5 Social Media Trends You Need to Be Aware of to Boost Your Strategy

In 2019, social media isn’t just a platform for connecting with friends; it’s a dynamic landscape that shapes how we communicate, shop, and even think. With new trends constantly emerging, staying ahead of the curve can feel like a full-time job. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

5 Social Media Trends You Need to Be Aware of to Boost Your Strategy

You’ll find that the latest social media trends can transform your online presence, whether you’re a casual user or a digital marketing pro. From the rise of ephemeral content to the growing influence of micro-influencers, these trends will help you navigate the ever-changing social media world. Let’s dive into the top five trends you need to be aware of this year.

Key Takeaways

  • Ephemeral Content: In 2019, short-lived, time-sensitive content such as Instagram Stories and Snapchat Snaps became popular, driving higher engagement through urgency and Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO).
  • Micro-Influencers: Influencers with 1,000 to 100,000 followers were seen as more authentic and relatable, providing higher engagement rates and cost-effective collaborations for startups and small businesses.
  • Video Content Dominance: Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok thrived on video content, making it essential for brands to integrate product demos, tutorials, and customer testimonials into their social media strategies.
  • Social Commerce Expansion: Selling products directly through social media features like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Marketplace became more prevalent, enhancing sales channels and customer experience.
  • Personalization in Marketing: Tailoring social media content to individual user preferences and behaviors using data analytics and AI increased engagement and loyalty, offering personalized recommendations and targeted ads.
  • Community Building: Focusing on creating niche social media communities allowed for personalized engagement, user-generated content, and valuable feedback, fostering loyalty and deeper connections with the audience.

Overview of Social Media Trends in 2019

2019 brought significant shifts in social media that every entrepreneur should note. These changes aren’t just buzzwords; they impact how you run your online business and approach your side-hustles. Adapting to these trends can give you a competitive edge and help you leverage social media effectively.

Ephemeral Content

Ephemeral content, like Instagram Stories and Snapchat Snaps, gained traction in 2019. This type of content disappears after 24 hours, creating urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out). Engaging your audience with time-sensitive content encourages more interaction. For instance, you could use stories to showcase behind-the-scenes moments or limited-time offers.

Micro-Influencers

Micro-influencers, typically with 1,000 to 100,000 followers, became invaluable. They’re often seen as more authentic and relatable than big-name celebrities. Collaborating with micro-influencers can be more cost-effective and provide higher engagement rates. This can be particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses working with tight budgets.

Video Content

Video content dominated 2019. Platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok thrived on engaging and shareable video formats. Whether it’s product demos, tutorials, or customer testimonials, integrating video into your social media strategy can captivate your audience and boost your brand visibility.

Social Commerce

Social commerce refers to selling products directly through social media platforms. Features like Instagram Shopping and Facebook Marketplace made it easier for consumers to discover and purchase products without leaving the app. As an entrepreneur, you can expand your sales channels and enhance the customer experience through social commerce.

Personalization

Personalization became critical in 2019. Tailoring your social media content to individual preferences and behaviors increased engagement and loyalty. Using data analytics and AI, you can create customized experiences for your audience. This could mean personalized recommendations or targeted ads that resonate more effectively with your followers.

Staying abreast of these trends helps you navigate the ever-changing social media landscape. These trends aren’t fleeting; they’re shaping the future of digital marketing and how businesses connect with consumers. Adapting your strategies based on these insights will empower you to thrive in an evolving market.

Trend 1: Rise of Ephemeral Content

Short-lived or temporary posts are trending on social media. Users enjoy fresh, engaging content that disappears within 24 hours.

What Is Ephemeral Content?

Ephemeral content refers to posts that vanish after a short period. Instagram Stories, Snapchat snaps, and Facebook Stories are prime examples. This type of content creates urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out) among users.

Why Marketers Love It

Marketers love ephemeral content for its high engagement rates. With limited time to view, users act quickly to see or interact with posts. It’s also authentic and less polished, making it perfect for behind-the-scenes looks, sneak peeks, and real-time updates. Brands leverage this to build connections and boost visibility without adding to their permanent feed.

Trend 2: Increasing Use of Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing’s on the rise in 2019. For entrepreneurs like you, it’s a powerful strategy to reach targeted audiences, foster trust, and drive sales.

Types of Social Media Influencers

You’ll find various types of influencers based on their follower count and niche:

  • Mega-Influencers: Celebrities with over 1 million followers. They offer massive reach but are costly.
  • Macro-Influencers: Individuals with 100k to 1 million followers. They’re well-known in their fields and offer broad yet targeted reach.
  • Micro-Influencers: People with 10k to 100k followers. They often have higher engagement rates and more niche-specific audiences.
  • Nano-Influencers: Users with 1k to 10k followers. They usually have deeply personal connections with their followers, ensuring high trust and engagement.

These influencer types suit different marketing goals. For brand awareness, mega or macro-influencers are ideal. For specific niches, micro and nano-influencers work well.

Measuring the Impact of Influencers

To gauge the success of influencer campaigns, track key metrics:

  • Engagement Rates: Likes, comments, and shares indicate audience interaction.
  • Conversion Rates: Sales generated from influencer efforts show direct impact.
  • Brand Mentions: Frequency of your brand name appearing in posts measures visibility.
  • Audience Growth: Increase in your own followers and subscribers post-campaign tracks influence.
  • Content Quality: Analyze the nature and relevancy of influencer content to your brand objectives.

