Welcome to the special year-end edition of our Digital Marketing Updates and News for December 2024! 💌🎉
From Google’s most popular searches of 2024 to Pinterest’s trend forecasts for 2025, we’re bringing you the insights that matter.
Plus, there’s big news from Apple—they’re bringing ChatGPT capabilities to Siri, which could change how we think about voice-driven marketing. Are you ready to see how this might transform your marketing strategy?
Remember when we mentioned TikTok Shop was coming to Spain last month? Well, it’s here, and it’s already changing how people shop while scrolling through their favourite content.
Here’s what we’re covering in this special edition:
- Search Marketing Updates: Discover the top searches of 2024 and how Siri’s integration is shaking up the landscape.
- Martech Updates: From Shopify’s new merchant tools to Google’s powerful Gemini update, learn how technology is enabling smarter workflows.
- Social Media Updates: Explore Pinterest’s bold predictions for 2025 and the game-changing launch of TikTok Shop in Spain.
- About Frizbit: Have a look at our biggest highlights of the year and what’s in store for 2025.
Let’s dive into this month’s digital marketing updates!
Search Marketing Updates
1. Siri gets smarter with ChatGPT in iOS 18.2
Apple’s latest iOS update brings something interesting: ChatGPT integration with Siri. This means users can now do more with voice commands—from writing messages to setting reminders and searching online, all using natural conversation.
But there’s a catch—it needs more of your personal data to work well, including voice recordings.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it? It’s quite like the steps needed for iOS web push notifications.
While Apple says your data is safe, it’s worth knowing what you’re sharing when you turn this feature on.
What this means for users and marketers
The new Siri is much better at understanding natural conversation. Users can now speak to their devices as they would to a person, making the whole experience more comfortable and efficient. Have you noticed how frustrated people get when they have to repeat commands to their devices? That should happen less often now.
Privacy is a hot topic with this update. Users will need to share more of their data, including voice recordings and usage patterns, for the feature to work properly.
It reminds us of the permission steps needed to activate web push notifications in iOS — users need to actively opt in to get the full benefits.
For digital marketing professionals, this update signals a major shift. Voice search is becoming increasingly important, and we need to adapt our strategies accordingly. When people search by voice, they use different language than when they type. They ask questions and use longer, more conversational phrases.
Practical advice for marketers
Start by reviewing your content strategy. Look for opportunities to include natural, conversational phrases in your copy. Think about how people might ask about your products or services when speaking rather than typing.
Consider creating content that directly answers common questions. If someone asks Siri about your industry, you want your content to be the answer they receive. Focus on local SEO too — voice searches often include phrases like “near me” or “in [location].”
Most importantly, keep an eye on your analytics. Watch for changes in search patterns as more people start using this feature. You might notice new keywords and phrases popping up that you hadn’t considered before.
How to set up ChatGPT with Siri
If you want to try this new feature on iOS 18.2, here’s what to do:
- Update your iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Make sure you’re on iOS 18.2
- Turn on ChatGPT:
- Open Settings
- Find Siri & Search
- Select Enable Advanced AI Features
- Check privacy settings:
- Visit Privacy > Analytics & Improvements
- Review and adjust data sharing options
- Start using it:
- Try saying “Hey Siri, write a message using ChatGPT”
- Or “Hey Siri, find good restaurants nearby”
2. Google’s most searched topics in 2024
Key highlights:
- Sports events dominated global searches
- U.S. elections and climate events led news searches
- Gaming and lifestyle trends show shift towards digital connection
- Entertainment searches mix established stars with fresh faces
What were we all googling in 2024? Google’s Year in Search report gives us a fascinating glimpse into the topics that captured our attention. Ready to see what kept everyone clicking?
Sports took centre stage globally, with the Copa América leading the pack, followed by the UEFA European Championship and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. It’s clear that major sporting events still have the power to unite global audiences.
In the news category, the U.S. presidential election dominated worldwide interest. Climate concerns were evident too, with searches about excessive heat and Hurricane Milton ranking high in global news events.
