Social media is here to stay. Not only that, if we have learned anything, its importance to the average person has also increased. Five Social Media marketing trends you need to know for 2021.
It's where we are entertained, inspired, and even get our news, with 62% of people primarily getting these online.
But for a business to capitalize on social media marketing, they have to put in the work. Yearly adaptations to platform algorithms and changes in the habits of visitors mean that it is almost impossible to use the same tactics you used the year before.
If you want to know how to unlock what will work for 2021, have no fear! We have put together an overview of the leading social media trends so that you can put them to use for your business today.
1. Live Video
People are more used to being in front of a camera than ever before. This comfort has seeped into our consumer habits, with live video expected to account for 82% of internet traffic in 2022! A year of Zoom, Teams, and Skype is for work, family, and friends.
So why the upsurge in popularity?
When personalities are brands themselves, getting all access is ten times more appealing to people. Livestream reports that 82% of people prefer to watch a live video than read a blog.
So what does this mean for social media marketing? Astute brands like Royal Caribbean, Nestle, and Kohl's are already using influencers connected to their brands to do takeovers, AMA's, and other promotional work. We can only see this increasing over the year.
2. User-Generated Content
Unless you live under a rock, you already have noticed brands using this social media marketing strategy. And there is a simple reason why.
It works.
Not only that, it works amazingly. Anyone working in digital marketing will tell you that the most challenging job is content creation. So by getting your followers to send you content, you can cut your creative workload in half.
In addition, companies have the chance to reward and champion their customers, but they gain so much more. You can maximize your exposure by participating in a challenge or using your hashtag on their page. Don't believe us?
One study showed that companies that got their employees to share a brand message on social media got an impressive 561% higher reach than doing it directly.
Social media trends tend to come and go, but user-generated content stays.
3. Social E-Commerce
If a business didn't already have an online shop before 2020, the pandemic had countless companies rushing to get their online houses in order.
But getting your website in order isn't the only way to capitalize on people's willingness to buy online. Notably, 70% of people already search for things they plan on buying on Facebook and Instagram.
Knowing this, Facebook has made it easier and more accessible for people to get what they want by introducing Facebook Shops and Instagram shopping. Now people can almost effortlessly go from browsing to buying, and any shops not already taking advantage of this function would do well to jump on this bandwagon and fast.
4. Short Form Videos
Video is here again, and for a good reason.
The Tiktok boom has got everyone accustomed to short, snappy, entertaining videos, with video consumption exploding over the last year. Instagram, not wanting to miss out, created Reels too, and due to their unique short setup, this social media marketing tool, when done right, can hit the mark.
Businesses realize that jumping onto Instagram trends early can pay off massively for exposure. The algorithm gods often reward early adopters by pushing them to the forefront of the platform, so it would be wise to get started if you aren't doing so already.
Not sure of what to do? Behind the scenes, educational tips, and product demos are great options worth their weight in gold in your content marketing strategy.
5. Purpose-Driven Content
With so many matters of grave concern happening worldwide, gone are the days when people want companies to remain silent on significant issues.
People want authenticity, and there is a clear trend. So we could expect companies to push causes to the forefront on their social media platforms.
For example, any brand that didn't go beyond informing people of changes to their operating hours during COVID-19 dropped the ball. People were concerned and afraid and uplifted, comforted, or told messages came off as the major winners during this time. Twitter reported that 77% of people felt more positively about brands going the extra mile to support society through the pandemic.
But in a time where everything is so openly exposed, putting on a show for the likes won't cut it - people want to see results. So be selective and only choose causes you know you are willing to put your weight behind. Then, whether it's climate change, gender inequality, or anything else, have an action plan and use social media to show the results of your efforts if you want to connect.
Revealing the Face of Social Media Marketing Trends Today
There isn't a more dynamic marketing branch than social media, and the ever-changing landscape will keep you on your toes. So which one of these trends are you already using?
Often the most complicated aspect of social media marketing trends is their integration into your business model. If you need guidance, then reach out to the experts. Then, with a keen eye on the future, you can be confident that you will always stay ahead of the game by letting Quick Web Designs look after your social media presence.
Contact us for a free quote today!
