In a world where scrolling through feeds has become second nature, social media marketing continues to evolve at a breakneck pace. And as we venture into 2024, it is poised for unprecedented innovation and growth.
In this article, we embark on a journey through the dynamic world of social media marketing, unveiling nine platforms and influencer trends to shape the landscape in 2024. Join us as we explore the latest strategies, techniques, and insights that will unleash the full potential of social media marketing in the year ahead.
What is the importance of social media marketing in 2024?
Alright, first things first, why should you even care about social media marketing in 2024?
In 2024, social media marketing remains a cornerstone of digital strategy for businesses across all industries. With billions of active users worldwide, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn offer unparalleled reach and targeting capabilities.
Moreover, social media enables brands to foster authentic connections with their audience, drive website traffic, and generate leads effectively. In an era dominated by digital communication, a robust social media presence is essential for staying relevant and competitive in the market.
9 Social Media Marketing and Platform-Specific Trends for 2024
With that said, here are some social media trends that will shake up your 2024:
a. Short-form Video is the King
Short-form videos are brief video clips typically ranging from a few seconds to a minute in length. They are designed to quickly capture viewers' attention and convey a message or story in a concise format.
In 2024, this content continues to reign supreme across Social Media Marketing Trends, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts leading the charge. According to HubSpot, in 2024, 26% of marketers intend to increase their investments in short-form video content.
These bite-sized videos capture users' attention quickly and are highly shareable, making them an effective tool for brand storytelling, product demonstrations, and engaging content. That said, marketers must prioritise creating engaging short videos to capture the audience's attention.
b. Power of a Well-crafted Post
While visual content is essential, well-crafted written content remains a cornerstone of effective communication on social media. Captions, tweets, and posts provide context, convey messages, and encourage audience interaction.
Likewise, crafting compelling written content that resonates with the target audience can significantly enhance engagement and drive desired actions.
c. Social media SEO
Yep, you heard it right. SEO isn't just for websites anymore. It’s also for social media! Based on research conducted by Tint, 75.78% of consumers have utilised social media platforms to explore and find new products and brands. Additionally, 68.75% of consumers have made purchases influenced by content they encountered on social media.
With that said, optimising your social media profiles and posts is a must for social Media Marketing Trends. Ensure that your keywords, hashtags, and descriptions can give you a severe leg up in the discoverability game.
d. Long-form Content’s return
While short-form content dominates social media feeds, long-form content is returning. Many social media platforms are now allowing longer videos. For example, Facebook has launched features such as Bulletin, a newsletter platform for writers and creators, and Live Audio. Another example is Instagram. They have expanded its video offerings with features such as IGTV, a long-form video platform that allows creators to upload videos up to 60 minutes long, and Reels, a short-form video format similar to TikTok.
With that said, this social media trend is likely to continue and grow in the future. Longer-form content allows for more comprehensive storytelling. This provides value to audiences seeking in-depth information and insights, which most social media platforms and users seek.
Likewise, content creators and brands should consider incorporating long-form content into their social media strategy, as it can help them reach and engage with their target audience, and achieve their goals.
e. AI-powered Content Creation
For years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionised content creation. It has offered innovative solutions for everything from content ideation to production and optimisation. AI-powered tools can analyse data, predict trends, and personalise content to suit individual preferences.
With that said, AI-powered content creation is a trend that will likely continue and grow. Social media platforms and users seek more efficient, effective, and diverse content to satisfy their needs and expectations.
Likewise, marketers can leverage AI to streamline workflows, improve content quality, and enhance audience engagement across social media platforms.
f. Social commerce is booming
Lately, shopping on social media platforms are experiencing significant growth.
The so-called "social commerce" is expected to boom in 2024, as consumers seek convenient, personalised, and engaging online shopping experiences. According to eMarketer, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are introducing features that allow users to discover and purchase products without leaving the app.
Having said that, Brands can capitalise on social commerce by creating shoppable posts, leveraging influencer partnerships, and optimising the customer journey for seamless transactions.
g. The Rise of Telegram
Telegram, a messaging app known for its privacy features and user-friendly interface, is gaining popularity as a social media platform. It has a loyal and growing user base. As of February 2024, Telegram had over 800 million monthly active users and over 1.3 billion cumulative downloads.
Features like channels, groups, and encrypted messaging offer users’ unique opportunities for community building, content distribution, and audience engagement when using Telegram. Moreover, these factors make Telegram a rising star in 2024 social media trends and a potential competitor to other messaging and social media apps.
Likewise, marketers should explore the potential of these social media marketing trends for reaching niche audiences and fostering meaningful interactions.
h. LinkedIn Gets Serious
LinkedIn continues to evolve as a vital platform for professional networking, content sharing, and brand building. Features like LinkedIn Live, Stories, and Polls enable marketers to engage with their target audience in real time and showcase their expertise.
Building a solid presence on LinkedIn allows brands to connect with industry professionals, establish credibility, and generate leads effectively.
i. Micro-influencer Power
Micro-influencers, individuals with smaller but highly engaged social media followings, increasingly influence consumer behaviour. According to Statista, Micro-influencers are more likely to generate conversions, with 82% of consumers saying they are likely to follow a recommendation made by micro-influencers.
With that said, collaborating with micro-influencers allows brands to reach niche audiences authentically and drive meaningful engagement. Micro-influencers often have higher engagement rates and can provide valuable insights into their followers' preferences and interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social media marketing in 2024 is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. It is filled with endless opportunities for brands to connect with their audience meaningfully.
So, what are you waiting for? Leverage these trends mentioned above and explore your brand's full potential! Contact Flexi Digital Marketing for more expert advice.