We’ve now said “ta-ra” to 2023!
If you haven’t already (naughty you!), now’s a great time to think about your blog, what you want to do with it and where you want it to be. But how can you best prepare yourself for 2024?
For those of us juggling a gazillion things at once, especially you small business heroes, staying on top of the digital game can sometimes take a backseat. You need to get a handle on the trends we expect to see to help you grow your blog. This will help you get ahead of the competition!
So, I’m helping you get the best headstart to the new year by sharing my predicted trends for blogs in 2024 and some things you need to leave behind to be the most successful.
Here we go!
Blog Trends For 2024
I’ve scoured the internet to research what trends we can expect to see and how they will help you grow your business blog so you don’t have to!
1. Authentic stories for the win
We all know there’s a lot of content out there where everyone’s shouting to be heard. You need to cut through the noise if you want any chance to be seen.
Real, genuine stories are what’s going to make your blog stand out. Don’t be afraid to share the nitty-gritty of your journey – the highs, the lows, and the messy middle. Authenticity builds trust, and trust? Well, that’s the key to building a fanbase.
Think of it as inviting your audience behind the scenes. Pull back the layers, show the faces behind your brand, and spill a few secrets. People love feeling like they’re part of something real, so why not make your brand the realest thing they know?
2. Video content only gets bigger
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Jodie, blogs are for our audience to READ.”
Well, guess what?
Blogs aren’t just about fancy words anymore. It’s lights, camera, action, baby!
Whether you like it or not, videos are where it’s at. From sneak peeks behind the scenes to showing off your latest gadget in action, video content is what will really keep your audience glued.
Not a huge amount of businesses seem to be using video for their blogs, so you’ll be sure to stand out.
Tip: Don’t limit yourself to the standard talking-head videos. Get creative!
Try out tutorial videos, host Q&A sessions or maybe even film a day in the life at your business. The goal? Make your content not just informative but downright entertaining.
3. SEO isn’t just for blogs
That’s right, there is a change happening in the SEO world. People are searching for things in other ways, and one in particular will get more popular this year.
Social media SEO.
I know, I know. This isn’t exactly blog-related, however, blogs and social media go hand-in-hand when promoting your business.
This is the reality for 2024 and your social media game is now crucial for scoring high on those search engine rankings. You’ll want to create content that’s so shareable it practically begs to be passed around.
It’s not just about posting and ghosting but about engagement. Get your audience to share, comment and double-tap while you do the same for others.
Hashtags are your BFFs and analytics are your secret weapon. Master this and your content will be the belle of the SEO ball.
4. Increased use of Voice Search
When you have a good think about it, voice search is everywhere!
Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa are already putting up with our requests daily. Now, other websites and apps have jumped aboard this trend, making voice search the cool kid on the block.
This means that in 2024, your content needs to speak its language.
Forget the formalities; think casual chats and friendly banter. Tailor your content to sound like you’re answering a friend’s question. Long-tail keywords and a conversational tone? Bingo!
5. Personalised messaging
Your readers want to be treated like VIPs, and you should treat them as such if you want to grow this year.
Like with social media, blogs can also go together with emails. Repurposing your posts into your newsletters is a great way to get more personal with your audience.
No more mass email blasts. In 2024, your audience expects emails that feel like they were written just for them. Get deep into your customer data and send messages screaming, “Hey, I get you!”
Segment your email list to personalise messages that resonate with each segment. This will help build trust and loyalty.
6. Seamless omnichannel experiences
Your brand is a rockstar, and your audience? They want a front-row seat no matter where they are. In 2024, it’s all about being everywhere and making it feel like a cosy hug.
Whether they’re on your website, scrolling through Instagram or even wandering around in the real world, make sure your brand experience is like a comfy pair of slippers – familiar, warm and everywhere they look.
This will be the new consumer norm, so make sure you don’t miss out!
7. Helpful content is a priority
Let’s be honest – nobody’s got time for boring lectures!
This year, we want to see some educational content, but it must also be useful. Solve problems, be the expert and watch your audience throw metaphorical roses at your feet.
Think of your content like a superhero cape. Identify your audience’s pain points and be the hero who swoops in with solutions.
Whether it’s a how-to guide or a quick fix, make sure your content is the knight in shining armour.
8. AI boosting content creation
The topic we’ve all been talking about this year is only going to get bigger.
In 2024, AI will be your content creation buddy. From brainstorming ideas to polishing your writing, let the bots do the heavy lifting so you can focus on being the creative genius you are.
Imagine having an AI assistant brainstorming blog topics while you chill with a cuppa. It’s not sci-fi; it’s 2024!
Embrace the bots and let them handle the nitty-gritty, leaving you with more time for the fun stuff, like plotting world domination or, you know, running your business.
9. User-generated content beats them all
Your audience isn’t just a bunch of followers. They’re your tribe, your ride-or-die crew.
Encourage them to take the spotlight – be it singing your praises, sharing stories, or getting creative with your products. People want to see real photos, videos, reviews, etc., with real people. It’s a sure way to boost trust quickly.
Create campaigns that scream, “Hey, we love our tribe!” and bring your blog into it too. It could be a contest, a challenge, or simply asking them to use a special hashtag. Showcasing their love boosts your street cred and turns your audience into your biggest fans.
They basically do the work for you. What more could you want?
Blog Mistakes To Leave Behind
You’ve got the new trends to jump on, now let’s get rid of the stuff you’ll want to leave behind if you want your blog to thrive!
Relying on assumptions
Ah, assumptions – the frenemy of the business world.
Now it’s after New Year’s, let’s break up with assumptions and get to grips with data. Analyse, survey, and let the numbers guide your content strategy.
Say it with me – “I will not assume; I will analyse.”
Review your analytics like you’re solving a mystery. Let the data be your Sherlock Holmes, uncovering the truths and dispelling those pesky assumptions.
Chunky blocks of text
Nobody’s got time for a novel-length blog post. We’ve got memes to scroll through!
Break down those content walls into bite-sized nibbles. Subheadings, bullet points, and visuals? Yes, please!
Your readers just want to get the answers they’re looking for quickly and efficiently, so make it happen for them.
One-size-fits-all messaging
People want to feel special. So, that one-size-fits-all messaging isn’t going to cut it.
As mentioned before, it’s all about tailored messaging. Write blog posts that speak to your audience’s quirks and preferences.
Personalisation isn’t just a buzzword. It’s what will make your audience feel seen and heard.
Educational content only
People love to be educated, but that doesn’t mean that it has to be boring.
In 2024, it’s time to ditch the monotone lectures and sprinkle some entertainment into your content mix. Infuse humour, storytelling or a dash of pizzazz into your educational content.
Mixing educational content with entertainment will keep your audience coming back for more and engage with your content like it’s the hottest Netflix special.
Keyword stuffing
Let’s talk about keyword stuffing—the awkward, cringe-worthy dance of content.
What everyone wants to see this year is quality over quantity. Strategic placement of relevant keywords is the name of the game.
It’s not about throwing in every keyword you can think of. It’s about a carefully curated selection.
Think of it like seasoning a dish – a pinch here, a dash there, and voila, your content is perfectly flavoured for search engine success.
Want To Give Your Blog A Successful Headstart For 2024?
Getting stuck into these expected trends will give you a great start to the New Year.
Need a guide to help you kickstart 2024 with a bang?
Work with me and as a team, we’ll enhance your blog posts and create a strategy that aligns seamlessly with your goals and vision.
If you’re ready to give your blog a banging start to the year, let’s team up and make your brand stand out!
Book a chat today to find out the juicy deets!