Entertainment got interesting in 2024:
- Katt Williams topped actor searches globally
- Inside Out 2 led movie searches
- Rising stars like Ella Purnell caught everyone’s attention
Digital culture showed some surprises:
- The New York Times games dominated gaming searches
- Connections and Strands became daily obsessions
- Only one traditional video game (Palworld) made the top 5
Lifestyle trends worth noting:
- ‘Mob wife aesthetic’ emerged as a surprising trend
- Food searches went global with Olympic chocolate muffins
- Tanghulu (traditional Chinese treat) went viral
What does this tell marketers? The data shows people are craving:
- Connection through shared experiences (sports, games)
- Authentic content (rising stars, real food)
- Comfort and entertainment (familiar franchises, accessible games)
Location trends reveal interesting patterns:
- Madison Square Garden topped stadium searches
- The Las Vegas Sphere became 2024’s must-see attraction
- New York venues dominated the most-searched list
Music showed nostalgic tendencies:
- “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone got stuck in everyone’s head
- Classic tunes like “Crazy Frog” made surprising comebacks
- Sea shanties (yes, really!) stayed popular with “Wellerman”
Tips for digital marketers:
- Tap into shared moments:
- Use major sporting events for timely content
- Connect with viral trends while they’re hot
- Create content around popular games and activities
- Focus on authenticity:
- Highlight real people and stories
- Share behind-the-scenes content
- Embrace emerging trends authentically
- Think accessibility:
- Make content easy to engage with
- Consider browser-based experiences
- Don’t forget mobile users
Martech Updates
1. Shopify launches their “Boring Edition” update
Sometimes boring is brilliant. Shopify’s aptly named “Boring Edition” update focuses on what really matters for digital marketing and eCommerce professionals — making your daily tasks simpler and more efficient.
Key highlights:
- Custom Checkout Editor for code-free customisation
- Enhanced analytics dashboard for better customer insights
- Improved order management system
- Streamlined inventory tracking
The star of the show is their new Custom Checkout Editor. If you’ve ever wanted to tweak your checkout page but got stuck because you don’t know coding, this is for you.
You can now drag and drop elements, change layouts, and create a branded experience that matches your store’s look and feel.
The analytics side has had a proper upgrade too. You’ll now get deeper insights into how your customers behave on your site. Ever wondered why people abandon their carts at the last minute? The new dashboard might help you spot patterns you’ve missed before.
Advice for eCommerce managers
Start by reviewing your current checkout process. Look for spots where customers might get stuck and use the new editor to smooth things out. The best part? You can test different versions to see what works best for your shoppers.
These tools work best when you use them together. For example, if your analytics show that mobile users often leave at checkout, you can use the editor to create a more mobile-friendly payment process.
2. Google Gemini brings new tools for smarter marketing
The latest update to Google’s Gemini has brought some clever features that could change how we handle digital marketing tasks. Let’s break down what this means for your daily work.
Key highlights:
- Smarter content analysis across multiple channels
- AI-powered pattern recognition for engagement metrics
- Enhanced visual content analysis tools
- Automated feedback processing capabilities
Text analysis has got much smarter. If you’re managing content for multiple channels, Gemini can now help you spot patterns in what works and what doesn’t. It’s like having a research assistant who never gets tired.
The image recognition updates are particularly interesting for social media managers. You can now better understand what kinds of visuals get the most engagement, and even get suggestions for improving your visual content strategy.
Practical ways to use these updates
Think about those repetitive tasks that eat up your time. Maybe it’s analysing campaign results or sorting through customer feedback. Gemini’s new features could help you do these jobs faster, giving you more time for creative work.
For content creators, try using the improved text analysis to understand what resonates with your audience. You might find new topics or angles you hadn’t considered before. Could this be the key to creating content that really connects with your readers?
Social Media Updates
1. TikTok Shop arrives in Spain
After months of anticipation, TikTok Shop is now live in Spain, bringing a whole new approach to social shopping. This isn’t just another section of our digital marketing updates — it’s changing how people discover and buy products while scrolling through their favourite content.
Key highlights:
- In-app purchasing directly from videos
- Live shopping events and streams
- Creator collaboration opportunities
- Built-in analytics for sellers
- Seamless mobile checkout process
The concept is brilliantly simple: you’re watching a video, spot something you like, and can buy it without leaving the app. Remember how clunky it used to be, bouncing between apps and websites just to make a purchase? Those days are gone for TikTok users in Spain.
What this means for brands
If you’re selling products, TikTok Shop opens up some exciting possibilities. You can now display products in your ads videos, but that’s just the beginning.
The early results are looking promising, especially for brands that get creative with their approach. We’re seeing particularly good engagement with live shopping events, and products featured in authentic, native content are performing better than traditional ads.
