What Will the SAG-AFTRA WGA Strikes of 2023 Mean for Small Businesses in 2024?

The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes of 2023 have cast a shadow over Hollywood, and as a small business owner, it's crucial to understand how this will impact your marketing strategies in 2024. In this blog, I'll break down the implications of these strikes and how you can leverage the changing entertainment landscape to boost your brand.

The Prolonged Strikes and Their Fallout

Last year, the WGA strike spanned a staggering 148 days, while the SAG-AFTRA strike persisted for 118 days. These prolonged strikes have caused significant delays in the production pipeline. With delays in scriptwriting, acting agreements, and overall production coordination, the entertainment industry is facing a drought in quality content for the latter part of 2024.

Opportunity Amidst the Entertainment Desert

While Hollywood grapples with production challenges, a unique opportunity arises for small business owners. Consumers, hungry for entertaining content, will be actively seeking alternatives beyond the major studios. This presents a golden opportunity for savvy small business owners who are already positioning themselves with engaging and impactful content.

Seize the Moment: Tips for Small Business Owners

1. Start Testing Your Content Now

Start honing your video-making and entertainment skills. Test various formats, understand what resonates with your audience, and refine your approach based on engagement metrics.

2. Build a Content Library

Create a backlog of content that users can binge on once they discover your brand. A library of engaging content becomes a powerful tool to captivate and retain your audience.

3. Diversify Content Types

While video content is impactful, diversify your approach. Consider incorporating games, wordles, puzzles, or even scavenger hunts into your social media content. Explore avenues beyond video to keep your audience entertained.

4. Craft Engaging Hooks

Ensure your content has compelling hooks that draw viewers in from the start. The initial moments are crucial in capturing attention and retaining interest.

5. Stay Informed About Trends

Regularly check search engine trends to understand what users are searching for. Stay ahead of the curve to position your content where people are actively looking, enhancing your brand's discoverability.

Act Now for Future Success

As Hollywood experiences an entertainment desert, small business owners can thrive by becoming alternative content hubs. This presents a unique opportunity for small businesses to step into the spotlight. By investing in entertaining content now, diversifying your content offerings, and staying attuned to audience preferences, you can not only weather the entertainment desert but also thrive.


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