Part 1. The New Era of Online Business in 2024.
How Online Marketing is the Backbone of Success
Hi there, business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs!
Whether you’re starting a brand-new venture or scaling an existing one, one thing is crystal clear: the rules of the game have definitely changed, and online marketing is believe it or not at the heart of it all.
You’ve probably noticed how fast things are moving, right? Between AI-driven tools, changing consumer behaviors thanks to the global spread of mobile phones, and the rise of new platforms are reshaping how businesses connect with their audience. And trust me, the opportunities are HUGE for those who are quick on their feet!
Let’s talk about why building an online business in 2024 means prioritizing online marketing and what you should be focusing on to stay ahead in a second.
The AI Revolution in Marketing
First things first—AI.
Everyone’s talking about it, and for good reason. AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s shaping the future of marketing in ways we couldn’t even imagine only 3 years ago. Take platforms like ChatGPT (which you’ve probably heard of, right?) or HighLevel, which we use here at THE 9 KEYS. These tools allow you to automate customer interactions, personalize marketing efforts, and optimize ad spend more efficiently than ever before.
So, why does AI matter for building an online business ?
Because in 2024, everything is about scale and personalization. You want your customers to feel like they’re getting a tailored experience, whether you’re running an e-commerce store or offering consulting services. With AI, you can analyze mountains of data (that’s right, big data as they call it) and use it to offer personalized recommendations, anticipate customer needs, and adjust your strategies in real-time. Just that!
2. Personalization: The Key to Your Customers’ Hearts
Speaking of personalization, this isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential!
Gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all marketing approach worked. Your customers expect experiences tailored to their preferences, whether it’s a personalized email sequence, targeted social media ads, or product recommendations.
Here’s an example: You know those ads that seem to pop up for something you were just thinking about? That’s not magic (although it can feel like it). That’s called AI-driven personalization at work 🙂 Platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Google to name only a few use algorithms that track user behavior and serve up content that’s more likely to resonate with them.
In 2024, if your marketing strategy isn’t personalized, it’s simply dead in the water.
You want your customers to feel like you’re speaking directly to them, and with the right tools, you can do this at scale. It’s all about creating meaningful connections that lead to conversions.
3. The Dominance of Video Content
Now, let’s talk about video content. If you’re still thinking of video as optional, it may be the right time to wake up.
Video is THE dominant form of content online. In 2024, social platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels are driving massive engagement, with millions of users consuming video content daily. And get this—YouTube alone is projected to have over 2.7 billion users (!!!) by the end of this year.
The reason video works so well is simple: it’s engaging, it’s visual, and it simply builds trust.
Think about it—how do you connect with someone you’ve never met in person? Video! Your audience wants to see your face, hear your voice, and get a sense of who you are. This is especially important for small businesses and entrepreneurs because it very naturally humanizes your brand and fosters trust.
I can’t stress this enough—if you’re not incorporating video into your online marketing strategy today, you’re missing out on a massive opportunity to connect with your audience. Even something as simple as a short video introducing your product or service can make a huge difference (check out one of our Intro videos below to get some inspiration).
And you don’t need to overthink it either as you don’t need to be a pro to start. Grab your phone, hit record, and just be yourself - it will already take you a long way!
A well-crafted video can significantly boost your brand's online exposure, whether through organic traffic, paid advertising, or a combination of both, depending on your budget! What did you think of ours?
4. Ethical Marketing: Gaining Trust in the Digital Age
Next - Let’s pivot to something that’s equally important but often overlooked — ethical marketing.
In today’s digital world, consumers are more conscious than ever about the brands they support. They care about their values, their transparency, and whether they’re genuinely contributing to a better world. And guess what? So do the algorithms on all social platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to name only a few.
Ethical marketing is not just about doing good; it’s about gaining trust. And in 2024, trust is the most valuable currency you can have. If your audience doesn’t trust you, it doesn’t matter how slick your ads are or how optimized your SEO is—they won’t convert. Brands that are transparent, authentic, and committed to social responsibility will win in the long run.
Here’s a real-life example from my business. We’ve always prioritized transparency in our marketing at THE 9 KEYS, and it’s paid off. By being upfront about who we are, what we do, and why we do it, we’ve already started to build a small but loyal customer base that not only buys from us but also often refers us to others.
So, take the time to build trust with your audience. It’s not just the right thing to do; it’s also about doing smart business.
The Power of Online Reputation & Reviews
Ex. of online reviews of one of our key partner products (HighLevel, an All-in-1 AI-powered CRM tool for all businesses)
5. The Power of Case Studies: Putting AI and Marketing to Work
Alright, let me share a quick case study from 2024 that really brings home the power of AI and ethical marketing in action.
Earlier this year, we ran a short-lived test campaign for HighLevel, the all-in-one CRM software we truly swear by here at THE 9 KEYS. We used AI to improve our content (for text and images), personalize our email marketing campaign with hooking headlines, and even automated responses to common customer inquiries through one of the tens of already-built automated workflows available in HighLevel.
An example of one of the many automated workflows/sequences we use in our marketing (in HighLevel)
Another example showcasing a few of the many automated workflows/sequences available in our HighLevel profile, which are part of the $2,000+ bonuses offered to those who choose to become our affiliate.
If you are interested to learn how we do it, feel free to click on the button below or book a free demo with us so that we can demonstrate why we swear by this astonishing software.
Takeaways and Final Thoughts.
So, what’s the takeaway from all of this?
If you’re serious about building an online business in 2024, you need to prioritize online marketing. Full stop.
From AI and personalization to video content and ethical practices, these are the pillars that will support your growth.
Here’s a question for you to ponder: Are you ready to grasp the full potential of online marketing ? Because 2024 is shaping up to be a truly pivotal year, and if you’re quick to adapt, there’s honestly no limit to what you can achieve.
If you’re curious about how AI tools like HighLevel can help you, make sure to check some of the links above (not below? :)).
We hope you enjoyed the read and we look forward to seeing you in our next post!
