2024 Digital Trends (Part 2)

2. Cyber Security

In today’s world of interconnectedness, cybersecurity is no longer just an optional feature but a necessity. If you’re running a business that relies on online operations, it’s essential to prioritize cybersecurity and not compromise in this area.

Cybercriminals often target small businesses because they lack knowledge or budget for cybersecurity. By keeping software up-to-date, enforcing strong password policies, educating employees about phishing, regularly backing up and encrypting data, and partnering with a trustworthy IT support provider, small businesses can strengthen their cybersecurity defences and protect their valuable digital assets.

3. Voice Search

It is predicted that by 2024, there will be 8 billion voice-enabled digital assistants, making voice search an important marketing asset for businesses. Here are a few ways to utilise it.

Localised Voice Search

This is a boon for local small businesses. As users turn to voice search for quick, local solutions, optimising for Voice can drive footfall and increase visibility.

Affordable Customer Interaction

Setting up voice search capabilities or voice-activated tools can be more cost-effective than developing full-fledged apps or software.

Prevalence of Voice Commands

With Amazon Alexa and OK Google, you no longer need to check your phone for information. Use voice commands to get updates about your daily schedule, the latest news, and weather conditions – this makes staying informed and organised throughout the day easy and convenient.

Platforms like Google Docs are capitalising on this with features like Voice Typing under the tools menu.

The increasing shift towards dictation and voice commands will redefine how content is created and consumed.?

4. Social Media Trends

If you’re worried about what the future of social media may bring, don’t be. To help you adjust your social media strategy, here are some reliable predictions for social media trends in 2024.

WhatsApp Updates

• Business channels

More than just a messaging platform, WhatsApp is evolving to accommodate channels, offering new ways for businesses to communicate and engage with their target audience.

• Access two accounts per device

If you have a personal WhatsApp account and a business one, you no longer have to carry two phones to access them. WhatsApp will soon let you add two accounts to one device if you have a second phone number or one that supports eSIM or dual/multiple SIMs.

You won’t need to log out of one account to access the other. To access both simultaneously, go to the app’s Settings page and click the arrow next to your name to find the “Add account” option.

Each account has its privacy and notification settings so that you can receive alerts from one account, not the other. This feature is ideal for keeping your private and work communications separate.

Social Audio

Platforms like Facebook Rooms and Twitter Spaces are pioneering the social audio trend, enabling real-time voice-based group chats. Small businesses can use these features to talk about their unique services, answer Q&As, or simply get to know their followers better.

Nano Influencers

While mega influencers have had their time in the spotlight, 2024 will see the rise of nano influencers – individuals with more minor but highly engaged followings who can offer a more authentic connection.

Social Commerce

The fusion of social media and e-commerce continues to gain traction. Consumers increasingly shop directly through social media platforms, making it a valuable business sales channel.

Ephemeral Content

Stories and short-lived posts are becoming the norm, catering to the modern user’s fleeting attention span and desire for real-time updates.

LinkedIn will no longer be just about jobs

LinkedIn has evolved beyond its initial purpose of posting and finding jobs or venting about job-related issues.

Nowadays, users share more personal experiences and insights, such as managing multiple tasks, coping with mental health challenges, and staying motivated.

This sharing of personal content on LinkedIn began during the pandemic and is likely to continue. However, whether the platform’s algorithm prefers individual posts over professional ones is not certain.

The key to succeeding on LinkedIn in 2024 is to strike a balance between creating authentic and personal content while maintaining a professional image.

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