Getting started
If you’re thinking about jumping in, start by:
- Setting up your TikTok Shop account
- Choosing products that work well with video content
- Planning your content mix for ads (regular videos, live streams, creator partnerships)
- Setting clear goals and tracking metrics
Beauty, fashion, and lifestyle brands are seeing strong early adoption, but there’s room for all types of products. Could your products be the next TikTok shopping sensation?
2. Pinterest reveals what we’ll love in 2025 + Business Advice
Key highlights:
- 20 predicted trends with visual guides
- 80% prediction accuracy from previous years
- Special product drops to celebrate the launch
- New aesthetics emerging across categories
This edition of our digital marketing updates had to continue with one of the most awaited reports for 2025.
When Pinterest makes predictions, smart marketers listen. Their track record speaks for itself — with 80% of their previous predictions coming true.
This year, they’ve created a stunning mini-site showcasing 20 trends that will shape 2025. Having said this, their Pinterest Predicts 2025 is now live, let’s dive into what they’re seeing for this year.
What’s catching Pinterest users’ eyes? From ‘Cherry Coded’ fashion to ‘Sea Witchery’ vibes, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of bold self-expression. The ‘Aura Beauty’ trend suggests we’re moving towards more personalised, spiritual approaches to beauty, while ‘Rococo Revival’ hints at a return to ornate, maximalist designs.
What this means for brands:
- Visual storytelling is evolving:
- More immersive, themed content
- Stronger aesthetic focus
- Bolder, more distinctive visuals
- Consumer preferences are shifting towards:
- Personalised experiences
- Spiritual and mystical elements
- Bold, maximalist designs
- Nature-inspired themes
- Action points for marketers:
- Create content around emerging aesthetics
- Plan themed product collections
- Consider exclusive, trend-aligned launches
- Use Pinterest’s visual guides for inspiration
Frizbit Updates: Looking Back at 2024
As we wrap up another year of digital marketing news and updates, we want to share some of our favourite moments from 2024. Fancy a quick look at what we’ve been up to?
Key highlights from our year:
- Game-changing solutions for travel industry
- Exciting expansion to new markets
- New AI features with proven results
- Easier integration for Magento users
Revolutionsing New Sectors with Marketing Automation
We’ve brought our automation to airlines and travel platforms, helping turn booking abandonment into revenue. Our reach now includes telco companies too, proving that automated engagement can drive results with almost any online transaction.
New clients in 4 Continents and Counting
What a journey it’s been —quite literally. From Western Asia to Latin America, Africa to Eastern Europe — we’re now powering customer engagement across 4 continents. Adding Costa Rica, Paraguay, Azerbaijan, South Africa, and Croatia to our map shows how universal the need for better customer engagement really is, regardless of market or region.
Turning AI Into Revenue with eCommerce Product Bundles
AI isn’t just buzzwords any more — our first AI Product Bundle implementation has moved from PoC to launch, delivering >4% revenue uplift just by increasing the average basket value. Real ROI, measured in actual conversions.
Making Magento easier
Our clients asked, and we delivered. We’re all in for simpler processes and increasing revenues, so we built a Magento integration in just 1-click. A special shoutout to our tech team for making this plugin possible.
Our holiday gifts to you
We couldn’t end the year without sharing something special. We’ve created two free resources to help boost your 2025:
For eCommerce brands:
- A complete holiday marketing calendar
- Key dates for 2025
- Campaign ideas for each major shopping event
- Tips for maximising seasonal sales
For airlines and travel companies:
- A practical guide to recovering lost bookings
- Proven messaging strategies
- Timing optimisation tips
- Real-world success stories
Download your FREE blueprint here
What’s coming in 2025?
Our product roadmap is laser-focused on one metric: your revenue. Our team is already working on an AI-powered tool set to increase Average Order Value by 20%. 👀 Stay tuned!
Wrapping up 2024
What a year it’s been! We’re grateful for all our amazing clients and partners who’ve made these achievements possible. As we step into 2025, we’re excited to keep helping businesses grow and succeed in the ever-changing world of digital marketing.
Here’s to a brilliant 2025 filled with growth, success, and maybe a few pleasant surprises along the way! 🎉
Don’t miss Frizbit’s monthly blogs and explore our latest Digital Marketing Updates and News!