These metrics help refine your strategy, ensuring influencer collaborations yield the best results for your online business and side-hustles.

Trend 3: Greater Focus on Social Media Communities

In 2019, one of the most significant trends is the shift towards social media communities. If you’re an entrepreneur or business enthusiast, understanding this trend can open numerous opportunities for connecting with your audience on a deeper level. Let’s explore the details.

Benefits of Niche Communities

Niche communities offer several benefits for your business:

  • Personalized Engagement: You’ll engage with a targeted audience interested in your niche, allowing for more meaningful interactions.
  • Loyal Customer Base: Creating a community fosters loyalty as members feel a sense of belonging and trust in your brand. For example, a fitness brand could create a community for health enthusiasts.
  • User-Generated Content: Communities encourage members to generate content, providing authentic, relatable material. A beauty brand might see users posting their makeup looks and product reviews.
  • Valuable Feedback: You get direct feedback from your community, helping to refine products and services. For instance, a tech startup could leverage user insights to improve its app features.

How to Build Engagement

Building engagement within your community requires a strategic approach:

  • Frequent Interaction: Engage with your members regularly through comments, likes, and shares. Respond to their queries and appreciate their contributions.
  • Exclusive Content: Offer exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, special discounts, or early product releases, to incentivize participation.
  • Hosting Events: Organize events like live Q&As, webinars, or meetups to bring the community together. This can boost interaction and create a sense of camaraderie.
  • Consistent Value: Provide consistent value through informative posts, helpful tips, and entertaining content that aligns with your audience’s interests. For example, a cooking community could share recipes, cooking tips, and food-related news.

By focusing on building strong social media communities, you can cultivate a dedicated and engaged audience that supports your business goals.

Trend 4: Advancements in Social Media AI Technologies

Staying ahead in social media means leveraging the latest AI technologies. In 2019, AI has drastically improved customer service and personalized marketing, transforming how businesses engage with audiences.

AI in Customer Service

AI chatbots have revolutionized customer service. These bots provide instant responses, support 24/7, and handle multiple queries simultaneously. For entrepreneurs, deploying AI chatbots can save time and resources while ensuring customers get swift help. Many businesses have seen increased satisfaction due to these bots’ efficiency and accuracy.

AI for Personalized Marketing

AI has also taken personalized marketing to new heights. By analyzing user data, AI can create targeted marketing campaigns based on individual preferences and behaviors. Entrepreneurs using AI-powered tools can deliver content and ads that resonate more with their audience. Personalized experiences enhance user engagement, leading to higher conversion rates and better customer retention.

Trend 5: Growing Importance of Social Media Stories

In 2019, social media stories have become essential for engaging audiences and driving brand awareness. As someone involved in online business, understanding and leveraging stories can set you apart.

Features of Social Media Stories

Social media stories are ephemeral, short-form content formats available on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. They remain visible for 24 hours and often include features such as interactive polls, location tags, and direct messages. Stories allow you to showcase behind-the-scenes content, time-sensitive offers, and customer testimonials.

Best Practices for Creating Engaging Stories

Authenticity is crucial. Use authentic, spontaneous moments to connect with your audience. High-quality visuals make your stories stand out, so invest in good lighting and equipment. Incorporate interactive elements like polls, Q&As, and swipe-up links to foster engagement. Consistency matters; post regularly to keep your audience engaged and returning for more content.

By focusing on the growing importance of social media stories, you can enhance your brand presence and connect more authentically with your audience.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of social media trends is crucial for keeping your brand relevant and engaging. By embracing influencer marketing, building strong social media communities, and leveraging the power of social commerce, you’ll be well-positioned to thrive in the evolving digital landscape. Don’t forget the growing importance of social media stories and the advancements in AI technologies that can enhance your strategy. Adapting to these trends not only helps you connect authentically with your audience but also ensures your brand remains competitive. Keep exploring and experimenting with these trends to see what works best for your unique audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How has social media evolved in 2019?

Social media in 2019 saw significant changes, especially in communication and shopping behaviors. Trends such as influencer marketing and social commerce became more prevalent, pushing businesses to adapt quickly to stay competitive.

What is influencer marketing?

Influencer marketing involves collaborating with individuals who have a large and engaged following on social media. These influencers promote products or services to their audience, which can enhance a brand’s visibility and credibility.

How can businesses measure the impact of influencer marketing campaigns?

Businesses can measure the impact by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, follower growth, website traffic, and conversions driven by the campaign. Tools like Google Analytics can be useful in this process.

Why are social media communities important?

Social media communities are crucial because they foster deeper connections between brands and their audiences. They facilitate engagement, build trust, and can lead to customer loyalty and advocacy.

What advancements were made in social media AI technologies in 2019?

In 2019, AI technologies in social media became more advanced, offering better content recommendations, improved automation for customer service, and enhanced analytics that help brands better understand and engage with their audience.

What are social media stories and why are they important?

Social media stories are short-lived posts that typically disappear after 24 hours. They are important because they engage audiences with time-sensitive, authentic content, making them ideal for driving brand awareness and connecting with followers on a personal level.

What are some best practices for creating engaging social media stories?

To create engaging social media stories, focus on being authentic, use interactive features like polls and quizzes, incorporate eye-catching visuals, and keep the content concise and relevant to your audience.

What are the benefits of leveraging social media stories for brands?

Leveraging social media stories helps brands build authenticity, increase engagement, and provide real-time updates. Stories can also drive traffic to websites or specific campaigns, ultimately boosting brand awareness and conversions.