Marketing trends that actually matter!

We're two months into 2024, so what marketing predictions are here for good?

Last weekend I went to the garden centre and bought some daffodils for the garden. It feels as though spring is beginning to edge into being. I love the thought of a fresh renewed start, and it is the same for marketing.

Of course there are annual predictions of what you need to be doing, however by February we are starting to see what really has an impact. I want to share with you what I think will have the greatest impact this Spring.

 Love Local.
 Yes February is the month of love, and now is the time to start celebrating that you are a small business. For 2024 you should be building local ties, and making sure you are known in the area. 
This could involve sourcing products locally, connecting with other local businesses to championing community causes.  
 Creating these local ties will raise your profile and showcase that you are part of a community. In this turbulent time customers want to feel part of something, and love to buy from businesses who are part of a community.
 
Interactive and Immersive Content
Your audience is not just a spectator; they're part of your business. 2024 will see success for businesses who interact with customers, whether this is through polls, quizzes, or live videos . Let's share the behind-the-scenes magic of our family-run businesses, involve our customers in decisions, and make them an integral part of our adventure.

Sustainability
Sustainability is still on everyones radar, and it is important to start thinking sustainability in your business. Your customers care about the planet and businesses who share these concerns will appeal to customers. So how can you be sustainable? There are lots of opportunities from  eco-friendly packaging, ethical sourcing, or green initiatives, let's weave our commitment to a better world into our brand story.

Personalisation
Just imagine for a moment you managed to share your vision and services in person with 100 customers. You could share your ideas and help them! It would be incredible wouldn't it?
Well 2024 is the year of personalisation. Think of this as a friendly chat with each customer. By using customer data wisely, we can tailor experiences that resonate with individual preferences. This isn't just marketing; it's making each customer feel like an honored guest in our business world.

Video
  A picture paints a thousand words, but a video creates a novel. Video content reigns supreme in 2024. Vlogs, product demonstrations, and customer testimonials – let's bring our stories to life visually. It's not just about what we sell; it's about the stories we share, building emotional connections through captivating visuals.

Social Commerce
Social media isn't just a platform for engagement; it's a marketplace. Embrace the trend of social commerce by making your products easily shoppable through posts and in-app checkouts.

Creators
Creators will be a powerful marketing tool this year. Creators are individuals, with a smaller but highly engaged following, can amplify your message authentically. Imagine the impact of a friendly face recommending your products to their community. Creators bring a personal touch to endorsements, and their authenticity resonates with audiences. Collaborate on sponsored posts, product reviews, or even co-created content that showcases your products in their daily lives. It's like having friends recommend your business to their extended circles. And we all know how powerful recommendations are.

As we embark on this marketing adventure in 2024, let's not forget the power of our community, the engagement potential of interactive content, the importance of sustainable practices, the magic of personalisation, the visual storytelling through videos, and the influence of micro- creators. These trends aren't just strategies for big businesses; tMarketing Serviceshey're the threads weaving our businesses into the fabric of our communities.

​Are there any trends which interest you? Do you have anything that has worked well?

Watch out for my next blog where we will look at one of these trends in detail. And remember if you would like to plan your simple powerful strategy get in touch today and email [email protected] or check out my services here