INTRODUCTION

         Hello people, are you even realizing that the first month of 2025 is almost over and we are still thinking back to our life before COVID? Cool guys it’s just a phase, right? Are there any Kozhikode people out there? So, we all know that Kozhikode people are meant to be foodies, and also about the recent food trend, Squid filling? Of course, Yes. And an earlier trend, Masala Shawaya right? Every place has its unique trends. But while we’re busy exploring food trends, have we stopped thinking about another trend that’s shaping our lives? Yes, I am talking about Digital Marketing in Kerala. Which is a very important part of business. And too I admit that I was one of those who had no clue about digital marketing, all I had in my mind was food. I don’t want to be so formal saying that as a Freelance Digital Marketing Strategist in Calicut but it is okay to say as a Freelance Digital Marketing Strategist in Calicut, I would like to share that while exploring the field of digital marketing trends in 2024, the main key trends that shape:

1. Influencer marketing grows:

Influencers play the biggest role in marketing in Kerala. Locally available influencers who focus especially on food, lifestyle, travel, and fashion are helping the brands to reach the right audiences. In 2024, brands will partner with influencers to build a connection with the customer.

For example: Influencers like Shahazam, well-known as a tech vlogger and film reviewer play a role in shaping consumer decisions. Many of us rely on his recommendation before purchasing products. This shows us the power of influencing marketing in buying behaviour.

2. Using Malayalam in marketing:

Most brands create their content in Malayalam to connect with the audience.

In Kerala, most people understand Malayalam, and this helps brands to communicate more effectively and also build trust with local customers.

For example: Brands like Bhima Jewellers create a memorable tagline “Pennayal Ponnu Venam” which is deeply ingrained in our minds. This creates a strong connection with the audience making the brand instantly recognizable.

3. Selling through Social Media:

Instagram and Facebook-like platforms are not just for socializing but they become places where people can buy products directly. In 2024, businesses in Kerala used this platform to sell products directly to the customer.

For example: Brands like Nike and Tissot sell their products through social media. They are not only for direct sales but also to keep their audience engaged and inform their new collections and trends. This strategy creates a connection with the audience and helps in direct sales.

4. Short content videos:

Short videos are becoming more popular on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube platforms. In 2024, businesses in Kerala mainly focus on creating videos to tell stories, show their products, and also to engage with customers. Content videos help the customer to engage and to share.

For example: Malabar Gold & Diamonds uses short videos to showcase their recent collections, they highlight their new design, wedding collections, and special offers. This creates an effective connection with the audience and the excitement for their products

5. E-Commerce Growth:

Most of the people are shopping online. It is increasing year by year or day by day. In 2024, the business mainly focuses on continuing online sales, digital ads, and also partnerships with influencers to create traffic to the websites and boost sales.

For example: Lulu Hypermarket, the growth of their e-commerce platform purchases increased after the pandemic for more safety and convenience. Customers purchase a variety of products like groceries, electronics, home essentials, and fashion directly from a website or mobile app for online retail prices.

6. AI changing marketing:

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a game-changing digital marketing business in Kerala. AI tools have are allowing business to deliver customized experiences, optimize content strategies, and analyse data in depth. From chatbots, customers can customize answers to questions, and this can analyse customer behaviour. AI is making the market more effective and personalized.

For example: An E-commerce platform like Lulu Hypermarket, uses AI chatbots on websites and other social media platforms to answer customer queries to track orders, offers, and order recommendations. This is an example of chatbots for customer support. Another example of personalized recommendation is that brands like Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Bhima Jewellery, or any fashion brands use AI recommendation engines to suggest customer browsing products based on their history, and past purchases. This improves customer sales by offering customized shopping experiences. The other example is that small business use tools like ChatGPT, Canva, and Jasper AI to create blog content, social media captions, and ad copies. AI helps brands create high-quality, engaging content and target the right audience more effectively.

7. Voice search optimization:

With the voice rise assistants like Alexa, Siri, and other Google assistants in Kerala are optimising their digital marketing content by using voice search. Customers use voice commands to search local services, restaurants, and shops.

For example: a customer uses voice search for queries like  “best veg shop near me” or “Where can I buy gold jewellery in Calicut”, they achieve this by providing up-to-date pricing information, blog content, location details, and reviews both on their and websites voice search result. This drives more customers.

CONCLUSION

          Digital marketing in Kerala changing rapidly. And the people in Kerala are more adapting and following the trends like I said earlier people move with new trends with a flow and more importantly we have to be updated with the latest trends. Digital marketing is growing day by day and all businesses stay up with the trends which maintain a strong competitive edge. From AI tools and regional content to influencer marketing, embracing these trends helps brands connect and have a good relationship with the audience or the customers. As more people go digital, isn’t an advantage- it’s a must. Our future is all about digital, and Kerala’s businesses are all set to make the most of it.