Hello, hello, hello!
What up party people?
So, another year just zipped by faster than ever. I’m about to take a nostalgic look at what I don’t see any marketers do this time of year.
Yes, I’ll be going where no trends marketer lieks to go and critique her/his own 2024 marketing trend predictions.
After that, I’ll dust off my good ole crystal ball and make some more predictions about digital marketing trends for 2025.
So lets get to it.
How much of an ass did I make of myself this time last year…Was I spot-on or should I stick to predicting the Sunday football scores.
Assessing My 2024 Predictions
AI-powered personalisation takes over
Pablo’s Prediction: I envisioned AI stepping up its game, delivering hyper-personalized experiences that make each customer feel like the VIP they are.
In Reality: In hindsight that was an easy one… AI didn't just step up its game, it moonwalked into spotlight. From chatbots that remember your shoe size (creepy or convenient?) to personalized email reccos at work (yes, u know who you are), AI personalization is becoming the norm. My fear now is that my new smart fridge will start suggesting recipes based on my midnight snacks ... #FeelingJudged
Voice Search Becomes the Norm for SEO Marketing Strategies
Pablo’s Prediction: In 2024, I saw voice search revolutionizing SEO strategies as more people chatted with their devices.
In Reality: I’d give myself half a point on this one? Voice search usage did increase (thanks to our collective laziness) but still has not quite managed to flip the SEO world upside down.
Turns out that 50% of people in the US still enjoy tapping on their keyboards/phone screens. Maybe we're not ready for our devices to hear all our weird questions out loud?
No, Siri, I wasn't talking to you.
Augmented Reality (AR) in Marketing
Pablo’s Prediction: AR would go mainstream, making shopping experiences more interactive and fun.
In Reality: Close, but no cigar. AR made waves in gaming and some retail sectors, but it didn't become the ubiquitous marketing tool I anticipated.
While trying on virtual sunglasses might be a cool thing to do with your 9-year-old, data experts agree that most people don’t want to see how the sofa looks in their living room (just ask the Ikea people who spent millions on their home decor app but could not link it to an uptick in sales).
Ephemeral Marketing Content Dominance
Pablo’s Prediction: Stories and short-lived content would dominate social media, capturing more user attention than ever.
In Reality: I think I was spot on here. Our attention spans continue to rival goldfish. Ephemeral content reigns supreme.
Today, brands that have mastered the art of quick, engaging stories keep their audiences hooked.
So is that why you write these long ass blog posts Pablo?
Yes, I’m rebellious like that ;)
Increased Emphasis on Data Privacy
Pablo’s Prediction: With growing concerns over privacy, transparency would become crucial in building customer trust.
In Reality: Absolutely! Data breaches and privacy scandals (looking at you, big tech) pushed consumers to demand more transparency. Brands that were upfront about data usage earned brownie points, while others face the wrath of cancel culture.
Note to self: honesty isn't just the best policy; it's the only policy.
So I got 3/5 of my 2024 predictions right.
If this was school I’d have had a C on this one… so pretty much got my ass handed to me.
With that in mind, I still thought I should try and make some bogus claims for what’s in store for us in 2025.
My Top Five Digital Marketing Trends for 2025
The Metaverse Marketing Boom (Metaverse Resurgence)
Why: Remember all the talk about the metaverse before AI came about?
I have trouble thinking it was just a gamer trend from 2021. After all, Facebook changed their company name because they believed so much in the future of the metaverse. With more people purchasing expensive VR hardware, brands will create more immersive experiences. I’m imagining, virtual fashion shows, test-driving cars, attending conferences, university lectures, workshops
… I just have a feeling metaverse, VR and AR will be back after the initial AI hype becomes the new normal.
AI-Generated Content Becomes Mainstream Marketing
Why: I think in 2025 (after year 1 of AI generated content) we will see a move from personalization to creation. I see AI crafting SEO-precise-blog posts, on brand social media content, and annoyingly catchy songs designed to stay stuck in your head.
Fear not, human creativity will not become obsolete. I still think the best creative will come from humans. Humans that know how to use AI, that is.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Why: Consumers are more eco-conscious, and brands that ignore this do so at their peril. UNFCCC COP negotiations will and are continuing to shed a light on the need to act and fight climate change. Governments ratifying their commitments to stop disastrous effects of climate change will need to pass new laws.
These frameworks will mean sustainable practices won't just be a nice-to-have; they'll be a must-have. Marketing strategies will highlight green initiatives. Expect to see companies abide more than ever.
Hyper-Personalization Due To Data
Why: With advancements in data analytics, personalization will go beyond using first names in emails. We're talking tailored content that predicts what you need before you know you need it. Its simple, take a user’s 50k data points, add some data decisions making, blend it with consumer insights, previous purchase history and ask AI to consider and spit out a customised message for each repeat customer that comes to your landing page… can it be done?
Yeah… So next time you think your phone is listening to you, think again. it’s “calculating” your probabilities of wanting to know.
Voice and Visual Search Optimization
Why: As smart homes get smarter, and devices with cameras are more standard than ever, searching by voice and image will skyrocket. Brands need to optimize content so that when someone says, "Hey Alexa, find me those cool sneakers I saw," your product pops up. Time to brush up on those alt-tags and conversational keywords. I predicted this last year and if data-decision making is anything to go with I don’t see the numbers going down on this one.
People will continue to adopt voice search more and more like they have been in the last three years.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my 2024 predictions, I had some hits, some misses, and some "well, maybe next years." But that's what I love about the digital marketing landscape: there's always something new on the horizon, and a chance to say, "I told you so,”… or in my case, eat humble pie (which, for the record, tastes of learning and knowledge).
As we step into 2025, one thing's certain: adaptability is key. Whether it's embracing AI, diving into the metaverse, or planting trees to offset carbon footprints, staying ahead means keeping an open mind and maybe a futuristic gadget or two.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my daughter on Roblox. My avatar is the one with the outdated dance moves and not enough credit to update his digital hairstyle.
Before I go, and if I don’t see you before the 2025, here's to another year of innovation, surprises, and maybe, just maybe, better predictions!