Social media can be a valuable marketing channel for many types of businesses. But unless marketers keep up with the ever-changing social media marketing trends, they may lag, or not realize its full potential.
Trends on social media are constantly changing and 2020 has been no different. In fact, you have probably struggled more than usual to get engagement on your posts. There are lots of reasons why, and most of them are related to the pandemic and associated lockdowns. For businesses and marketers looking to increase their social presence in 2021, here are some key trends:
Emphasis on Brand Voice
The digital landscape is crowded. It’s packed with chatters from individuals and brands alike. Businesses can’t set themselves apart based on their logo, visual content, or product features alone. Their written content requires equal attention and consistency as other elements of their brand presence. This will continue to be a prominent social media marketing trend in 2021.
Less is More Mentality
The pandemic has made marketers more thoughtful about when and how they post. In 2021, marketers will spend less time sharing recycled content and more time creating relevant and valuable content. It has become a game of quality over quantity and brands are now more considerate about what their audience wants to hear at any given time. Marketers need to focus less on creating awareness of their brand, and more on satisfying their core customer base through thoughtful interactions and engaging content.
Rise of Video Content
As more and more brands are sharing written content on social media, content saturation makes it harder to stand out. Video content can help you cut through that noise. In fact, video is the second most engaging type of content on social media, only coming second after photos and imagery.
Videos provide a break from the ever-bombarding textual information, and as social platforms improve their video capabilities, marketers can expect an uptick in video consumption in the coming years.
Using Social Media Channels as Shopping Channels
If there is one thing that 2020 has taught marketers, it’s the power of having online shops. The lockdown and quarantine measures saw many people buying stuff online. Apps like Instagram and Facebook integrate shopping capabilities, and marketers are now using them to sell products.
Shopping directly from social media pages allows consumers to buy something right off the bat without being directed to another page. Users love the convenience that comes with buying directly, so marketers will use their social channels to sell stuff in the coming years.
More Brands Will Go Live
Internet users watch 1.1 billion hours of live video in 2019, according to StreamElements. And with more brands being forced to have virtual meetings, events, and conferences, the live streams will become a popular way to engage with followers.
Adapting Your Social Media Marketing Strategy
Social media marketing is a great way to create brand awareness and engage with existing customers in a non-intrusive way.