It’s time to talk about the elephant in the room and a topic I feel we don’t often discuss: the things we’re leaving behind in our 2024 visual marketing strategies.

Here’s the thing—it’s 2024, babes. And in a world where trends come and go faster than you can say “Reesa Teesa,” it’s easy to get caught up in the hype and lose sight of the things that are *actually* going to move the needle for you in your business.

But first—(you know I’m queen of a reflection script)—let’s take a moment to explore the marketing tactics that we’re bidding farewell to in 2024 and focus on the actually helpful approaches that will help us connect with our audience on a deeper level.

Because sometimes, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.

What We’re NOT Doing in 2024—A Non-Exhaustive List

… and by we, I mean, definitely both of us. But honestly, these are things I’ve been “walking the walk” on since I started my business in 2020, so if I’m being honest, it’s mostly for you <3 love you, mean it!

We’re No Longer: Settling for generic, lame stock photos that don’t reflect our unique brand identities.

Let’s face it, we’ve all been guilty of slapping a generic stock photo on our content and calling it a day. (And sometimes, it’s necessary. Just look at my blog and you’ll see I use them too!)

But in 2024, our audiences crave personality, and nothing screams “boring” like a cheesy stock image that’s been used by countless other businesses. It’s like showing up to an audition with the same song everyone else has – awkward and forgettable.

This year, we’re making a commitment to invest in visuals that truly reflect our brand’s personality and values. Whether it’s through custom, creatively thought out brand photography or illustrations, we’re going to ensure that every single image we use tells a unique story about OUR BUSINESS and actually resonates.

(And if you need help figuring out how to plan a brand photoshoot, I’ve got just the resource for you!)

We’re No Longer: Hiding behind a logo or a faceless website instead of showing the face behind the brand.

I know, you’re rolling your eyes because every singular person on the planet is talking about this right now. But joke’s on you, because I’ve been talking about this since 2020—and everyone thought I was nuts.

This isn’t just a trend for me. This is a core value of my brand.

Think about it—when you meet someone face-to-face, you form a deeper connection than you would through a screen. The same goes for your brand. By showcasing the person behind your business, you create a sense of trust and relatability that can’t be achieved through a logo alone.

Share your story, your struggles, and your triumphs. Let your audience see the passion and dedication that drives you and I promise you’ll make sales. (And if you need help with this, then I’m deffffffinitely the designer for you.)

We’re No Longer: Devaluing the power of high-quality creative direction.

I hate to sound alarmist, but the online creative space has become EXTREMELY competitive. That, plus inflation (causing customers to be muuuuuuch pickier and choosier about where they spend their money) has made this whole ~business~ thing a lot harder to do.

Gone are the days when you could get away with mediocre visuals and still make an impact. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say it has become the bare minimum. If your brand’s visuals don’t immediately capture attention and communicate your unique vibe as a person, your ideal clients will simply move on to one of the other 8900920384+ options out there.

That’s why, in 2024, we’re making high-quality creative direction a top priority. We’re investing in the best designers, photographers, and artists we can afford to create visuals that don’t just blend in with the noise—they rise above it.

So, regardless if we’re DIY-ing or hiring out for design, we’re putting “craft a stunning visual identity” at the top of our 2024 visual marketing to-do list. (Need more guidance on this? Check out my blog!)

2024 Visual Marketing—AKA Creative, High-Quality, and Competitive

We’re embracing the power of human connection, investing in high-quality creative direction, and daring to be different in a sea of eye-roll-worthy sameness. It’s not always easy, and it requires a willingness to take risks and think outside the box. But when we do, the rewards are immeasurable.

LOVE YOU MEAN IT!