3 Marketing Trends that Dominated 2024

Published January 5, 2025

We can not believe 2024 is almost over. This had to have been the fastest year to date. Just like every year, we are going to do a bit of a reflection on the marketing trends that have defined this year. From AI-driven innovations to more personalized customer experiences, the marketing landscape has evolved rapidly, forcing businesses to adapt to stay competitive. Remember, it is never too late to give these trends a try.

AI-Driven Marketing Becomes Mainstream

Artificial intelligence (AI) continued its rapid integration into marketing in 2024, but this year marked the point where it became a non-negotiable tool for success. AI-powered platforms now handle everything from content creation to customer service, enabling businesses to streamline operations and reduce costs while improving customer engagement.

One standout feature of AI in 2024 was hyper-personalization, where businesses use AI to analyze customer behavior and preferences in real-time, crafting highly targeted and relevant content. AI helped marketers deliver the right message to the right person at the right time, increasing conversions and customer loyalty. Chatbots and AI-generated copy also became more sophisticated, handling more complex customer queries and creating content with minimal human intervention.

The Rollercoaster Ride of Short and Long-Form Video Content

Video marketing has been on the rise for years, but in 2024, short and long-form video content took center stage. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts saw explosive growth, with users craving bite-sized and longer, engaging content. Brands that embraced both short and long-form videos saw higher engagement rates, as short-form videos (think 30 seconds-90 seconds) offer an excellent way to tell stories, share behind-the-scenes moments, and introduce new products without overwhelming audiences.

While short-form content remains popular, platforms like YouTube and TikTok have expanded to support longer videos to address challenges in monetization and advertising. For instance, TikTok increased its video length to 15 minutes, allowing creators to produce more detailed and engaging content. This shift also boosts revenue opportunities, as longer videos can incorporate more ads than short-form clips.

YouTube remains a major hub for long-form content, particularly in educational, entertainment, and in-depth storytelling formats. Podcasts, tutorials, vlogs, and documentaries are common forms of long-form videos on YouTube.

One key to success in this space has been authenticity. Rather than highly polished, commercial-style videos, consumers have gravitated toward real, raw, and relatable content. Brands that adopted this approach built stronger connections with their audiences, driving brand loyalty and trust.

Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Marketing

This trend can’t be discussed enough as it will likely trend for years to come. As consumers become more socially and environmentally conscious, brands are increasingly held accountable for their sustainability practices and social values. In 2024, purpose-driven marketing was a game-changer for many businesses. Some now no longer look at this “trend” as an optional strategy but a necessity. Companies that failed to demonstrate genuine commitments to sustainability, diversity, and ethical practices saw diminishing customer loyalty.

Brands that embraced transparency and took active steps to reduce their environmental impact stood out. Whether through eco-friendly packaging, carbon footprint reduction, or supporting social causes, purpose-driven marketing helped brands strengthen relationships with consumers who are more likely to support businesses aligned with their personal values.

The Bottom Line

2024 was a year of rapid change and adaptation in the marketing world. As we look ahead to 2025, one thing is clear: the marketing landscape will continue to evolve, and businesses must stay agile to keep pace with the trends that will shape the future.

A Look Ahead – How to Prepare Your Marketing Strategy for 2025

Published December 6, 2024

A new year is approaching fast! Marketing teams are gearing up for another year of innovation and adaptation. The rapid shifts in consumer behavior, technology, and data privacy regulations mean businesses must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. To help you craft a winning marketing strategy for the new year, we’ve outlined key insights on emerging trends that will shape the industry in 2025. From leveraging AI to enhancing customer-centric approaches, here’s how to prepare your marketing efforts for the year ahead.

Embrace AI and Automation More Deeply

Artificial intelligence (AI) has already transformed many aspects of marketing, but 2025 will be the year AI truly becomes integral to marketing strategies. Trust us – AI is not going away, it is only going to grow. AI-powered tools can streamline everything from data analysis to content creation, making marketing teams more efficient and effective. The key is to use AI to complement human creativity rather than replace it.

AI-driven personalization will be one of the top trends in 2025. Consumers now expect hyper-targeted content and offers based on their preferences, behaviors, and past interactions. AI can help analyze this data and automate personalized messaging at scale, delivering the right content at the right time to boost engagement and conversions. Sure it can be creepy, but it can also be quite advantageous when you save 20% on something you have left in your cart for a couple of hours. Marketers should invest in AI tools that enhance personalization, automate routine tasks, and provide valuable insights into customer behaviors because it is all valuable yet insightful information.

