Leveraging Social Media Trends: A Guide to Growing Your Brand in 2024

By: Toni Carter

Staying relevant on social media can feel like a full-time job, especially with trends that change faster than you can say, “TikTok made me buy it.” But don’t worry—we’re here to help you ride the wave of 2024’s hottest social media trends. Whether you’re building your brand from scratch or looking to revamp your online presence, tapping into these marketing trends will help you stay competitive and keep your audience engaged. 

Let’s dive in!

1. Short-form Video Content is STILL King

Short, snappy videos aren’t going anywhere, and they’re more powerful than ever. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have taken over the social scene, and they’re your ticket to viral success in 2024. 

• Why it works: People love bite-sized, quick, and easy-to-digest content. 
• What you can do: Create short, engaging videos that showcase your products, services, or even behind-the-scenes moments. Think tutorials, unboxings, or fun “day in the life” clips. 
• Pro tip: Keep it authentic. Millennials and Gen Z can spot an overly polished ad a mile away. Show the real side of your brand, and don’t be afraid to hop on trending challenges or sounds! 

2. Influencer Marketing = Trust and Engagement

Influencers aren’t just for mega brands anymore. In fact, micro- and nano-influencers (those with smaller but super-engaged followings) are your secret weapon for building trust and boosting sales. 

• Why it works: Consumers trust influencers more than traditional ads because they feel like recommendations from a friend. 
• What you can do: Collaborate with influencers in your niche who align with your brand values. Send them products to try out, host giveaways, or have them create content that promotes your offerings. 
• Pro tip: Micro-influencers (10k-50k followers) often have a highly engaged audience and are more affordable for small businesses. 

3. AI Tools Are Your New Best Friend

AI isn’t just the future—it’s already here and can help you streamline your social media game. From automating content creation to analyzing trends, AI tools will save you time and make your campaigns more effective. 

• Why it works: AI can help you create personalized content, predict trends, and optimize your posts for maximum engagement. 
• What you can do: Use tools like ChatGPT to write captions, AI-powered design tools like Canva to create graphics or even social media schedulers like Buffer to automate your posts.
• Pro tip: AI can also help with customer service through chatbots that respond to FAQs, keeping your audience engaged 24/7. 

4. User-Generated Content (UGC) is the New Word-of-Mouth

Want to get your customers talking? Encourage them to create content for you! User-generated content is a goldmine for building trust and showcasing real people using your product or service. 

• Why it works: UGC is authentic and relatable, making it more likely to resonate with potential customers.
• What you can do: Create a branded hashtag and encourage your followers to share their experiences using your products. Feature their posts on your page to build a sense of community and loyalty. 
• Pro tip: Host a UGC contest with a prize to boost participation and generate tons of free content! 

5. Social Commerce: The Future of Shopping

Social media is no longer just a place to share memes and vacation pics—it’s also where people shop! Social commerce, or buying directly through social media platforms, is set to explode in 2024. 

• Why it works: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok now offer shopping features that make it easy for users to buy without ever leaving the app. 
• What you can do: Set up shop on Instagram and TikTok, use shoppable posts, and integrate “Shop Now” buttons into your content.
• Pro tip: Pair your social commerce strategy with influencers or UGC to make the shopping experience more seamless and authentic. 

Get Expert Help from SBDC’s Marketing Specialists

Feeling inspired but not sure where to start? The University of Houston Small Business Development Center is here to help!

And if you need some expert guidance, our SBDC marketing business specialists are your go-to resource for navigating these trends and optimizing your strategy. They specialize in helping small business owners like you navigate the constantly evolving social media landscape. 

Whether you need help with influencer partnerships, AI tools, or crafting a killer video strategy, we can help give your business the competitive edge it needs in 2024.

• Workshops & Webinars: Attend SBDC’s sessions on the latest marketing trends and social media strategies. 
• One-on-One Consulting: Get personalized advice from our marketing specialists to refine your social media approach, optimize your content, and maximize your brand’s impact. 
• Marketing Resources: The SBDC provides templates, guides, blogs, and other marketing resources to help you execute your social media strategy effectively. 

Ready to Grow Your Brand in 2024?

Leveraging social media trends in 2024 means staying ahead of the game with short-form videos, influencer marketing, AI tools, user-generated content, and social commerce. The good news? You don’t need to jump on every trend at once—pick a few that resonate with your brand and get creative. 

With our SBDC team on your side, your business will be ready to conquer the ever-evolving world of social media. So, which trend will you tackle first?