9 Things I Learned in 2024 About Marketing and Life

As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve taken a moment to reflect on some of the most valuable lessons I’ve gained this year—from my work in marketing, my time at Strive Creatives, involvement in communities, and my personal growth. This year has been transformative, full of emerging trends, grreat challenges, and insights that have reshaped how I approach both life and work.

Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or someone seeking inspiration on your next step, I’m excited to share these lessons with you. If they resonate, let’s end the year stronger together.

1. Focus on Community Over Campaigns
In 2024, it became clear that building strong communities is far more impactful than running one-off marketing campaigns. People are drawn to brands and individuals who listen, engage, and genuinely support them. A great example is how the banking industry in Kenya is leveraging social media to build and engage their communities for their target audiences, turning customers into loyal advocates.

Takeaway: Focus on building trust and fostering long-term engagement and relationships instead of chasing short-term wins.

2. AI Is a Creative Ally, Not a Replacement (But Don’t Ignore It)
AI has revolutionized how we work—making content creation, data analysis, and brainstorming faster and smarter. Yet, the human touch remains irreplaceable. The best results come from pairing AI with creativity in your art. By using tools like ChatGPT or MidJourney, you can amplify your efforts while keeping your voice authentic and relatable as a brand.

Takeaway: Explore AI tools relevant to your field and use them as an asset, not a substitute for your creativity.

3. Personal Branding Will Make You Win
Authenticity matters. 
In 2024, individuals became the face of successful brands. Think of global icons like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk who made massive moves. And in Africa - African entrepreneurs are stepping into the spotlight, proving that personal stories, values, and relatability connect more deeply with audiences than corporate marketing ever could. A good example is Vusi Thembakwayo who has scaled businesses through his voice and image.

Takeaway: Invest in building your personal brand. Your story is your greatest asset.

4. Short-Form Content Is the Future????
With shrinking attention spans, platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts ruled 2024. If you can’t grab your audience’s attention in the first 5 seconds, you’ll lose them. The key is to craft compelling content with strong hooks and deliver value quickly.

Takeaway: Create engaging content that hooks your audience immediately, and that which is valuable and relatable.

5. Sustainability Sells
Consumers now care deeply about sustainability, rewarding brands that integrate environmental responsibility into their actions and messaging. Industries like Agribusiness are leading the way, and even fintech is pivoting toward sustainability-driven models.

Takeaway: Align your business with sustainable practices—not just as a trend, but as a genuine commitment.

6. Collaboration Beats Competition
In 2024, partnerships proved to be game-changers. Whether it’s working with influencers, other brands, or even colleagues.
Collaboration allowed businesses to reach wider audiences and share resources effectively. This approach consistently outperformed solo efforts.????????

Takeaway: Seek partnerships that create mutual value rather than trying to compete.

7. Emotion Drives Action
People don’t buy products—they buy feelings. The most successful campaigns this year were the ones that made people laugh????, cry, or feel inspired. Emotional storytelling outperformed generic or overly logical messaging.

Takeaway: Use storytelling to create an emotional connection that resonates with your audience.

8. focus on Educating Your Audience, Don’t Sell
The most successful brands of 2024 prioritized educating their audiences over direct selling. Sharing valuable insights upfront not only builds trust but also turns customers into loyal advocates. This shift in mindset helped brands stand out in an oversaturated market.

Takeaway: Shift your messaging from “What can I sell you?” to “How can I help you?”
And we are glad to have you in our community!????????

9. Adaptation Is Key
The pace of change in 2024 has been relentless—from new platforms to evolving audience needs. The ability to stay curious, flexible, and open to change was the defining factor for success this year. Strategies were never long term as before.

Takeaway: Be ready to pivot and embrace change. The only constant in marketing and life is adaptation.

2024 has been a year of growth, experimentation, and meaningful lessons. If there’s one overarching takeaway, it’s this: people crave connection, authenticity, and value. Whether through marketing or personal growth, staying aligned with these principles will always lead to success and I just want to see you win.

As we look toward 2025, let’s continue to embrace change, seek collaboration, and be open to share our insights or seek knowledge.

Is there one lesson you’ve learned this year that has shaped you? Keep the conversation going!

Credits: Moses Were