Insightful Trends Backed by Data:

1. AI & Personalization are Game-Changers
   
   • About 60% of businesses are already using AI in marketing workflows SeoProfy.
     
   • Marketing professionals automate tasks and workflows using AI (43%)—and same share see AI as essential for social media strategies Digital Marketing Institute.
     
   • Experts urge combining AI-driven personalization with empathy and creative strategy for genuine engagement El PaísElHuffPost.
     
2. By 2026, Programmatic Dominates
   
   • Programmatic advertising is expected to account for 87% of digital ad revenue by 2026 DemandSageLoopex Digital.
     
3. Social Media Remains Powerful—but ROI Is Tricky
   
   • 81% of consumers make spontaneous purchases due to social media; 13% overall—and up to 50% of Gen Z—shop directly via apps Sprout Social.
     
   • Yet, only 30% of marketers feel confident measuring social media ROI—even though 65% of leaders expect direct business outcomes from it Sprout Social.
     
4. Creative Strategy Still Reigns Despite AI Fears
   
   • Concerns are rising that automation might stifle creativity. Agencies are witnessing shifts in team structures and job security The Guardian.
     
   • But the message resonates clear: creativity remains distinctly human—even in an AI-powered world.
     

Strategic Advice for Your Clients:

• Adopt AI strategically—use it for personalization, content automation, and efficiency but keep human-led strategy and ethical standards at the core.
  
• Build programmatic into your media mix now to stay ahead of the curve.
  
• Equip social campaigns with better attribution tools—to connect ROI dots and justify spend.
  
• Champion creative strategy—ensure campaigns remain emotionally resonant, not just algorithmically optimized.
  

Summary Table