The use of social media over the years has grown in popularity not only as a means to connect with each other more, but it has also become a necessary online marketing tool for businesses that want to extend their reach to reach new markets and audiences that they might never have had access to (on such a grand scale) before.
Social media trends are constantly changing as users and businesses seek innovative ways to connect with their customers on a more personal level. Staying on top of popular social trends is crucial for businesses that want to maintain their competitive edge. With 2021 already in full swing, here is a list of the most popular social media trends that are making waves on the social media scene:
Authenticity is a necessity
Connecting with well-known brands and big corporate entities is no longer a pie-in-the-sky reality as businesses realise the necessity to connect with their audiences on a more authentic level. Engaging with customers in real-time will take your customer service to a whole new level. When customers feel heard and valued they are more likely to stick with your brand versus your competitors.
Why video is more memorable
Social media videos are exploding on the scene and many businesses are choosing to capitalise on this medium as it provides an authentic and real-time experience to exciting events, news, and updates as and when they occur.
Listening versus hearing
Listening and really hearing what your audience cares about and what is important to them will ensure that the messages you deliver across social platforms isn’t just a uniform message that has no depth to it, but is a message that is meaningful and will leave a positive impression in the minds and hearts of your audience.
It doesn’t get more personal than voice messaging
Personal voice messages to loyal followers through direct messages on platforms such as Instagram will add that personal touch that is incomparable to static written posts that can seem to be one-dimensional at times.
The start of digital currencies
Competitions and incentives are a great way to keep customers engaged and excited about your brand. With the rise of digital crypto-currencies, these are providing a neat and inventive way to reward customers online.
Interactive visual content
A picture of a product can only depict the features of a product to a certain degree. 3D augmented versions versus a conventional picture of a product will present to consumers a more realistic version of the scope of your product – something which potential consumers are guaranteed to appreciate.
Micro-influencers versus macro-influencers
While partnering up with a macro influencer might seem like the best and most ideal opportunity to enhance the popularity of your brand, businesses are now seeing comparable value in using micro-influencers who are often more aligned with your brand with their niche focus and offerings.
TikTok and Reels
Time is a scarce resource for many of us with our busy days and schedules and as such short and memorable reels and TikTok videos can provide valuable bite-sized information for consumers on the run.
The advantages of social media for businesses wanting to increase their online visibility are endless and show no sign of slowing down but are rather accelerating at a phenomenal speed. By making sure you are educated on what is currently trending and staying ahead of what is about to, your business will be on track to stay current and relevant in the world of social media.
