The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving. From new platforms and tools to algorithmic updates—technology has truly revolutionized the digital marketing industry. Suffice it to say that what was popular a few years ago might not be relevant today. 

If you’re a marketer or small business owner, you’re probably curious about the digital marketing trends that will dominate 2024. As the top digital marketing agency, BusySeed know just what to look out for. 

While some fundamentals remain the same, there are some new changes brought about by the rise of new content creation tools (picture ChatGPT), the entrance of Gen Z into the marketing arena, and the wide adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This guide will explore the top 7 digital marketing trends that will dominate 2024 and beyond, so you can be on par with the best digital marketing agency. 

1. Customer-Centered Personalization

Digital marketing is quickly moving towards personalization. 

Creating personalized experiences for customers has taken center stage as more and more brands invest in web personalization software. 

These programs use AI and machine learning to analyze customer data, such as interest and purchase history, to provide tailored recommendations. Big names companies, like Netflix, have been using customer-centered personalization for a while and are benefiting from it. 

Take Netflix, for example. The company reported saving a staggering $1 billion a year from its AI-based content recommendations engine. 

2. Youth-Centered Marketing

Gen Z is poised to be the next generation of consumers, and its impact is already being felt everywhere. In 2021, for instance, Gen Zers comprised 40% of the US consumers, with a staggering $143 billion in purchasing power under their belt. 

Besides their impressive purchasing power, Gen Zers are defining new trends in how we view, market, and interact with brands, largely through platforms like TikTok. 

This generational cohort prefers to interact with brands that appeal to their interest. When it comes to marketing, traditional Facebook ads and PPC won’t cut it. Gen Zers prefer short-form video content with eye-catching visuals—the kind you’ll find on TikTok. 

In fact, studies have found that Gen Zers find motivation, hope, and togetherness in bright colors. So, if your target audience is comprised of youngsters, you’ll want to present your content in the format they like—short-form videos. 

3. Social Commerce

Social commerce has been around for a while but is poised to become mainstream shopping in 2024. This form of marketing involves using social media platforms to advertise and sell products and services. 

Today, leading social media platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, let customers complete purchases within the app. Shoppers can use social media to discover new products and complete purchases without leaving the app. 

Instagram and TikTok have particularly been influential in adopting social commerce. 

Instagram checkout, for instance, makes it easier for brands to advertise and sell their products through the platform. Merchants are required to set up an Instagram shop, and the process is easy and straightforward. 

4. Artificial Intelligence Tools

Will 2024 be the year for the rise of AI robots? Artificial intelligence isn’t new to marketing, but its adoption is poised to skyrocket in 2024 and beyond. 

Today, AI is being integrated into almost every aspect of digital marketing. 

AI-based algorithms determine the social results you see, the social media posts you engage with, and even the ads displayed to you. The customer service bots you see on many websites also employ AI and machine learning tools to process info and answer queries, such as “digital marketing near me.” 

AI is also the technology behind voice search and digital assistants. It has made chatbots possible, which are now being used by nearly all major websites. And this year, much progress has been made in AI-based image enhancement.

Bottomline: Artificial intelligence is making marketing smarter, connecting customers with the right content, products, and services. AI is surely the future of digital marketing. The AI market has been growing at a CAGR of 38%, a trend expected to continue from 2024 through 2030. 

5. Disruption Through ChatGPT

ChatGPT has been making the headlines of late, with some heralding it as the future of content creation. This AI-powered tool has amazed people with its ability to write comprehensive, natural-sounding content in seconds based on a simple prompt. 

Its wide adoption, even though still in infancy, has made some wonder if AI will replace writers and digital marketers.

But don’t let AI replace your marketing content yet. While tools like ChatGPT will do a stellar job at creating a detailed copy, the content still lacks the human element (opinions, puns, etc.), which is what makes content engaging and fun to read and digest. 

Still, ChatGPT can come in handy in helping you gather sources and generate ideas, like when searching for “digital marketing near me.” However, they should not be used on their own entirely. 

6. Influencer Marketing Boom

Influencer marketing will continue to gain traction in 2024. As of now, it generates $5.2 for every $1 spent. What was once used by only the top brands is now being used widely by businesses of all sizes. According to HubSpot’s 2023 Influencer Marketing Trends report, influencer marketing will continue to generate high ROI for businesses. 

The report further indicates that 25% of marketers currently leverage influencer marketing and that the market will see a 17% growth in 2024. If you haven’t hopped on the influencer marketing train, perhaps 2024 is your year to join the bandwagon. 

7. Communities and Niche Forums

Another trend that has slowly evolved over the years is the rise of communities and niche forums. People want to belong and connect to like-minded individuals. And communities and niche forums help satisfy this need.

Communities are popping everywhere and are gaining traction by the day. For example, LinkedIn recently introduced audio-only live events, enabling creators to connect over interactive audio discussions. 

Not long ago, TikTok also launched the Follow Me Educational Program to help small businesses build a community on the platform. 

Many brands have created their own communities where their audience can meet and discuss their experiences with the products and recommend changes and improvements. Communities give your customers a voice and ensure their needs are met. 

Wrapping Up

As the digital marketing landscape continues to evolve, it’s vital to keep up with the trends to remain relevant and competitive in a changing business landscape and stay on par with the best digital marketing agency. 

As the top digital marketing agency, we keep our eyes on the horizon to keep abreast of the latest digital marketing trends to help our clients grow each year. For more information on how we can help your business grow amid a changing marketing landscape, get in touch with us.