Although social media is still considered to be trendy and perhaps reserved only for those proficient in the digital world, it is important to know that new generations couldn’t imagine their lives without it – and why should they? Social media apps are useful, interesting, and a portal opening up to the whole world on your device. As a personal user or a brand, you shouldn’t be afraid to take part in it. Now, to stay relevant, it does take a bit more than just playing along so here is an overview of the social media trends for 2019.
While Instagram is leading the way of trends, it is important not to leave behind Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Snapchat or any other platform that’s relevant to your business. These apps tend to follow in the steps of the app with the best performing features, while always thinking of ways to outgrow each other with new, even more creative ideas. Each of these platforms offers something unique that makes them great for what they are. If you’re finding social media tedious, time consuming or resource exhausting, consider hiring a social media marketing expert to develop a social media strategy for your brand.
1. Video Victory – Modern day show and Tell
Research shows that our attention span is decreasing, lasting for around eight seconds as opposed to what was approximately 12 seconds at the start of the century. As vertical video is showing to be one of the most effective ways to grab our attention, brands and personal accounts should focus on creating appealing visual content. Consider showing your audience what its like to be behind the scenes of your brand and make sure your message and aims are clear. If you can include video which is in the territory of personal storytelling – you’ve got yourself a winner!
2. Influencer Marketing – Who is THAT?
Who would’ve thought that we’d live in a world where anyone can become successful and famous on social media, only if they know a few key methods of promoting themselves? Influencer Marketing is becoming more and more popular and necessary for brands to participate in. People are trusting human interactions and recommendations far more than traditional methods of promotion. Picking the right Influencer to be the ambassador of your brand is one of the best things you can do for the growth of your business, if done strategically and with utmost transparency.
3. Dissapearing Content – blink and it’s Gone
Snapchat was one of the first platforms to offer disappearing content, with posted pictures and videos only being available to view for 24 hours. In late 2016, Instagram began rocking it with a similarly styled feature called Stories. This little trick triggers the sense of exclusivity in social media users, making users feel special to be able to witness certain content. Being in the club of followers is almost like being present in a brand’s exciting, informative or even funny moments, which is what we all strive for. Brands and personal users can use this meaningfully, in order to promote certain events such as product launches, teasers and day to day anecdotes.
4. Transparency – Be true to your word
There is no doubt about the fact that people use social media not only to explore the world, but also to voice their own opinions. Saying what you think or sharing your experience has never been so easy or reached as far, which is both the beauty and the flaw of the Internet. As a brand, be careful to stay transparent, relevant and mostly truthful. There’s nothing worse for a brand’s reputation than to have to admit your failings, especially after they’ve already affected the experience of your customers. Dealing with potential issues head on and being the first to acknowledge any problems is key to a healthy relationship with your followers. Trust your public and you will be trusted.
5. Chatbots – AI has come a long way since mSN’s SmarterChild!
Humans are social beings, even if some of us don’t want to admit that. When we’re in need of information, we understand that talking to a representative of a brand is one of the best ways to answer our questions. This is why Chatbots are becoming a very important asset to a brand’s social media platforms and website. Customers will be able to ask them for information about your business and a Chatbot will, in turn, give the user all the right information they may need, such as operating hours, pricing queries, stock availability and other FAQs. > Read more about our social media marketing and paid advertising solutions.
Hopefully, this list will give you the confidence to face the daunting world of social media and improve your business’s competitiveness in the industry.