We all know how annoying chatbots and AI-powered customer service is, but it works and will continue to rise in importance, handling increasingly complex queries with minimal human intervention. By using AI to improve customer experience and streamline workflows, you can free up your team to focus on more strategic initiatives.

Prioritize Data Privacy and Ethical Marketing

Data privacy concerns will be more significant than ever in 2025, as consumers become increasingly aware of how their personal information is being used. We aren’t even to the end of 2024 yet and there have been billions of data breaches. With stricter regulations such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) already in place, and new privacy laws likely on the horizon, businesses must prioritize data security and ethical marketing practices.

Your 2025 marketing strategy should focus on building trust through transparency. Make it clear to consumers how their data is being collected and used, and ensure that you are complying with all relevant data privacy regulations. Offering users control over their data, such as clear opt-in/opt-out options, is essential for building long-term trust.

In addition, zero-party data (data that customers voluntarily share with a brand) will become increasingly valuable. Encourage customers to share their preferences and interests directly with your business through surveys, preference centers, and interactive content. This will not only enhance personalization but also align with privacy regulations that prioritize user consent.

Refocus on Customer-Centric Strategies

In 2025, businesses will need to double down on customer-centric approaches. Consumers now expect brands to understand their needs and offer relevant, timely, and personalized experiences. This means moving beyond traditional marketing tactics and putting the customer at the center of every strategy.

To prepare your marketing for 2025, start by improving your customer journey mapping. Similar to your sales funnel, take a closer look at how your customers interact with your brand across different touchpoints—from social media to email to in-store visits. Understanding the entire customer journey will allow you to create more cohesive, omnichannel experiences that feel seamless from start to finish.

Customer-centric marketing also involves listening to your audience. Use social listening tools, customer feedback, and analytics to gain insights into what your customers want and need. By staying in tune with their preferences and challenges, you can deliver solutions and content that resonate, creating stronger brand loyalty.

Invest in Omnichannel and Interactive Experiences

It is likely that you are already experiencing omnichannel and interactive experiences in business but don’t even realize it. 

When you shop from store to internet, back to store again, that is an example of an omnichannel experience. The lines between online and offline marketing will continue to blur in 2025, with consumers expecting seamless experiences across all channels. Your marketing strategy should focus on integrating every platform and interaction point, ensuring customers can move effortlessly between social media, email, websites, and physical locations.

Interactive experience examples include quizzes, polls, virtual try-ons, and seeing something in your home in real-time. Experiences like these will play a key role in omnichannel marketing. Whether it’s through Instagram posts, YouTube videos, or interactive ads, providing customers with a direct path to purchase through engaging content can streamline the buying process.

Focus on Sustainability and Purpose-Driven Marketing

Just last month we discussed sustainability being a huge trend. In 2025, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) will be key drivers of customer loyalty. Consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values, such as those prioritizing environmental sustainability, diversity, and ethical business practices.

To stay competitive, your marketing strategy should highlight your brand’s commitment to purpose. This could include showcasing eco-friendly practices, charitable initiatives, or efforts to reduce your carbon footprint. Authenticity is critical—customers are quick to spot “greenwashing,” so ensure your brand’s sustainability efforts are genuine and backed by action.

Purpose-driven marketing is more than just a trend; it’s an expectation. Brands that clearly communicate their mission and align with their customers’ values will build deeper emotional connections and long-term loyalty.

The Bottom Line

As 2025 approaches, marketers must be ready to adapt to an ever-evolving landscape. By embracing AI, prioritizing data privacy, focusing on customer-centric approaches, investing in omnichannel experiences, and committing to sustainability (yea just those few things – lol!) you can build a marketing strategy that thrives in the new year. Stay agile, keep an eye on emerging trends, and always put the customer at the heart of your efforts to succeed in 2025.

The Countdown is On: Preparing for the Biggest Shopping Time of the Year

Published November 7, 2024

With Black Friday and the Christmas shopping season just around the corner, brands and consumers alike are gearing up for what promises to be the most competitive retail period of 2024. While holiday shopping always brings a rush, this year’s trends show that financial concerns and early shopping are key factors in shaping consumer behavior. As we approach the holidays, it’s crucial for businesses to understand these shifts to make the most of the shopping frenzy.

