About 11 new people start using social media every second. Now, there are over 3.5 billion active social media users. That’s 45% of the world’s population! A strong social media marketing plan can help you connect with your target audience. You can engage, entertain, and inform them through your posts. It’s not enough to develop a social media marketing strategy, though. You also need to make sure you’re up-to-date with the trends. If you’re not following the latest social media marketing trends, consumers will take notice.
Here are seven of 2021’s biggest social media trends. Following these trends can boost your entire marketing strategy. You can remain relevant and connect with customers online.
Give your social media marketing strategy a kick in the proverbial pantst! Start following these seven amazing trends today.
1. Stories and Live Streams
The live streaming market will be worth over $247 billion by 2027.
In fact, videos on social media generate 1,200% more shares than texts and images. Companies that create videos generate 41% more traffic from searches. About 40% of consumers say videos increase their chances of making a purchase, too. By the end of 2021, live streaming could account for 82% of all internet traffic, too. Live video content became more popular in light of COVID-19. Now, companies can use live videos to leverage the fear of missing out (FOMO). You can encourage an audience to watch your videos before you stop streaming. Tapping into an “in-the-moment” connection can help you interact with your customers online. Try to schedule more live interactions using video content this year. For example, you can create a weekly Q&A session. Consumers can ask questions about your product or service. Learning more about your offerings can help brand trust grow. If consumers don’t trust you, they won’t try your product. You could struggle to generate leads and sales as a result. Instead, you can use live videos to answer any questions they have. Then, you can foster brand trust. They might decide to give your product a try as a result. Q&A sessions can also help you demonstrate your experience and expertise. You might have an easier time standing apart from your competitors as a result. Don’t forget to use Instagram and Facebook stories this year, too. Stories give you a chance to create interactive content. For example, you can use polls and quizzes to learn more about your customers. Then, you can use the answers from your polls to generate content your target audience wants.
Following these social media marketing trends could make it easier for you to engage followers in the future.
2. Social eCommerce
Consumers can now start shopping straight from your social media posts. If you want to improve your social media marketing strategy, use social eCommerce. Create an eye-catching post that shows off your products. Make sure your images are sharp and high-quality. Then, consumers can click on the post to start shopping. Using product tags and enabling easy checkout can improve the user experience. Shoppers won’t have to leave the platform to shop. Creating this ease of use could boost sales. Start by creating a social media storefront. Then, highlight the value you’re offering. You don’t have to use sales language to encourage shopping. Instead, help people see the benefits of choosing your products. Then, you can use shoppable posts to shorten the customer journey. Consumers can shop straight from the platform. You might notice a decrease in abandoned transactions as a result.
Following this trend can help you adjust your strategy for changing audience behaviors. Otherwise, consumers could get frustrated due to a complicated user experience. They might abandon carts on your website if it’s not easy to shop from your store.
3. Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two social media marketing trends that aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. You can use AR and VR to create more interactive experiences. It’s a great way to boost engagement with your brand. For example, you can create your own AR filters to encourage fan interactions. AR filters can also help you promote new products. Consumers can engage with your filters and become more aware of your offerings. You can also use AR to let consumers “try” your products. For example, they can see how furniture looks within their own homes. They can try on makeup, glasses, and clothing using AR, too.
4. Transparency and Authenticity
As you start improving your social media marketing strategy, take the time to consider your posts. Are you encouraging transparency? Are you remaining authentic to your brand? Try posting more behind-the-scenes content this year. Show consumers how your products are made. Transparency and authenticity can boost brand trust and loyalty. Consumers will feel more comfortable with your business as a result.
5. Influencer Marketing
You can also foster brand trust through influencer marketing. Find an influencer who already has a strong connection with your target audience. Then, ask them to promote your brand. You can leverage the influencer’s existing brand trust and reach to boost your business.
6. Inclusivity
Inclusion is becoming more important than ever before. Consumers want to choose businesses that invest in their communities. Make sure any content you create involving inclusivity is well-informed. Choose social issues that suit your audience. Inclusivity could help you build deeper connections with your customers. You can show customers you care about their identities and diversity. Otherwise, you might struggle to connect with your audience.
7. UCG
User-generated content (UCG) can help on-the-fence customers realize people just like them already love your brand. Share the content your customers are posting about your product or service. Make sure you have permission to share their content. Create a branded hashtag for your business marketing strategy, too. Encourage your customers to post using the hashtag. You’ll have an easier time finding and sharing the content they create.
Social Success: 7 Social Media Marketing Trends for 2021
Following the latest social media marketing trends doesn’t have to feel challenging. Instead, add these trends to your social media marketing plan. With these tips, you can remain relevant and connect with customers. Then, you can boost engagement, draw more leads, and increase sales!
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