Ready to get the need-to-know info on content marketing trends in 2024?
We know you are, because Brandwatch's annual digital marketing report for 2024 shows that conversations about content creation has increased by 91% in the last year!
We've read through the 'state of the industry' reports from the big names in the business like Hubspot, Hootsuite and Brandwatch to give you an overview of the running themes and top trends your business marketing should tap into for 2024.
These insights are your map to navigating content marketing for your brand in the year ahead!
2024 marketing trends for businesses include:
Keep reading to find out more about each one!
Gone are the days of glossy, picture-perfect brand images. Now it’s all about keeping it real! In 2024, the spotlight is on brands that aren’t afraid to show their true colours and share stories that resonate on a personal level.
Consumers today are looking for genuine connections. Research shows that 86% of consumers consider a business' authenticity before purchasing or engaging with them. Brands that share their true stories – ups and downs and everything in between – are winning hearts, minds, and loyalty across social media.
The studies showed that 56% of consumers think businesses should be more relatable on social media. So, how do you show your brand’s authenticity? It’s all about content that echoes the everyday experiences of your audience. Whether it’s a funny take on daily struggles or acknowledging common challenges, relatable content goes a long, long way to building a relationship with potential customers.
Another trend that’s been catching on is showing the human side of businesses – the faces and stories behind the products and services. This not only humanises your brand but also fosters a deeper connection with your audience.
In 2024, it’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being where it truly counts! There’s no point in joining any and every social media platform for your business. Instead, focus your energy on spaces where your brand can truly shine and succeed.
Brandwatch’s annual digital trends report highlights a strategic shift in the new year. Brands are now focusing more and more on the platforms that offer the best return on investment (ROI). Hootsuite also reported that their studies showed 68% of marketers were concerned about the ROI of their efforts. It’s quality over quantity in the digital space!
Dive deep into analytics to understand which platforms are your best performers. Are you getting more engagement on Instagram? Is LinkedIn driving your B2B interactions? It’s all about playing to your strengths and focusing your energy where it matters most.
This targeted approach influences how and what content is created. You know what that means? Tailored content that resonates with your audience on each platform, instead of posting the same thing to every account. This will maximise your impact and your conversion rates.
Get ready for a show! In 2024, brands that can entertain are the ones that will stand out in the crowded digital landscape. In your quest for clicks and conversions, don’t underestimate the power of a good laugh or a captivating story.
According to Brandwatch’s 2024 report, captivating your audience isn’t just about informing them; it’s about entertaining them. Brands that can master the art of entertainment will see a HUGE boost in visibility and engagement.
Focus on crafting content that viewers can’t resist sharing. Lighten up your content with a touch of humour. Funny memes, witty one-liners, or amusing takes on everyday situations can make your brand more relatable – and shareable.
Everyone loves a good story, especially when it’s told creatively and engagingly. Stay on the pulse of current trends, viral memes, and popular references. A clever nod to pop culture with your brand’s personality and experience can make your content viral-worthy.
2024’s content marketing is all about balance between self-promotion and delivering genuine value to your audience. In fact, consumers say self-promotion needs to go. One study showed that the biggest complaint from audiences was that businesses were too focused on self-promotion (coming in at 34% of those surveyed), closely followed by 32% who said their biggest complaint was that content quality was poor.
Don’t just tell your audience about your products. Show them how your brand fits into their lives. Educational tutorials, fun facts, and engaging stories about your brand and its impact can be way more effective than direct advertising!
Use your analytical tools – and direct community engagement – to understand what your audience craves. Are they looking for expert advice, industry insights, or light and easy entertainment? You can also build your content around your community’s contributions, feedback, and stories.
While mixing promotional and audience-centric content, be sure to maintain a consistent brand voice and message. This will go a long way in building a trusted, recognisable brand identity AND a strong relationship with your audience.
Call it a sign of the times, but we can’t even begin to talk about 2024 content marketing trends without addressing AI. Of course, creativity and authenticity are key to success and a killer brand following… but can this new technology play a part without taking over completely?
According to the annual scoial media report from Hootsuite, AI is transforming how brands are creating content. AI tools are being used to craft initial drafts, suggest content ideas, and even optimise for SEO. In saying that, we’re still years and years away from perfect AI-generated content. You still need that human touch of creativity to lead content creation!
AI’s superpower lies in its ability to analyse massive amounts of data – including data from social media platforms. This means efficient help for predicting trends, understanding what your audience loves, and even determining the perfect time to post. In fact, Brandwatch notes that AI-driven analytics are borderline indispensable for strategic social media planning.
These AI-driven helpers are changing the customer interaction game. They provide instant responses to customer queries on websites and social media accounts. As your brand scales up, this can improve engagement and customer satisfaction. Of course, nothing beats human-to-human interaction, so we recommend a mix of both.
Coming into 2024, key trends like AI integration, authentic content, ROI-focused platforms, entertaining engagement, and clear messaging dominate the digital space.
Sure, smaller trends, like the latest video craze on TikTok, will certainly come and go this year (and we’ll keep you informed of all the best ones ????), but the ones we’ve discussed today will make the biggest difference to your overall marketing strategies.
Ready to make waves in 2024 with your content marketing? Dive in with the Sunshine Coast's best marketing content creators.
We make sure that your business not only keeps up but stands out. With our finger on the pulse of the digital world and creativity at the helm, we’re here to elevate your content in 2024 and beyond.
Whether you need a social media strategy, a brand overhaul or just someone to help make your next marketing video - our team of expert content creators is here to make you stand out and look awesome.
Want to get to know us better? Get in touch with us and come visit us at our Sunshine Coast studio in Maroochydore - or check out what we are up to on social media!
