Whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or just someone who likes to keep up with the times, understanding the ins and outs of the black hole of marketing can make a huge difference in your strategy for the year ahead!
So, buckle up! We’re diving into a roundup of 2024’s highlights, and taking a sneak peek at what’s to come in 2025.
Take the first step towards digital success and let’s start driving results.
If marketing in 2023 felt like a rush to adapt to change, 2024 was all about refining those changes and adjusting to this fast-paced online world. Let’s break down the biggest trends of 2024, starting with social media, SEO, and ads.
Social media platforms continued their evolution in 2024, and one clear trend that emerged was the importance of niche communities. Users are no longer satisfied with just scrolling through a generic feed. Instead, they’re seeking specialised spaces where they can connect with others who share their interests.
Whether it’s joining Facebook groups like “Adam Sandler Look-alikes” or hopping on TikTok to find how to videos on “sourdough starters” (this is too niche to even explain, just search it, trust us), businesses are recognising that targeting these smaller, more focused audiences can lead to big rewards!
Think of it like hosting a dinner party. Instead of inviting everyone in the cul-de-sac, you’re inviting only the people who’ll appreciate the food you’re serving and the conversations you’re having. It’s all about focusing your efforts on the right crowd.
SEO continues to be a cornerstone of digital marketing, but in 2024, it’s evolved with the rise of artificial intelligence and voice search. AI-driven tools like ChatGPT (can marketers even remember life before ChatGPT?) have made keyword research and content optimisation smarter and more efficient. With AI helping to understand user intent better, websites now need to focus more on context rather than just exact keywords.
Voice search has also grown, making conversational language a key factor in SEO strategies. Think about it this way: if you ask Siri “What’s the best pizza place near me?” you’re likely to get a different set of results than if you typed “best pizza near me.” Adapting content to reflect natural, spoken language is crucial for staying ahead in this space.
While paid ads have been around forever, 2024 saw a shift toward authenticity in the ad space. Audiences, particularly younger generations, are craving more genuine, human-driven campaigns. Instead of polished ads with stock images and buzzwords, companies are embracing real user-generated content and behind-the-scenes moments.
User-generated-content or UGC is where brands pay regular people to create video content for them, it’s a cheap advertising method for businesses, and it helps people to earn a little bit of extra cash for creating a simple video. UGC is becoming more and more popular as we shift towards authenticity and seeing ‘real’ videos on our feeds, rather than a professional video filmed by a camera crew. Keep an eye out on your next social media scroll, we bet you’ll see a UGC video as an ad!
This shift is similar to the way a popular movie franchise goes from big-budget blockbusters to indie films, people want something that feels more real and less staged. Businesses in 2024 have learned that showing their true selves resonates more with customers than trying to look perfect, that’s why we love to embarrass ourselves on TikTok on the daily!
Email marketing, a tool that never really goes out of style, saw some huge improvements in 2024 with personalisation at its core. Thanks to advanced analytics and customer segmentation, businesses can now send hyper-targeted emails that speak directly to the needs and interests of individuals.
Imagine receiving an email that doesn’t just say “Hey, check out our new products!” but instead “Hey, we noticed you were browsing French bulldog mugs last week, here’s a 15% discount on the one you liked!” Feels much more personal, right? Well, it definitely would if you were a frenchie dog mum! That’s the power of data-driven email marketing.
The web design scene took an interesting turn in 2024. While minimalist designs have long been the standard, there was a noticeable trend toward maximalism, designs that are bolder, louder, and more layered with texture, colour, and personality. Think of it as a fashion trend where simplicity meets bold accessories.
This year, businesses embraced websites that feel more immersive, using dynamic elements like video backgrounds, interactive features, and micro-animations to create memorable experiences. If you head back to our homepage, you’ll see our lovely little video that gives an insight into our company culture, and guess what, it was filmed on our phones (authenticity goals!). Well, mostly our social girl Mollie’s phone, but again, it’s that authenticity and naturalism that sells. It’s all about standing out in the sea of sameness.
As we look ahead to 2025 marketing trends, we see the excitement of innovation and adaptation continuing. From advancements in technology to shifts in consumer behaviour, 2025 is shaping up to be another pivotal year for digital marketing. Isn’t this so much fun to learn about? We just can’t wait for 2025. Here’s what you can expect:
In 2025, social media is going beyond just content consumption to creating full-on immersive experiences. Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are expected to become more mainstream in social media, allowing users to interact with brands in ways we’ve never seen before.
Imagine trying on clothes or seeing how furniture looks in your living room through Instagram’s new AR tools before you buy. Mollie’s 70-year old grandparent’s recently asked her to use AR to show them what new blinds would look like in their new home. We are totally evolving, and even the older generations are getting involved!
SEO will continue to evolve as AI tools get even more sophisticated. By 2025, we’re expecting AI-driven SEO to be able to predict trends and generate content in real-time based on current search patterns and user behaviour. It’s like having David Bowie’s crystal ball in the Labyrinth, but with algorithms and data!
Voice search will also become even more important as smart speakers and virtual assistants continue to integrate into daily life. So, businesses will need to focus on optimising for voice queries that are more natural and conversational.
Paid advertising will take personalisation to the next level in 2025. With hyper-targeting, marketers will be able to create ads so tailored to the individual that it feels like the ad was made just for them. We’ll see AI tools helping brands predict what ads will appeal to specific users based on their browsing habits, interests, and even their emotions at a given moment.
It’s as if you were walking through a mall and a store owner waved you over with a personalised discount based on what you were already shopping for. It’s not just smart; it’s brilliantly strategic.
While email marketing will always be around, in 2025, we expect even more advanced automation. This means that email sequences will become more personalised and responsive, triggered by not only actions like clicking on a link but also behaviour across different platforms and devices.
It’s like receiving a letter from a friend that knows exactly what you need at that moment, not because you’ve told them, but because they’ve been paying attention. That’s a good friend right there!
By 2025, web design will go even further with AI-powered customisation. Websites will be able to analyse the user’s behaviour in real-time and adjust the content, layout, and even the colours based on what they think will resonate most with the visitor.
Design will also become even more integrated with technology, like incorporating chatbots, interactive polls, and real-time data visualisations. A simple website will turn into an interactive experience that keeps visitors engaged longer.
The marketing world is fast-paced, and 2024 was no exception. As we step into 2025, the key to staying competitive will be embracing new technologies, focusing on personalisation, and being ready to adapt to rapidly changing trends. Whether you’re diving into 2025 marketing trends for social media, SEO or web design, the future is bright, and innovation is the key to success.
So, get ready to hop on these trends early and position yourself for an exciting year ahead! Don’t forget to follow us on our socials to stay in the loop.
Don’t forget, you can always get in touch if you have any questions or you’d like to discuss how we can support your business in 2025, we’re always on hand to support you.
