Do you know what Social Media trends you should be focusing on in 2021?
COVID-19 has seen a major emphasis on social media due to businesses not being able to talk face to face to their customers and 2021 is going to be no different. Even if things relax, online presence will remain absolutely essential to any marketing strategy. But where should you focus?
I’m not going to talk about specific platforms saying you should be on TikTok or Clubhouse because you need to be wherever your audience hangs out. In this article I am going to share the top 10 social media trends you should be paying attention to whatever platform you are on. So let’s get started.
- LIVE STREAM
Facebook LIVE broadcasts increased by 50% during lockdown periods and Instagram by 70%. Tik Tok and Instagram reels skyrocketed with 15 second videos.
Go live on your platform. Share behind the scenes, Q&A sessions, educational, announcements. Anything that your audience will enjoy and want to interact with.
- USER GENERATED CONTENT
People like to feel part of something, especially while they are shut indoors so find ways to encourage your audience to get involved. It helps to build communities and is relatable.
Tell your audience what you want. Whether its use of a particular hashtag, reviews, images or videos. Be specific as getting tons of content you don’t use can have a negative impact
- INFLUENCERS
This has been around for some time but is more important than ever. Finding influencers that will advocate your brand with their audience. I don’t mean you have to find a major celebrity to advocate your brand, although if you know one that is great.. Think of another business that is aligned with your goals with a larger audience. Have interviews with them, give them a free gift to try out your brand and get them to give a review. Take part in joint ventures like LIVE STREAMS or competitions. But remember…. There needs to be something in it for them too.
- EMPHASIS ON SUSTAINABILITY
81% of consumers strongly feel that companies should help improve the environment. If this is something you already focus on great! But are you shouting about it? Tell your audience how your brand is good for the environment. Tell them why it is important to you as an individual. Are you involved in other activities personally around this issue? Let your audience in.
- INCLUSIVITY
Black Lives Matter highlighted issues in our society and it’s not the only issue. 56% of consumers have no respect for businesses that remain silent on important issues relating to identity and diversity.
Share your thoughts. You may alienate some people but if they have the opposite view, are they customers you want to work with? Consumers with the same views are more likely to stand with you and can create a sense of solidarity and community.
- VOICE AND VISUAL SEARCHES
With technology available like Alex and Google Lens, we are in a new world. Google Lens allows you to visually search for anything you can see so Alt text on images you share will become more important. That is why LinkedIn introduced the Alt text option on images you share on their platform. You can add visual search function to your website for image recognition.
For voice searches make sure your business is listed on places like Facebook, Google My Business and other common directories. Get online reviews, make sure your website is mobile friendly.
- EASILY CONSUMED CONTENT
People are looking for content that is convenient and readily available. There was a 55% increase in people listening to podcasts in 2020 and newsletter mentions increased by 14%.
Sometimes people want to just listen to something, probably why Clubhouse has taken off so quickly. Think how you can incorporate podcasts into your marketing strategy. It’s a great way to reach a wider audience. Most people have smart phones and are going for walks to get out of the house and this is a great time for them to listen to them. Keep them short, 30 mins or less and informative. Position yourself as the expert with tips and discussions on topical issues. But be consistent.
Newsletters are a great way to stay connected with your audience. They have chosen to follow you so be consistent. Don’t make every newsletter a sales post. Sometimes it’s great to just check in and ask how they are. Give tips and support. Doing this will help to build a loyal following.
- SOCIAL LISTENING
Again, this is nothing new but more important than ever.
68% of consumers feel that brands don’t share interesting social content.
Step back and listen to what your target market is talking about and asking and create content that answers those questions. Share content that is relevant, light-hearted and fun. I always say every post should Educate, Inspire or Entertain your audience and that has never been more relevant than during these times.
- DON’T IGNORE THE BABY BOOMERS
If your target audience includes 55-64 year olds then now is a great time on social media. 70% bought something online in the last month due to lockdown. Be careful avoid ageist stereotypes and target them by interest.
- PURPOSE DRIVEN
Buyers are no longer buying products based just on quality and pricing, they are now making careful choices based on the purpose that a brand stands for that they can personally identify with as it reflects their values and beliefs. This helps you to build deeper relationships and loyalty with your audience.
Why does your brand exist?
What challenge does it solve?
What role does it play in your customers lives?
How would the world be different without it?
This is what makes your business different to others in the same industry. Ask these questions and then create content that answers them. People buy with emotion and the justify with logic.
To summarise, it’s not about whether you are jumping onto Clubhouse or moving from Facebook to Instagram, it’s about how you leverage the platform your potential customers are on.
They want meaningful relationships, they want to know you stand for something and that you care about them. They want content that is relevant and fun and they want to be a part of it.
Are you sitting in front of your computer wondering what to post on your Facebook business page?
Do you feel overwhelmed and need ideas to get you started?
Then why not join us in the Facebook Kick Starter Academy™. A membership programme with monthly content ideas, online training, weekly group coaching calls and a community that will help support you to get the most from your Facebook business page, enabling you to be more confident, consistent and effective?
Click on the image for more information
In the meantime, if you have found this article helpful in any way, please tweet and share. After all…. Sharing is caring!
This is Suzii, signing out till next time. Have a great day everyone!
