Z will be willing to pay more for products from companies that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility. Businesses must incorporate these values into their marketing strategies, whether it’s through cause-related campaigns or showcasing their eco-friendly practices.
Fact #12: The continued rise of e-commerce
E-commerce has been steadily growing over the years, but it saw a significant increase in 2020 due to the pandemic. By 2024, it’s estimated that global e-commerce sales will reach $6.3 trillion. This means businesses must have a strong online presence and invest in e-commerce strategies to stay competitive in the digital market.
Fact #13: The need for an omnichannel approach
With consumers using multiple devices and platforms to interact with brands, an omnichannel approach is crucial for businesses to deliver a seamless and consistent customer experience. By 2024, it’s expected that companies with well-defined omnichannel customer engagement strategies will retain 89% of their customers on average, compared to just 33% retention for those without one.
Fact #14: The rise of voice search
Voice search has been steadily growing in popularity, and by 2024, it’s expected that 30% of all online searches will be done through voice. This means businesses must optimize their content for voice search to ensure they are visible in these results. This can include using long-tail keywords and natural language in website content.
Fact #15: The importance of data privacy
With the rise of data breaches and privacy concerns, consumers are becoming more aware of how their data is being used by businesses. By 2024, it’s predicted that 80% of consumers will be willing to share personal data if there is transparency in how it will be used. Businesses must prioritize data security and be transparent with their customers about how their data is collected and used.