How Accurate Were My 2024 Marketing Predictions?
How Accurate Were My 2024 Marketing Predictions?
Halfway check-in and a NEW marketing podcast!
On January 2, I shared what I thought would be In and Out for 2024, along with some marketing predictions. I thought we’d revisit those this week as a mid-year check-in.
But first! I’m turning the newsletter into a podcast! What does that mean?
Each week, I’ll read the newsletter to you so you don’t have to waste precious time scrolling your eyes across words on a screen. Or! I’ll chat with a fellow marketer or business owner to get a different perspective. In fact…
Episode 3 of the podcast is now out. I chat with my marketing (and real-life) bestie Ashley Baker—Founder & Chief Marketing Officer of Coastline Marketing—about the 2024 Marketing Forecast we put together at the beginning of the year. It too is a mid-year check-in to see what we predicted correctly and what we could be pushing more for. Listen now!
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Now let’s dig into the Ins and Outs and predictions I shared in my newsletter in January. I’m only covering a few from each section, so visit that newsletter if you want to see the full lists.
In for 2024
Showing up as our fully authentic selves on social media
If you still aren’t doing this, what are you waiting for?
Writing more meaningful website copy (not just chipping away at easy keywords)
Again … If you still aren’t doing this, what are you waiting for? Optimizing your web content for search engines is a good thing, but don’t let the chase for first place on Google’s SERP takeover good quality content.
The ‘80s? (Are we moving past the ‘70s grooves yet?)
With the rise of Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter and the release of Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, I’d say the ‘80s influence is alive and well on our radio waves.
Working smarter not harder
I think we can all take a note from Trixie Mattel, a drag queen superstar who has been everywhere and on every TV and YouTube show the past few years. She’s taking a 3-month-long break because, “It is not so fierce to work yourself to death. It is not so fierce to work yourself into an autoimmune disorder.”
So stop glorifying the hustle and take a break. (Whatever that looks like for you.) Seriously.
Small and micro brands using more and more video on social media and websites
I am seeing this, but I’m not seeing enough from small businesses. Don’t be afraid to try out a simple video here and there.
I know it can be hard to add this to your to-do list, which is why I created a guide to Instagram Reels that will help you efficiently produce captivating Reels that resonate with your audience and enhance your brand presence.
And if you’re looking for content ideas…
Oh hey there! Thanks for reading this far. I just wanted to let you know that I have some openings in my schedule for a few more consultations and select marketing services. It’s all geared toward solopreneurs, artists, makers and small biz owners. Book now!
Out for 2024
Meaningless, uncreative social posts from brands
Trying to produce engaging, viral content is exhausting. When you hit your limit, take a breather. Then, design a social media strategy that allows you to consistently post interesting and/or helpful content.
And remember — “consistent” means different things to different folks. Find your cadence and stick to it.
Local businesses not having a website and at least one social media account
I come across this every now and then, and it grinds my gears. You need to have at least a simple website with basic business info on it, along with one or two social accounts that can act as a “proof of life” at the bare minimum.
Unfortunately, small and local businesses come in and out operation quite regularly. If your online presence is lacking, people may think you went out of business and won’t try a little hard to see you’re still alive and kicking—and therefore support you.
Posting the exact same content everywhere
This will work if you are (1) just starting out with your social accounts or (2) are in a period of overwhelm. Beyond that, you need to be strategic about your approach to individual social media accounts and any other content you’re creating (emails, SMS texts, website copy, etc.)
If you’re thinking about adding LinkedIn to your strategy or need a fresh way to look at it, I suggest reading this recent newsletter:
Hanging onto every word of the Big Thought Leaders who give vague info
Remember when “digital marketing” was being touted as the highest earning career to enter at the beginning of this year? All of a sudden there were new “thought leaders” and “experts” creating vague Reels about making money online via digital marketing. And here they were just (re)selling private label digital content.
So stop it! Look for the true experts. If you find a new person to follow on social media or subscribe to a new-to-you newsletter, pay attention to them for a few weeks: Are they providing solid, actionable info? Or are they simply trying to sell you a product or course so their own wallets get fatter?
2024 Predictions
X/Twitter will be completely done for
I’d say it’s pretty done for. Wouldn’t you?
There will be even more quirky brand collabs in the vein of Ice Spice x Dunkin
In an unexpected twist, Dunkin themselves went all-in on quirky collabs. Their Super Bowl commercial starred Dunkin Daddy Ben Affleck alongside Matt Damon, Jennifer Lopez and other celebs. They followed that with a related track on Spotify and merch that matched the commercial’s wardrobe.
At the start of summer, they launched a series of commercials and video spots about the Dunkin’Terns. This crew included movie and music celebs and social media stars. This campaign also spawned a music track featuring AJ McLean and Joey Fatone of Backstreet Boys and NSYNC fame, respectively.
So like… is Dunkin’ going to be on my Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year?!
Everyone will continue to say “Email is dead.” It won’t be.
It’s not.
It’s still not.
Trust me.
However…
There’s been a rise in writing platforms like Substack. I think it’s great for individuals, thought leaders in various industries and celebrities. However, I’m not necessarily a fan of it for small businesses.
Want to know why? I’ll share more next week, or you can schedule a consultation with me so we can chat all things email marketing for your brand or nonprofit.
Instagram will finally develop the ability to add links to individual posts.
I’m still waiting on thisssss.
Instead, Instagram messing around with literally everything else. For example, whyyyy do we need to add notes to individual posts that only our followers can see when we can either comment regularly or send to a friend?!
Beyoncé will release Renaissance Act II
Yes!! She did! The Cowboy Carter album is a *masterpiece*.
And! She recently introduced Team USA for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
But, Bey… we’re still waiting on those visuals, girl…
What will the rest of 2024 hold?
Everything is changing so rapidly these days. It can be hard to stay up to date on what you should and shouldn’t do, best practices, where Beyonce is, how to add music to an Instagram Reel, and so on.
And at the same time — people simply want to know about you, your brand and how what you offer can improve their lives.
In the words of Corrine Bailey Rae… The more things seem to change, the more they stay the same.
As always, if you’d like some guidance with your marketing, reach out and let’s chat!
Take care, birdies! 💙