Digital Marketing Trends to Watch as an Online Business Owner in 2024 and Beyond

Sometimes, I think about how much things have changed since I started in the digital marketing industry over 23 years ago. Inevitably, those thoughts always make me think about how things will change in the future. 

With social media and the online space being about grabbing attention, the trends are the big things to follow. The trends I’m talking about today are more about how your online business operates in the online space, and they’re ones I believe you need to be watching as an online business owner wanting to scale your business. So, let’s get into it.

Content Overview

– The Growing Role of AI
– Remote Work and Global Talent Pools
– Emphasis on Data Privacy and Security
– Agile Marketing: Adapting to Rapid Changes
– More Heart, Less Show
– The Hybrid Model: Combining In-House and Outsourced Teams
– Keeping Up With the Trends

The Growing Role of AI

There’s no question that AI is becoming more integral to digital marketing every day. You’ve heard the buzz about AI tools that can write copy, design graphics, and analyze data. 

But here’s the thing—these tools are only as good as those who use them.

Will AI completely replace human marketers? I don’t think so. 

What I do see happening, though, is a shift toward outsourcing to agencies that have mastered these tools. The future of outsourcing will be about finding partners who can seamlessly integrate AI into your marketing strategy to boost efficiency and effectiveness, not replacing those partners with AI programs. 

Remote Work and Global Talent Pools

Thanks to the pandemic, remote work has gone from a novelty to a necessity. 

But here’s the kicker—this shift has opened up access to global talent like never before. Businesses are no longer limited to local agencies; they can now outsource to the best talent worldwide.

This trend is particularly exciting because it means online businesses can tap into diverse perspectives and skill sets that were previously out of reach. Whether you’re looking to expand your market internationally or just want fresh ideas, outsourcing to a global team could be a game-changer.

The downside is that many people are starting their freelance and remote work journeys and are not afraid to use your business as their guinea pig. While most beginners are honest, some may not be, so just be sure you’re doing your research when outsourcing your digital marketing. 

You can return to this blog, where I will provide instructions on how to vet a digital marketing agency properly. 

FREE RESOURCE: How to Use Our Digital Marketing Team to Grow Your Business

Emphasis on Data Privacy and Security

Data privacy has become a hot-button issue, with data breaches making headlines more often than we’d like. As regulations like GDPR and CCPA become stricter, businesses need to be more careful about who they trust with their data, not only for their own sake but also for the sake of their customers. 

In the future, I predict that businesses will gravitate toward outsourcing partners who prioritize data security and have the experience and protocols in place. 

Agile Marketing: Adapting to Rapid Changes

Last but not least, let’s talk about agility. The digital landscape is changing faster than ever, and businesses need to be able to adapt quickly. This is where agile marketing comes in—an approach emphasizing flexibility and quick decision-making.

In the future, I see more businesses outsourcing to agencies that can pivot quickly and respond to real-time data. Whether it’s a sudden change in social media algorithms or a new market trend, having an agile marketing partner can help you stay ahead of the curve.

More Heart, Less Show

When I say that the trend is to focus more on the heart of your business than the show of your business, I’m not saying to not also focus on quality. 

I’m saying that customers, more often than not, want to feel a connection with you and/or your business. They are more likely to purchase when you have a heart and a purpose than if you just give them a good show. 

People are tired of you saying a lot and not saying anything simultaneously. 

We are in a climate with a currency of attention, and I agree that special effects, graphics, and entertainment can be powerful tools to garner attention. However, attention is not the same as engagement, and engaging those viewers to understand your business and how your business can help them is the keystone to converting that viewer into a customer. 

This is why my agency always uses story-based copywriting. It helps communicate clearly while showing potential customers what is possible for their future when they purchase from your business. It’s a powerful tool becoming increasingly important in the online business world. 

FREE RESOURCE: Smart Goals Template

The Hybrid Model: Combining In-House and Outsourced Teams

Let’s talk about the hybrid model. I’m seeing more and more online businesses opting for a combination of in-house and outsourced teams, and I think this trend will only grow in the coming years.

Why? Because it offers the best of both worlds—control and flexibility. You can keep your core work in-house while outsourcing specialized tasks to experts. This approach allows you to scale your marketing efforts without overextending your in-house team.

Even with Jennie Lyon Digital Marketing, we have clients for whom we do all digital marketing. Then, there are some clients for whom we’re working with their current virtual assistants and teams to propel their businesses forward. It’s a fun balance, but I see more businesses move toward this hybrid model.

Keeping Up with the Trends

So either you’re feeling excited for some new things to be thinking about in your online business, or you’re a little overwhelmed because you’re saying “Jennie, I can barely keep up with what I’m doing now, much less focusing on these trends”. 

So, if that’s you, I want to first take a deep breath. 

Secondly, I want to say that you don’t have to navigate the digital marketing for your business all on your own. These trends I’ve listed today are business as usual for us at Jennie Lyon Digtial Marketing Inc. We keep up with the trends so you can focus on what you need to do as an online business owner. Whether AI, data privacy, adaptive strategy, effective marketing, or working with an in-house or outsourced team, our digital marketing agency can help. 

If you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in 2024 and beyond, let’s chat about how we can help you navigate the future of digital marketing to grow your business to its full potential. 

Links for This Episode:

– Marketing Office Hours
– Discover Your Digital Marketing Success Path
– How to Use Our Digital Marketing Team
– Schedule a free call with Jennie today

Get in touch with Jennie:
– Free Consultation
– Social Media: @jennielyonmarketing

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