The Future of Social Media Marketing: Trends to Watch Out For

The rise of ephemeral content

Ephemeral content refers to digital media that exists for a short time before disappearing. Ephemeral content includes Instagram stories, Facebook status updates, and Snapchat’s temporary messages and photos. These types of content are meant to be consumed at the moment and are not intended to be permanent fixtures on a user’s profile or feed. The use of ephemeral content is often used to create a sense of exclusivity and immediacy so that users will check back regularly for updates and content. It is also often used to develop an understanding of authenticity and real-time connection with users, allowing brands and individuals to share candid and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives and businesses.

One of the main benefits of using ephemeral content for businesses is increased engagement. Because ephemeral content disappears quickly, it creates a sense of urgency and encourages viewers to pay attention and interact with the content. This can lead to higher levels of engagement, such as likes, comments, and shares.

Another benefit of using ephemeral content is the ability to reach younger audiences. Many younger users, especially Gen Z and millennials, prefer ephemeral content over traditional, permanent content. This allows them to stay connected to the present moment and feel more in control of their online presence. Businesses using ephemeral content can tap into these emerging demographics and build a loyal following.

Overall, Ephemeral content can be a valuable tool for businesses looking to reach a younger audience and increase engagement. Companies can enhance customer engagement and loyalty by leveraging Ephemeral content’s unique characteristics.

The growth of video content

Video content has become increasingly popular on social media platforms in recent years. Here are a few statistics on the growth of video content:

• By 2023, 82% of all internet traffic will be video (Cisco).

• Facebook users spend three times more time watching live videos than pre-recorded ones (Facebook).

• Instagram users spend three times more time watching Instagram Stories than they do in their feeds (Hootsuite).

• Twitter users are ten times more likely to engage with video content than tweets with photos (Twitter).

• LinkedIn saw a 75% increase in video posts last year (LinkedIn).

These statistics show that video content is becoming increasingly popular on social media platforms. Businesses utilizing video in their marketing efforts will likely see increased engagement and reach.

Some tips for businesses on how to effectively use video content in their social media marketing efforts include:

1. Keep it short and sweet: Attention spans are short, especially on social media, so keep your videos under 2 minutes if possible.

2. Use captivating visuals and graphics: Make sure your videos are visually appealing and use pictures and animations to grab the viewer’s attention.

3. Use storytelling: Tell a story through your videos to engage your audience and create a connection with them.

4. Use humour: Adding a touch of humour to your videos can make them more relatable and memorable.

5. Use calls to action: Encourage your viewers to take action by adding a clear call to action at the end of your video.

6. Use subtitles: Not everyone has their volume on, so adding subtitles to your videos can help ensure your message is still being conveyed.

7. Utilize social media features: Use features like Instagram’s IGTV and Facebook’s Watch Party to make your videos more interactive and engaging.

8. Experiment with different formats: Try using other video formats, such as live videos, vlogs, and animations, to see which ones work best for your brand.

The importance of personalization and authenticity

By tailoring content and messaging to the interests and needs of their target audience, businesses can stand out and build trust with their audience. With the help of data and insights about their audience, companies can create more relevant and targeted content that resonates with their audience and builds trust. You can accomplish this through personalized emails, social media posts, and your website’s landing pages. Personalized experiences can also improve the customer experience, allowing businesses to deliver a more personalized, compelling experience. In turn, this can lead to an increase in customer loyalty and conversions.

Examples of successful authentic social media campaigns include the #ShareACoke campaign by Coca-Cola, which personalized bottle labels with famous names, and Dove’s Real Beauty Sketches campaign, which featured real women and aimed to promote self-esteem.

The growing importance of influencer marketing

Influencer marketing is a marketing strategy that involves partnering with individuals who have a large following on social media or other platforms. These individuals are considered experts or thought leaders in their industry or niche. Brands work with these influencers to promote their products or services to their audience through sponsored posts, sponsored content, or other forms of collaboration.

Some examples of influencer marketing include:

1. A fashion brand is partnering with a famous fashion blogger to create sponsored content featuring the brand’s clothing.

2. A beauty brand collaborates with a makeup artist to create tutorial videos using the brand’s products.

3. A travel company works with a travel influencer to promote a destination or travel package to the influencer’s followers.

Influencer marketing can be a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach new audiences and boost their brand’s visibility. However, it’s vital to approach influencer collaborations with care and strategy. Here are a few tips for businesses looking to collaborate with influencers effectively:

1. Research potential influencers: Working with influencers who align with your brand values and have a genuine following is essential. Do your research and ensure the influencer is suitable for your business.

2. Clearly define the scope of the collaboration: Make sure you clearly understand what you expect from the influencer and what they expect from you. By doing this, you will help to avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunications during collaboration.

3. Set clear goals: Determine what you hope to achieve through the collaboration, whether it’s increased brand awareness, more website traffic, or more sales. Specific goals will help you measure the partnership’s success and determine whether it is worth the investment.

4. Be transparent: Be open and transparent with the influencer about your business and what you hope to achieve through the collaboration. This will help them create content that resonates with their audience and effectively promotes your brand.

5. Foster a long-term relationship: Don’t be afraid to invest in long-term collaborations with influencers who align well with your brand. Building a long-term relationship can lead to more authentic content and a higher return on investment.

The rise of social commerce

Buying and selling products and services on social media platforms is referred to as social commerce. It involves the integration of e-commerce functionality into social media platforms, allowing users to shop and purchase products directly through the platform. Examples of social commerce include shoppable posts on Instagram, where users can click on a product in a bar and be directed to a website to make a purchase. In addition, Facebook Marketplace, where users can buy and sell items within the platform. Social commerce can be a beneficial tool for businesses, as it allows them to reach a larger audience and streamline the purchasing process for customers.

There are several benefits to using social commerce for businesses, including:

1. Increased sales: By making it easier for customers to purchase products directly from social media platforms, businesses can see an increase in sales.

2. Streamlined purchasing process: Social commerce allows customers to easily browse and purchase products without leaving the social media platform. This can lead to a higher conversion rate, and fewer abandoned cart issues.

3. Improved customer engagement: By integrating social commerce into their social media marketing strategy, businesses can improve customer engagement and build stronger relationships with their audience.

4. Enhanced brand visibility: Social commerce can help increase brand visibility by making it easier for customers to discover and purchase products from a business.

5. A broader reach: Social media platforms have a large user base so businesses can reach a wider audience through social commerce.

To remain relevant and effective in your marketing efforts, businesses should stay on top of the latest trends in social media marketing. Integrating ephemeral content, video, personalization, authentic campaigns, influencer marketing, and social commerce into your social media strategy will help you stay ahead of the curve.

Social media marketing is constantly evolving. Are you struggling to keep up? Glamarioux Digital Studio is here to serve you. The experts on our team are well-versed in the latest trends and will be able to help you incorporate them into your social media strategy to drive results. From ephemeral content to video content, influencer marketing to social commerce, we have the knowledge and experience to enable your business to thrive on social media. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you succeed.