By Erin Batson, Digital Marketing Specialist
Now that we are halfway through the year, some of us might wonder what Social Media trends for business are actually here to stay. Staying relevant on Social is difficult, especially if you are not immersed in that world 24/7. Some trends are fleeting, but some are here to stay.
Here are some of the Social Media trends that you don’t want to ignore in 2023:
● Video Content Dominance: Video content will continue to be a significant trend, with platforms like TikTok and YouTube leading the way. Short-form videos, live streaming, and interactive video formats are expected to gain more prominence. Emphasis on the short here. An average run time of 10 seconds works best.
● Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences: AR features, such as filters, lenses, and immersive experiences, will become more prevalent across social media platforms. These features enhance user engagement and provide interactive ways for brands and users to connect. Already have users on their mobiles? AR apps are rising in popularity and can be an easy addition for the cellphone crowd.
● Influencer Marketing Evolution: Influencer marketing will continue to evolve, but with a shift towards authenticity and micro-influencers. Brands will focus on building long-term relationships with influencers who genuinely align with their values and target audience. Micro-influencers are the perfect solutions for bringing authenticity to your product or service. More and more, people rely on reviews and positive feedback to make the decision to purchase.
● Social Commerce Expansion: Social media platforms will continue to integrate shopping features, enabling users to make purchases without leaving the app. The rise of social commerce will blur the lines between social media and e-commerce. If you already have an online storefront, expanding to Social Commerce can be easy. Website integrations on many platforms can be linked for you so there is no need to add items one by one. As popularity grows, we will see more and more purchases on Social Media.
● Short-form and Ephemeral Content: The popularity of ephemeral content, pioneered by Snapchat and adopted by Instagram Stories, will likely continue. Platforms may introduce new creative tools and interactive elements to keep users engaged. Disappearing content adds urgency to your message, be it a limited edition item or a one day sale. Users may feel more connected, or in-on-the-deal when they experience this
kind of content.
● User-Generated Content (UGC): UGC will remain influential as it fosters authenticity and builds a sense of community. Brands will continue to encourage users to create and share content, leveraging hashtags and challenges to drive engagement. Again, truly organic content helps build your brand. So when customers hear from other customers, they are more likely to complete a purchase.
● AI-Powered Customer Support: Social media platforms will increasingly use AI and chatbots to improve customer support experiences. Automated replies, smart suggestions, and chatbot interactions will become more prevalent, providing quicker and more efficient assistance. Many platforms offer custom chat bots to add to your site. This filters out any easy to answer questions and helps gain access to your customer in
real-time.
● Social Impact and Advocacy: Users and brands are placing more importance on social and environmental issues. Brands that authentically support causes and champion social responsibility will likely gain traction and engage their audience effectively. Authenticity means posting relevant content in relation to said advocacy. Stating that you are an ally out of the blue, for example, may rub some people the wrong way. However, donating proceeds to a charity you respect and posting about it, could get you more followers, and more donations to your charity.
Closing Thoughts
Remember that these trends are subject to change as new technologies and user preferences emerge. It’s essential to stay updated and adapt your social media strategies accordingly. Try not to fall for the latest trend without thinking about your end goal. Getting people to watch your latest TikTok for example might gain you followers, but will it bring them to checkout? Running a sale through Instagram Reels is great for awareness, but if your social commerce is not set up, you might be missing out on potential customers. If you find that you’re still confused or overwhelmed by Social Media Marketing let us know!