Whether you're a diligent marketer, a connected business owner, or an enthusiastic user, understanding these trends can help you enhance your social media marketing strategy in 2024：
1. Delegating Social Media Tasks To AI
2. More Augmented Reality Options
4. Prioritize User-Generated Content
5. Nano-Influencers Take the Stage
6. Customer Support in Social Media
7. Social Commerce Grows in Popularity
1. Know Your AudienceDelegating Social Media Tasks To AI
Brands have realized the untapped potential of AI and are incorporating it into their marketing strategies. From Later's Caption Writer to Pinterest's advanced ad targeting, AI will continue revolutionizing social media marketing in 2024.
By leveraging AI tools for content scheduling, social listening, and data analysis, marketers can save precious time and focus on crafting strategic campaigns. HootSuite's survey reveals that 75% of social media marketers plan to utilize AI for text revision in 2024, representing a notable 103% increase from the previous year.
AI is transforming the way we create social media ads. With tools like Meta's generative AI, marketers can effortlessly create eye-catching visuals and dynamic ad variations. But remember, while AI can work its magic, injecting creativity is key to stand out from the crowd.
2. More Augmented Reality Options
The Augmented Reality (AR) market is still in its infancy. But it’s projected to gain momentum in the coming years. Meta, for instance, introduced AR filters during the Rugby World Cup, resulting in enhanced user engagement.
Over 90% of Americans use or consider using AR for shopping. Google’s data also showed that products with AR/VR ads showed a 94% higher conversion rate.
AR transforms the social media landscape through interactive filters, immersive experiences, and virtual try-ons. It reduces return rates and boosts customer satisfaction. As AR continues to evolve, we can expect a significant uptick in its adoption in 2024, reshaping social media interactions and providing captivating experiences for users.
3. Beyond Google's Realm
In 2024, the search landscape is undergoing a significant shift as users turn to social media platforms to discover products, research brands, and seek advice.
Within social platforms, users can seamlessly explore products and brands without leaving them. The search results are updated in real-time as more users contribute content, providing a dynamic and up-to-date experience.
In fact, a significant portion of Gen Zers and millennials rely on social media as their primary source of product information. In China, the social platform Xiaohongshu has been regarded by many young people as the most useful search engine. Compared with other search methods, the younger generation is more inclined to find reference answers on travel guides, lifestyle tips, or informative resources in Xiaohongshu.
Social search optimization has become a crucial part of their marketing strategy, with nearly 90% of marketers acknowledging its importance. They're leveraging tactics like hashtags, alt text, and strategic keyword placement in captions to make their content easily discoverable by users.
4. Prioritize User-Generated Content
The traditional hard-selling brand-centric promotions are no longer effective. Instead, people seek brands that offer useful information, establish an emotional connection, and demonstrate shared values.
The continued growth of user-generated content (UGC) is an important manifestation of this. Consumers are 2.4 times more likely to view a brand as authentic when they see UGC instead of brand-created content. In 2024, UGC will be even more important as brands seek to connect with customers on a personal level. By encouraging customers to share photos or videos using their products and running contests or giveaways, brands can tap into the power of UGC.
The same example of Xiaohongshu, has been an online hub for high-value, high-influence content marketing in China. A lot of successful stories in Xiaohongshu are user-generated or authentic KOL marketing content.
5. Nano-Influencers Take the Stage
Nano-influencers with fewer than 1,000 followers are emerging as a potent force in influencer marketing. Despite their smaller follower base, these micro-influencers possess something that their larger counterparts often struggle to replicate: a genuine sense of closeness and trust.
According to Hubspot, micro-influencers, who are slightly more popular than nano-influencers, can generate up to 60% more engagement than macro-influencers. This trend highlights the increasing effectiveness and influence of smaller content creators in marketing strategies. The followers’ size isn't everything when it comes to building meaningful connections with an audience.
6. Customer Support in Social Media
Today's consumers have high demands when it comes to customer support. In fact, 70% of consumers expect instant service, but only 56% express satisfaction with their customer support interactions.
The need for immediate responses is evident, with around 90% of consumers considering an instant reply crucial, and approximately 60% expecting a response within 10 minutes. To meet these expectations, brands are increasingly using social media channels to provide customer support and assistance.
Effective responses on social media platforms showcase a brand's commitment to excellent customer service, boosting visibility and reputation. Additionally, social media interactions offer valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and pain points, aiding in product and service improvements.
7. Social Commerce Grows in Popularity
Younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Zers, are driving the trend, with 27% and 22% respectively having made purchases on social media in the past three months. As the social commerce trend continues to grow, individual buyers are expected to increase their spending. Insider Intelligence data suggests that sales per buyer, which amounted to $337 in 2020, will soar to $1,223 per buyer by 2027.
Social media platforms such as Instagram Shopping, TikTok Shop, and Xiaohongshu Shop have become popular shopping destinations, offering convenient and engaging features for users to discover and purchase products. In 2024, social commerce is expected to continue its upward trajectory as more brands adopt this channel to reach new customers and drive sales.
Conclusion
Social media is a wild world, but you’ve got this! The savviest brands play to social media’s strengths while staying adaptable. Stay on top of the ever-evolving landscape with these tips.As we look forward to 2024, expect the rise of AI and AR features, a shift in social media search, and the importance of prioritizing user-generated content. The influencer market is also evolving, presenting new opportunities for brands. By prioritizing excellent customer support and harnessing the potential of social commerce, businesses can thrive in the dynamic social media landscape.
To ensure an impactful social media strategy in 2024, it's important to follow trends closely and adapt your approach to drive qualified leads for your business.