As we approach 2021, social media is evolving at an ever-accelerating pace. To stay ahead of the game, here are 13 surprising social media trends to keep an eye on.
1. Social commerce
Social commerce is taking off faster than ever. Brands are actively using this trend to connect with their target market on social media. With the convenience of click-to-buy buttons and shoppable posts, social commerce proves to be a game-changer for businesses.
2. The rise of social activism and influencers
In 2021, social causes will be more critical and present than ever before. Consumers are paying more attention to companies’ corporate social responsibility and values. Socially conscious bloggers and influencers are taking center stage and will continue to influence purchase decisions.
3. Voice search optimization
As voice-enabled devices become more common in households, bloggers and businesses must optimize their web content for voice search. Ensure your website or blog is optimized for voice queries and commands, so your business is not left behind.
4. Live-streaming and video content
Live streaming and video content are not just on the rise but are the future of social media. It is an opportunity for businesses to showcase products, services, and connect with audiences in real-time. Brands that don’t incorporate this trend will rapidly fall behind in the social media race.
5. Social media communities
Social media is becoming more about building communities than just following. Niche communities are forming around topics, interests, and hobbies on platforms such as Facebook Groups, Reddit, and LinkedIn. Building communities on social media will be essential for brands to create a loyal customer base.
6. Short-form video content
Short-form video content such as Instagram Reels and TikTok are no longer just for entertaining dance videos. Businesses are leveraging this format to create snackable and engaging content to reach younger audiences.
7. Employee advocacy
Employee advocacy is an untapped strategic approach to boost a company’s presence on social media. By encouraging employees to create and share branded content on their personal accounts, businesses can increase their reach. This approach helps companies humanize their brand and reach a new audience.
8. Authenticity
Authenticity has always been crucial, and now more than ever, it is essential for businesses to establish genuine relationships with their customers. Pretend praise, fake reviews, and inauthentic content will not survive in 2021.
9. Social media customer service
The pandemic has undoubtedly led to a rise in social media customer service. More customers expect to communicate with brands over social media than ever before. The trend towards social customer service will continue to rise as more businesses prioritize immediate and efficient customer service.
10. Augmented Reality (AR)
AR technology is set to revolutionize the way customers experience brands. With augmented reality, businesses can create interactive experiences that leave customers wanting more.
11. Nostalgia marketing
Nostalgia is the phenomenon when people are drawn to things that evoke memories of the past. Nostalgia marketing is projected to trend in 2021 with brands employing it to connect with customers through references to vintage products, identifying historic events and memories.
12. Social listening
Social listening is a technique that businesses use to monitor all online brand mentions and conversations. With the help of social listening tools, businesses can identify trends and data insights, which they can leverage to improve their business’s performance.
13. Social media data privacy
As social media platforms continue to grow, so does the need for better privacy. Consumers are becoming more conscious of online privacy and data breaches. Businesses are expected to prioritize transparency and data privacy by regularly auditing their accounts and providing data protection.
In conclusion, 2021 will be a year of significant changes in social media trends, and businesses must adapt to stay ahead of the game. By keeping abreast of these 13 surprising social media trends, you can stay on top of your social media game, build stronger relationships with your audience, and improve your business’s bottom line.
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