Social media is constantly changing and adapting to better suit the public. Many predictions were made about the direction that social media would take in 2017 and what follows are the top three social media predictions that have definitely taken over this year.
1. Live Video
With top social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram having recently adopted live video features it appears that this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Consumers are loving it; an astounding 80% of audiences would rather watch live video from a brand than read a blog post.
What does this mean for your business? If you want to be competitive, you need to be doing live videos! Try recording a live event or giving your customers a behind-the-scenes look at how your business operates. To be effective, make sure you’re promoting your live video beforehand, doing at least one run through before you shoot and uploading a good quality video. As always, it’s important to analyze your efforts after the fact and tweak your strategy so that your live videos give you a good return for your time and energy.
2. Social eCommerce
Social media is the most powerful way a brand can capture and build a following these days. At least 60% of shoppers research a product online before deciding to purchase. Innovations such as the new business tools on Instagram and Facebook Marketplace have made social selling even easier than before. In order to make social eCommerce work for your business, you need to identify where your target market spends their time and then create platform specific content for each social media channel you use. Remember, it’s better to use one channel really well than to use several unsuccessfully.
3. Disappearing Content
Did you know that SnapChat is the most used social media platform among 12 to 24 year olds (http://www.edisonresearch.com/the-infinite-dial-2016/)?! Disappearing content is now popping up allover the place. In addition to SnapChat, business owners can also create disappearing content with Instagram’s Stories and even Facebook has been testing the waters with 24 hour private messages. This temporary content can be used to create hype about a limited product or a flash sale. Many brands see it as a way to engage users as their followers will want to keep up on all the brand’s social media posts in order to be watching when the temporary content appears. A final bonus of disappearing content: brands can use this feature to show a more authentic side of their business and since posts disappear they don’t need to be as polished as lasting content.
As you can see, these three social media predictions have come true and are an integral of growing a business in 2017. If your business isn’t doing live videos, selling on social media or creating disappearing content then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to connect with your market! Here at Trends Mobile and Web Solutions we can help you navigate the new social media trends and create social media strategies and content for you. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our services!
Trends Mobile and Web Solutions connects businesses with customers, and customers with the businesses they love through mobile websites, mobile apps and social media services. Our focus is small business – be seen, be connected, be profitable.