2018 is right around the corner and the tech world is becoming increasingly different and savvier than ever before. No matter who you are or who you’re working for, these social media trends for the new year will surely be a challenge for some or an advantage for others.
New Trends Changing the Game of Social Media
Augmented Reality
Our world is becoming a new, fiction-like book theme. Augmented reality is a new reality and people are interested in what’s to come from it. Mobile phones are now getting chips installed to provide out-of-this-world augmented experiences. Snapchat is in the works of creating more augmented reality filters where you will soon be able to take snaps with friends and celebrities anytime, anywhere. Snapchat already has Bitmoji characters that make silly faces and do funny things with your back facing camera. This tactic will spread like wildfire and everyone will want to get in on it this year. Keep an eye out for more companies trying to incorporate augmented reality into their platforms.
Rise of Instagram Stories
We all know Snapchat was the leading channel for sending photo/video communication at light speed to your friends but now Instagram stories have taken over. Nearly half of Instagram users are taking advantage of the stories feature and creating their own fun and engaging content. Clothing brands are using this feature to their advantage to show off new product lines, promote events, and share special promo codes where you can swipe up and quickly make a purchase. Instagram is taking 2018 to the next level in social media marketing.
Influencer Marketing
Social media marketing is extremely cost-effective, especially when you begin outsourcing different parts. Expand your brand message through influencer marketing. Around 75% of users look to their social media before making a purchase decision. When people see their favorite celebrities wearing the products they like, they easily become enticed and are more likely to buy the product the individual is endorsing. Influencers have a huge impact on audiences and have a large following and an even wider reach. This strategy will give your business a higher ROI from the targeted exposure. People are also more likely to trust an actual person rather than a clickbait article telling them why a brand’s product is great and why you should buy it.
Social Data Analytics
Social listening tools are crucial when it comes to social media. If you aren’t considering your data and analyzing where you went wrong or where improvements can be made, you will never be able to move forward. Continuously monitor what people are saying about your brand. Find out what products they are mentioning, how often they’re using your branded hashtags, what feedback they have, and so on. Get insight into what your audiences like and don’t like. This information is valuable as it can also help you monitor your competitor’s performance. Also, if you know what your target is interested in, you can craft your content to suit their needs and answer their questions. This will improve personalization and get you closer to your desired target audience.
Video Content
Video content is a great way to keep your audience engaged and interested in your products or service. With Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, there are endless ways to create short, creative, and innovative videos to help show your target audience what you’re all about and what you’re selling. Videos are highly valuable and help build your following. Facebook videos receive a lot of engagement because people are able to Like, Comment, and Share them and therefore they get circulated quickly. Videos allow companies to tell a story that is more appealing than blocks of text.
Chatbots
Chatbots seem to be popping up more and more. This is because it’s easier for a bot to chat with a lead and quickly respond to their questions. When a person is working the chat feed, they feel like they must respond so quickly that they often end up making mistakes. With chatbots, it saves everyone time and reduces the potential of errors. Chatbots are something you should try with your business this year.
Personal Level Content
Audiences crave content that resonates with them. If they can’t relate, they will be less likely to engage and probably leave your page without taking further steps. 84% of millennials have reported they do not trust traditional marketing which now hinders the advancement of some companies who are still behind on the social media trend. Try adopting a more personal approach this year by narrating a story and including your audience in it. This will grab their attention and hopefully, convert them from a lead to a loyal customer.
Focusing on Generation Z
Born between 1995 and 2012, the future of marketing and influencing needs to be focused resonates well with this audience. This group is referred to by many as digital natives. The biggest social platform they’re taking advantage of is YouTube, where people are creating informative, fun, and creative content that people are interested in. Fashion/Beauty, How-To videos, Music Covers, and so much more, are flooding the other channels with valuable video content.
Increasing Brand Engagement in Messaging Platforms
It is important to focus on the conversation that people are having about your brand. The leading messaging apps are Whatsapp, Messenger, and WeChat. These apps are used by millions of people worldwide. Facebook has an app called ‘Messenger’ with thousands of different chatbots that talk to people and encourage them to interact with their favorite brands. These bots even take care of things like processing orders, provide shipment updates, and news content. Keep an eye out for new instant messaging platforms emerging in the new year!
To learn more about social media marketing tactics for 2018, contact Quick Marketing Group. Let our team of digital experts put you ahead of the game this year!
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