To navigate the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing, as we approach the midway point of 2024, we’ve brought you some specialist marketing insights to stay ahead of the game.
In a recent episode of the Engage Video Marketing Podcast, host Ben Amos (who is also the Creative Director of Innovate Media) interviewed marketing veteran Mike Allton about the state of digital marketing strategy in 2024. Their wide-ranging conversation covered everything from the importance of strategy over tactics, to the impact of AI on the marketing landscape. Here are the key takeaways for you marketing managers and business owners, so you can refine your digital marketing strategy in 2024.
The Importance of Strategy First
Allton emphasised that having a solid strategy should be the foundation of any digital marketing efforts in 2024. He noted that many businesses get caught up in tactics without first establishing a clear “why” behind their marketing activities. A digital marketing strategy in 2024 needs to answer crucial questions like:
- Who are we trying to reach?
- What problems are we solving for them?
- What’s the connection between our goals and our audience’s goals?
Without this strategic foundation, Allton warned that businesses risk wasting time and resources on tactics that may not align with their overall objectives. He stressed that a digital marketing strategy in 2024 should include frameworks for identifying yearly, quarterly, and monthly goals, along with specific metrics to measure success.
The Evolving Landscape of Digital Marketing
Allton highlighted how the digital marketing landscape continues to change rapidly, yet also slowly in some ways. He noted that while individual platforms may not change dramatically month-to-month, the industry as a whole is constantly evolving. Key points about the digital marketing landscape in 2024 included:
- Features on social platforms are constantly being added and removed
- How people consume information is changing daily
- Businesses need to understand these shifts and adjust their strategies accordingly
Allton suggested that as part of their digital marketing strategy in 2024, businesses should focus on one primary platform to shield themselves somewhat from constant industry-wide changes.
The Role of Video in Marketing Strategy
As the conversation turned to video marketing, Allton shared valuable insights on incorporating video into a digital marketing strategy in 2024:
- Live video remains a powerful tool for building relationships with audiences.
- There’s been a shift in audience expectations, with many now preferring more authentic, “iPhone-quality” content over high production value videos.
- Businesses should consider a mix of both professional and more casual, user generated-style video content.
- The key is to create content that resonates with the intended audience, regardless of production quality.
Allton also highlighted an innovative strategy of using video interviews to connect with potential clients, making it a core part of a business’s digital marketing strategy in 2024.
The Impact of AI on Digital Marketing
Perhaps the most significant factor shaping digital marketing strategy in 2024 is the rise of AI. Allton described AI as a “black swan event” that’s disrupting nearly every aspect of digital marketing. He outlined several ways AI is impacting marketing:
- Enhancing existing tools and platforms with new features and functionality.
- Enabling faster content creation across various formats (text, image, video).
- Automating tasks like video transcription and summarisation.
- Providing deeper analytics and insights to inform strategic decisions.
Allton predicted that in the near future, AI will be able to analyse vast amounts of data to provide businesses with actionable insights on customer types, content creation, and competitive advantages. He advised that incorporating AI tools should be a key consideration in any digital marketing strategy in 2024.
Adapting to Change While Staying Focused
Throughout the discussion, Allton emphasised the need for businesses to stay adaptable in their digital marketing strategy. However, he also cautioned against getting distracted by every new trend or platform. Key advice included:
- Focus on building relationships with customers rather than chasing quick wins.
- Be willing to experiment with new tools and tactics, but always tie them back to your overall strategy.
- Don’t let production quality concerns prevent you from creating content.
- Learn how to leverage AI to improve both personal and professional efficiency.
Conclusion: Crafting Your Digital Marketing Strategy for the rest of 2024
As marketing managers and business owners look to refine their digital marketing strategy for the 2nd half of 2024, Allton’s insights provide valuable guidance. The key takeaways are clear: start with a solid strategy, stay adaptable to industry changes, leverage video to build relationships, and embrace AI to gain a competitive edge.
By focusing on these areas, businesses can create a digital marketing strategy that’s both effective and future-proof. As the marketing landscape continues to evolve, those who can balance strategic thinking with tactical agility will be best positioned for success.
For those of you looking to dive deeper into these topics, Allton recommended checking out his award-winning blog, The Social Media Hat, where he regularly shares insights on AI, marketing strategy, and navigating the changing digital landscape. As we move into the latter half of 2024 and beyond, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial for any successful digital marketing strategy.
Need help with your Digital Marketing Strategy?
Innovate Media provides a raft of video marketing services and packages. You can check them out here: https://innovatemedia.com.au/video-marketing-services/
To chat to Innovate Media about your business’ social media marketing, book a strategy mapping session with Ben Amos here: https://innovatemedia.com.au/request/