Social Media trends for businesses in 2024

Digital marketing is an ever-changing landscape. It’s essential that businesses stay ahead of the curve. 2023 saw some big shifts in social media trends. This included an increased number of brands on social media, and short-form video continuing to gain traction. And now, these trends are paving the way for exciting movements in 2024. Here we explore social media marketing and the upcoming trends that you could embrace that may help your business thrive online.

What is social media marketing?

Social media marketing is a term that covers the many different activities carried out through social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), TikTok, Snapchat and Pinterest. It’s about the following:

• Creating and sharing engaging content.

• Encouraging interaction from your target audience.

• Analysing data to see what’s working and what’s not.

Social media can be used to showcase and promote your products, services, and other business insights and ideas.

Why is a social media strategy important?

• Increased reach: Social media lets you connect with your audience on a global scale.

• Brand awareness: Continuous engagement with your target market helps nurture a relationship with them. As well as building trust, credibility and loyalty.

• Website traffic: Posting interesting and appealing content across your social accounts can drive people to visit your website. This ultimately leads to more sales.

• Cost-effective marketing: When you compare it to traditional methods like printed ads and TV advertising, social media is often a cost-effective option.

• Audience insights: Useful analytics tools help you to understand more about your customers and their behaviour, empowering you with data so you can refine your strategy accordingly.

Top social media trends 2024

1. Video continues to dominate

As TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels continue to be prominent, brands should create short and engaging videos to tell their story. This year, TikTok grew their user base to 1.7 billion, an increase of 17% from 2022 (source: Business of Apps).

2. User-generated content

Asking customers to create content about your products and services will become more common. Content made by the people who actually buy from you acts as great social proof.

3. Social commerce

Shopping and social media are merging. You should expect to see more integrated shopping tools in places like TikTok Shop, Facebook and Instagram. This will make it easier for people to buy without actually leaving the app. By the end of 2023, it’s estimated that sales through social media channels will globally add up to $1.298 billion (source: Influencer Marketing Hub).

4. Augmented reality (AR)

AR effects and filters on social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat will grow in creativity and sophistication. Businesses could use AR to enhance the user experience by making it more interactive.

5. Voice search

65% of consumers aged 25-49 talk to their voice-activated device daily (source: Backlinko). With them becoming more common, it will be crucial that businesses optimise their content for voice search. This will involve using natural language, long-tail keywords, and high quality, informative content.

6. Micro influencers

Influencer marketing is huge. But brands will start to work with micro influencers with smaller yet highly engaged audiences. This type of account seen as more authentic. It can also work out less costly.

7. AI chatbots

With AI chatbots becoming increasingly advanced, expect to see businesses using them to provide a more personalised customer support experience.

8. Sustainability

As we continue to see a movement towards consumers being more conscious of a brand’s ethos and values, businesses will be sharing the ways they’re operating sustainably through social media.

In 2024, social media will remain a very important part of a business’s marketing strategy. Leveraging trends and adapting to changes is important so you can be competitive and keep your audience’s attention. So keep an eye on these evolving trends - social media success is about using its power to the fullest!

The social media landscape is constantly evolving, and businesses need to adapt to stay ahead. By embracing the trends we've explored, from user-generated content to sustainable practices, you can leverage the power of social media to connect with your audience, build brand loyalty, and ultimately achieve your business goals. Remember, social media success is about staying informed, being creative, and utilising the latest features to keep your audience engaged. So, dive in, experiment, and watch your social media presence flourish.

For more help with social media for your business, you can chat with our friendly V-Hub Digital Advisors for 1-2-1 support. You can also read here for our top tips for getting started on social media.

Speak with a V-Hub Digital Expert