2024 Digital Marketing Goals for Small Businesses
For local small businesses, the digital marketing landscape presents both challenges and opportunities. As we usher in the new year of 2024, setting strategic goals is crucial for converting more leads and expanding your online presence. In this blog post, we’ll explore tailored digital marketing resolutions designed to empower local small business owners to thrive in the competitive digital marketplace.
1. Embrace Artificial Intelligence and Automation
Goal: Implement AI-driven tools and automation to enhance marketing efficiency and effectiveness.
In 2024, artificial intelligence will play an even more significant role in digital marketing. Businesses should set goals to leverage AI for data analysis, personalized content creation, and customer interaction. Automating routine tasks can free up time for strategic planning and creative endeavours, ultimately boosting productivity and ROI.
2. Prioritize Chatbots
Goal: Enhance the overall customer journey across all digital touch-points.
In 2023, the estimated chatbot market size is at USD 5860.67 Million and is predicted to grow beyond USD 21082.56 Million by 2028.
Chatbots are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the help of AI. In 2024, we can expect more advanced chatbots capable of understanding natural language and providing personalized assistance. They will continue to play a vital role in conversational marketing, improving conversion rates, customer engagement and support.
3. Seamless Bookings and Payments Integration
Goal: Integrate advanced bookings and secure payment tools to streamline the customer journey.
In 2024, user convenience is paramount. The appointment scheduling software market and it is predicted to grow $633.47 million by 2025.
Set goals to implement cutting-edge booking and payment systems that simplify the customer experience. Whether it’s appointment scheduling, reservations, or online purchases, ensure that your website seamlessly integrates user-friendly tools. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces friction in the conversion process, ultimately boosting the number of bookings and completed transactions.
4. Optimize for Mobile-First Experiences
Goal: Ensure that your website is not just mobile-friendly but optimized for a superior mobile user experience.
Mobile devices are ubiquitous, and users expect a seamless browsing experience on their smartphones. Set goals to prioritize mobile optimization by adopting responsive design principles, optimizing page load times, and ensuring that all features and functionalities work seamlessly on mobile devices.
Mobile-first indexing is now the standard for Google, and it will continue to be a priority in 2024. Websites that prioritize mobile optimization and provide a seamless mobile experience are likely to perform better in search results.
A mobile-friendly website not only contributes to better search rankings but also caters to the growing number of users who prefer accessing information and making transactions on their mobile devices.
5. Enhance Local SEO Strategies
Goal: Improve local search visibility to attract customers in your vicinity.
Local search optimization is a cornerstone for small businesses. In 2024, continue to set goals to optimize your Google My Business profile, incorporate location-based keywords in your website content, and encourage customer reviews. A strong local SEO strategy ensures that your business appears prominently when potential customers in your area are searching for products or services you offer.
6. Optimize for Voice Search
Goal: Adapt SEO strategies to capitalize on the rise of voice search.
With the proliferation of voice-activated devices, optimizing for voice search is essential. Queries entered via typing often adopt a minimalist approach, employing the fewest words necessary, for instance, “best med spa Calgary.” However, in the realm of voice search, users anticipate a more conversational interaction, posing grammatically correct questions like “which is the best med spa in Calgary?”
To optimize for voice search rankings, it’s essential to construct a response that sounds natural, creating an impression that a genuine person comprehended and addressed the inquiry.
For 2024, set goals to research and integrate voice search keywords and create more conversational forward content. This proactive approach will help your local business maintain visibility in search engine local results.
7. Video Marketing Dominance
Goal: Develop a comprehensive video marketing strategy to engage and captivate your audience.
Video content continues to be a dominant force in digital marketing in 2023. According to Statistica, digital video advertising spending is expected to reach $120 billion in 2024.
Set goals to create high-quality, engaging videos across platforms, incorporating live streaming, interactive content, and short-form videos. Video marketing not only boosts engagement but also enhances your brand’s storytelling capabilities.
8. Invest in Paid Advertising Smartly
Goal: Reach local audiences effectively.
While organic strategies are vital, paid advertising can provide a significant boost. Set goals to identify the most effective channels for your business, whether it’s Google Ads, Facebook Ads, or other platforms. Target your ads specifically to local demographics, increasing the chances of reaching potential customers in your area.
Let’s look at the predicted advertising trends for 2024 from Google. With the transition away from third-party cookies in the second half of 2024, advertisers will need to rely on first-party data. One way to do this is through Google’s Performance Max’s new customer acquisition goal with its online and offline customer match data.
9. SMS Marketing for Direct Engagement
Goal: Implement a targeted SMS marketing strategy to connect directly with local customers.
In 2024, SMS marketing continues to be a powerful tool for direct communication. According to Statistica, the market size for SMS marketing spending is expected to double in 2024. In terms of customer behaviour, 9/10 customers will read a text message within the first 3 minutes.
Set goals to build a permission-based SMS subscriber list, craft engaging and relevant messages, and schedule strategic SMS campaigns. Use SMS to share exclusive promotions, event invitations, and time-sensitive offers, fostering a direct and immediate connection with your local audience. By incorporating SMS marketing into your strategy, you can enhance customer engagement and drive conversions through personalized and timely communication.
Local digital marketing goals in 2024
As we embark on a new year in digital marketing, setting strategic and forward-thinking goals is essential for staying competitive and achieving success. Embrace technological advancements, prioritize customer experience, and adapt to evolving trends to ensure your brand not only survives but thrives in the dynamic digital landscape of 2024.
Want to set your course for success in 2024? Book a call with one of our marketing experts to set your marketing goals and grow your local business sustainability with an overall improved online presence.
Rachel Solway is a seasoned marketing professional dedicated to empowering small businesses through innovative marketing strategies. With extensive experience at OneLocal, a leading marketing solutions provider, Rachel’s insights are helping thousands of local businesses navigate the digital landscape.