3 Shopping Trends We Are Seeing in 2024

As we look at the forecast for the 2024 holiday season, several emerging trends stand out. These trends are driven by both economic pressures and changes in consumer expectations, offering brands an opportunity to tailor their strategies.

  1. Budget-Conscious Shopping
  2. Early Shoppers Are On the Rise
  3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

1. Brands Must Be Mindful of Pricing and Consumer Financial Difficulties

While it’s tempting to push for high-margin products during the holidays, brands need to be conscious of the financial strains many consumers are facing. Shoppers are more aware than ever of their spending habits, particularly when their budgets are stretched. Offering a range of price points is key. Brands that can provide affordable options alongside premium ones are more likely to retain customers.

Discounts and promotions are expected, but they shouldn’t sacrifice perceived value. Instead, focus on highlighting how your products are worth the investment—whether it’s through quality, durability, or added benefits such as extended warranties or sustainable features.

Additionally, offering flexible payment options like buy-now-pay-later can make your products more accessible to consumers facing financial challenges. This gives shoppers the confidence to make purchases without feeling the immediate financial strain, increasing the likelihood of completing the sale.

2. Shopping Early: The Best Move for Everyone

Encouraging early shopping is beneficial for both brands and consumers. For consumers, shopping early means having access to the best deals and avoiding the holiday rush, while brands benefit from smoother inventory management and reduced pressure on fulfillment systems.

We’ve all heard the stories of shoppers waiting anxiously for UPS deliveries on Christmas Eve, hoping their gifts arrive on time. Shopping early helps avoid the headaches of shipping delays, out-of-stock items, or settling for something less than perfect because your original gift idea wasn’t available. Brands that promote early shopping through reminders, countdowns, or early access deals will position themselves as helpful partners in reducing holiday stress.

From a brand perspective, early shopping allows for better logistical planning. Businesses can spread out orders, reducing the risk of bottlenecks and shipping delays that often plague the holiday season. Promoting early bird deals or exclusive pre-holiday offers also creates excitement and drives early conversions, reducing the reliance on steep last-minute discounts.

3. Seamless Omnichannel Experiences

Consumers are expecting a smooth transition between online and in-store shopping. Brands that can blend digital and physical shopping experiences, offering flexible pickup and return options, will capture the attention of customers seeking convenience. Personalized recommendations based on browsing and purchase history will also play a significant role in increasing sales.

Additionally, integrating mobile technology into the shopping experience is becoming essential for brands aiming to enhance omnichannel experiences. Mobile apps that offer features like in-store navigation, real-time inventory checks, and mobile payment options bridge the gap between digital and physical interactions. By enabling customers to easily switch between browsing on their devices and shopping in-store, brands can offer a seamless, consistent experience that keeps shoppers engaged and satisfied.

The Bottom Line

The 2024 holiday shopping season is set to be unique, shaped by emerging consumer trends and ongoing economic pressures. Brands that recognize the importance of budget-conscious shopping, sustainability, and omnichannel experiences will stand out from the crowd. By encouraging early shopping, businesses can ensure a smoother, more enjoyable shopping season for everyone involved. The countdown is on—are you ready for the biggest shopping time of the year?

6 Black Friday Marketing Ideas to Get Noticed on Social Media

Published October 29, 2024

Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events of the year, making it a prime opportunity for brands to get noticed by their audience and drive sales. With social media’s highly visual and interactive platforms, you can create engaging campaigns that not only promote your Black Friday deals but also build long-term customer relationships. Here are 6 marketing ideas to maximize your Black Friday success on social media.

1. Countdown to Black Friday

Build anticipation for your Black Friday sale by posting countdowns. Instagram has countdown stickers in Stories that are fun to use. 

  1. Just open up your Instagram and go to where you would create a story. 
  2. Click on the arrow on the left side of your screen so you can click create. 
  3. From there, click on the sticky note smiley face at the top center of your screen and search Countdown. 
  4. Set a name and end date and time for your countdown! Followers can click on the countdown and be reminded of your event.

