What you need to know – December 9, 2024 Update

Hello everyone. Happy Monday! Welcome back to our lovingly curated list of the best digital marketing and business news. This will be the last update for us this year. But we’ll be back at it in the new year to keep you updated on the key stories and advice that we think you need to know about.

Today’s update is full of advice for 2025 so lets get into it…

The Death of Google?

Lately, marketers have been hearing a lot of news about the potential demise of Google and what will happen with online advertising as AI continues to evolve. But, OpenAI has decided (for now) to prioritize user experience over advertising revenue and many will follow their lead. While this ad-free approach might seem like a disadvantage for traditional search engines that rely heavily on advertising revenue, it presents a unique opportunity for ChatGPT to build a loyal user base and challenge the status quo.

Google isn’t going anywhere yet. But as AI-powered search engines gain traction, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest trends and explore innovative strategies to reach your target audience in 2025. By focusing on creating high-quality content, building strong brand relationships, and embracing emerging technologies, you can navigate this changing landscape and ensure your business remains competitive. Learn more here.

Google’s Vision for the Future of Search: Since we’re talking about Google… Google’s CEO has shared his vision for the future of search, emphasizing the importance of AI and personalized experiences. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see more sophisticated search tools and more relevant results. Search Engine Journal

Marketing in the Age of AI: Robots Are Here to Help (Not Replace You) Feeling overwhelmed by the world of marketing? Don’t worry, AI can be here to be your assistant! From crafting personalized recommendations to analyzing data, AI can help you understand your customers better and create more effective marketing campaigns. HubSpot Blog

HubSpot Blog Covers AI in Marketing (Again): Explore how AI can be used for tasks like content creation and ad targeting. It seems the future of marketing may involve a human-AI partnership. HubSpot Blog

The Rise of the Micro-Communities: The future of marketing will likely involve micro-communities. Explore the growing trend of smaller, hyper-focused online communities. Understanding these niche groups can help you tailor your message and build stronger connections with your target audience. Search Engine Journal

YouTube’s Top Trends for 2024: From short-form content to AI-powered features, YouTube is evolving rapidly. Get ready to adapt and thrive! Social Media Today

Short-Form Video: From TikTok to YouTube Shorts to Instagram Reels, short videos are a powerful way to capture your audience’s attention and drive engagement. Take some time to review these tips and strategies for creating effective short-form video content. Search Engine Land

B2B Marketing in 2025: B2B marketers, get ready for a future filled with AI, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. Dive into these predictions for B2B marketing in 2025 that highlight the importance of building strong customer relationships and delivering exceptional experiences. MarketingProfs

The Power of Image Metadata: Don’t underestimate the power of image metadata these days. Learn how optimizing your image alt text and titles can improve your search engine rankings. By adding relevant keywords and descriptions, you can make your images more discoverable to search engines. Search Engine Journal

The Foundation of a Strong Online Presence: We mentioned metadata… technical SEO can still be the backbone of a successful website. This article covers essential technical SEO best practices, including site speed optimization, mobile-friendliness, and proper XML sitemap implementation. Search Engine Land

AI Content Threats: As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, many marketers are wondering whether it poses a threat to quality and results. Explore the pros and cons of AI content and these tips for using it effectively. SEMrush

HubSpot’s Growth Secrets: Want to get inspired to grow in 2025? Discover the strategies behind HubSpot’s incredible growth. Check out these valuable insights from HubSpot’s Senior Director of Global Growth, including the importance of building a strong brand, creating high-quality content, and leveraging data-driven decision-making. HubSpot Blog