Marketing Trends for 2024
By Raven Ambers
The New Year is here, and so is a chance for your business to get a fresh start on setting new goals. A fresh and refined marketing plan can help your business grow, retain customers, gain new clients, and improve your market reach. Unlock the tools to help your business succeed this year with six marketing trends for 2024.
1. Influencer Marking
Because of their massive reach and earned trust with followers, using influencers to promote your brand is an excellent way to increase exposure without you having to do much of the work. Consider investing in influencer marketing and seeking out influencers whose platforms align with your business and brand. Consider your budget, outline your expectations and goals, and do your research to make sure the influencer can deliver increased market reach.
2. Emphasize Social Responsibility
Customers are increasingly becoming more selective with how they spend their dollars based on companies’ ethical practices and social impact. Set your business apart by emphasizing your business’ commitment to areas such as diversity, employee ownership, sustainability or equality. Establishing your company values can help attract new customers and give your business a competitive edge in the marketplace.
3. Improve the User Experience (UX)
A majority of online shoppers say they’re likely not to return to a website if the user experience is poor. This can result in major losses in customers and sales, so it’s important to ensure you’re giving shoppers the best experience when they visit your website. Make sure your website is easy to navigate by including calls to action or CTAs. Optimize your website for mobile use since many people browse from their smartphones. Add chatbots that provide answers to commonly asked questions. Consider hiring a web/UX designer to help you modify your website to drive more sales and keep customers coming back
4. Take Advantage of Interactive Content
Stand out with your audience by utilizing interactive content. This can include offering quizzes, surveys, polls, interactive webinars, and games. This type of marketing can lead to increased engagement and returning customers, all while also helping you understand them better. According to Content Marketing Institute, 87 percent of users agree interactive content hooks readers more effectively than static content.
5. Implement Storytelling
What is your brand’s story? Creating a narrative for your brand is a useful way to connect with customers and help them visualize how your products and services are useful. Consider starting a blog, podcast and using customer testimonials to help you communicate your brand’s story, values and mission.
6. Utilize Visual Content
Using video is one of the easiest ways to draw attention to your business. The more creative your content is, the more likely consumers are to buy your products and services. Making visual content doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. You can start by creating reels on Instagram or sharing customer posts on social media that highlight your products and services.
We hope these marketing tips are useful to you and your business as your reach for higher goals this year. Remember, The UH Small Business Development Center is here to help! We provide small business assistance to 32 counties throughout Southeast Texas with 14 locations.
If you're in need of small business assistance, the SBDC advising staff can assist you in various stages of the business life cycle.