Facebook has Facebook Apps such as:

  1. Countdown Timer by Timer+ (Facebook App
  2. Countdown Clock by Countdown Timer (Facebook App)
  3. Event Countdown by Event Countdown (Facebook App)

To add a countdown clock to your Facebook post or event:

  1. Choose an option from above.
  2. Customize the countdown clock with your desired date, time, and design.
  3. Copy the link or embed code.
  4. Paste the link or embed code into your Facebook post or event.

Announce your deals early and encourage followers to set reminders so they don’t miss out. This is a great way to generate excitement and keep your audience engaged leading up to the big day.

2. Host a Black Friday Giveaway

Create excitement by hosting a giveaway leading up to or during Black Friday. Ask followers to like, comment, and tag friends to enter, or have them share your post in their Stories for additional entries. This is a great way to increase engagement, grow your audience, and generate buzz around your deals. Be sure to look up specifics for each platform’s rules on giveaways. There might be specific text you need to include with your giveaway.

 

3. Use Stories and Reels to Tease Your Deals

Stories and reels are an engaging and entertaining way to showcase your Black Friday deals. Create short, creative videos highlighting your top-selling products, best deals, or limited-time offers. The Reels format is perfect for attracting new customers through Instagram’s Explore page. Stories are awesome ways to remind your current audience of what is coming!

4. Collaborate with Influencers

If there is someone on social media who you feel could be a great partner for your brand, reach out to them to discuss collaborating. Partnering with influencers to help promote your Black Friday deals can bring in a whole new segment and audience that you never knew needed your products. Influencers can create authentic content that will help drive traffic to your brand and hopefully boost sales. Be sure to do your research though, making sure that the influencers you choose align with your brand and target audience.

5. Offer Free Shipping

No one loves paying for shipping. Even though everyone understands the cost of doing business online, free shipping can save someone an extra $5 that could be used for something else instead. Free shipping can be a huge motivator for online shoppers, especially during Black Friday. Promote your free shipping offer across your social media posts and stories. Free shipping could be the deciding factor between you and a competitor. Money saved is almost like money earned! Put that shipping cost back in the pocket of your customers.

6. Post Behind-the-Scenes Content

If there is something new coming out for the holidays, show the behind-the-scenes action of it in  your Black Friday preparations. Don’t have a new product? People love to see what it takes to find what they are ordering, packing it up and prepping it to get to them. It adds a personal touch and opens a new way for your audience to be a part of your company.

The Bottom Line

By incorporating these ideas into your Black Friday campaign, you can create a highly engaging experience for your followers while hopefully boosting sales and growing your brand’s online presence. Ready to implement these tactics? Start planning your Black Friday strategy today and watch your engagement soar! 

Mixing Politics and Business: The Pros, Cons, and Facebook Advertising Rules for This Election Year

Published October 3, 2024

Business owners often face a tough decision on whether to mix politics with their brand. The impact can be significant, both positively and negatively.

Pros

  • Engaging Customers: Aligning with certain values can deepen customer loyalty.
  • Brand Differentiation: Taking a stand can distinguish your business in a crowded market.

Cons

  • Alienation Risk: You risk losing customers with opposing views.
  • Reputation Damage: Political stances may overshadow your product or service.

 

Election Year Rules

Platforms like Facebook enforce strict advertising regulations during election years. For instance, there’s a restriction period for political ads, requiring businesses to comply with transparency rules and limits on ad targeting. Ensure your ads follow these policies to avoid disruptions. For more details, check Facebook’s Election Ad Guidance.

What Can You Post

Here are some “Switzerland” election posts that businesses can use to encourage voting without taking a political stance:

  1. “Your Voice Matters”:
    “Voting is a privilege and an important way to have your voice heard. No matter where you stand, make sure to cast your vote this election!”
  2. “Celebrate Democracy”:
    “Voting is the heart of democracy. Let’s come together and celebrate this important right. Don’t forget to vote!”
  3. “Your Civic Duty”:
    “Voting is not just a right, it’s a responsibility. Exercise your civic duty and make sure your vote counts this election.”
  4. “Freedom to Vote”:
    “The freedom to vote is one of our nation’s most valuable rights. Take part in this democratic process and make your voice count.”

You may have to police posts should there be a comment about either side, but overall, general reminders to vote can be a nice way to connect to your community and clients.

The Bottom Line

Unless your business truly depends on the outcome of an election, it would probably behoove your brand to stay neutral in all social media posts. Remember that even if a social media post gets deleted, it still lives on forever, somewhere on the Internet.