Social media trends are important to watch if you have an online business. Likewise, digital marketing strategies and understanding the changing face of how those strategies can work for you or your business is also a key factor in success. As an influencer and a consultant, I’m always watching, reading, and searching out what’s new and what’s expected to be the next big thing in social media trends and digital marketing. It’s such an important topic for so many digital entrepreneurs these days that I put together a list of what we can expect to see come our way in the 2019 year.
Social Media Trends and Digital Marketing Strategies That Win in 2019
Social media and digital marketing are closely related. These days, if you don’t have a social media presence – a good one – you won’t be reaching anyone. The days of mass emails are over. They’re the digital equivalent of junk email that everyone pitches as soon as they see it. Instead, we need to focus on what social media and tech trends people are gravitating towards and leverage them to our best advantage.
Augmented and Virtual Realities
From Pokemon Go to VR gaming, augmented reality and virtual reality are taking the world by storm. Modern users love the immersion of these platforms and savvy influencers and business owners can use that to their advantage. For example, IKEA has been using VR technology since 2016. They have a VR app that allows customers to try out different items in a virtual reality setting before buying.
Augmented reality is also bigger than you probably knew. Did you know that Snapchat is considered augmented reality? Companies are beginning to take advantage of this by creating their own geofilters. Some even have sponsors in the corner of the screen for a little well-placed advertising.
Embrace the New Generation
When talking about social media trends, the old adage “stick to what works” is not your friend. Right about now, Generation Z is entering into adulthood. That means a new wave of potential readers, customers, and points of contact. Take them into account when planning your social media and digital marketing strategies. Generation Z grew up on social media. The old ways of doing things are, well, old.
We need to grab their attention. This new generation demands new ways of being impressed. For example, retailers are beginning to use pop-up stores and events to grab the attention of this new generation of consumers. As digital businessmen and women, we have to constantly evaluate our approach, making innovation a top priority.
Video
Video has become a huge part of any social media and digital marketing strategy, but don’t let your ideas stop at YouTube. It might be the father of video, but it is by no means the king. Many influencers and businesses are taking advantage of the video features of Snapchat and Instagram to grab the public’s attention. 200 million Instagram users take advantage of Instagram’s Stories feature each month. It’s vital to position yourself in that pack with interesting and incredibly well-shot videos to grab and hold user attention.
Again, don’t neglect Generation Z. This generation is entering the workforce, which means they are now consumers. They are also using platforms that many of you have probably never heard of. For example, video platforms like Houseparty allow users to join group video chats and talk to each other on the go. By using a variety of video platforms and tailoring your approach, it’s easier to target your audience with a personalized feel.
Messenger Apps
Millennials and Generation Z’ers expect a personal touch, and messenger apps offer that. We all know how popular Facebook Messenger is. Using apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and Kik, we can reach out to those potential customers in targeted ways. In fact, chatbots are a great way to do this. Chatbots are programs hooked onto business pages that auto send a message to help establish contact with potential customers. Although automated, this level of interactivity is a great tool to help increase the chances of interaction.
Artificial Intelligence
Although still relatively new, the technology is blasting off, with many companies already taking advantage of it. The chatbots I just mentioned are a prime example of that. Another prime example is Facebook. How many times have you looked at a product online and suddenly your sidebar is filled with advertisements for similar things? That’s the power of AI. Although in it’s infancy, it should be considered a key role in your strategy. Start with chatbots and go from there as the technology progresses.
Voice Search
Voice search has become a major way for consumers to find what they’re looking for. However, voice search is a different beast entirely from standard web searching. Unlike Googling something, Siri, Alexa, and Google Home only provide a few top choices. Therefore, your voice search SEO must be highly focused to help increase your chances of being in that top bracket. This is a dramatic shift and an area to pay close attention to now.
Live Streaming
Live streaming has been around for a while, but with the rise of video game watching it has now become front and center. Even if you’ve never watched a live stream of a video game, chances are you’ve heard the name Twitch. You’ve also heard Fortnite and Call of Duty thrown around, I’m sure. These are key examples of how important live streaming can be to your business. Think about it. If you’re not a gamer but still know – or at least have heard – these gaming references, then you are already an example of the power of live streaming.
Live streaming offers a level of interaction that the modern user loves. Use that for all it’s worth. Are you are craft influencer or business? Live stream a tutorial. Do you offer SEO services? Live stream a free mini-course. There’s no end to what you can do to draw in users.
Other YouTubers
Video is king, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be the next big YouTuber. Search YouTube for influencers who have a large following and that directly relate to your service or product. Reach out to them and offer to be a sponsor. If you have a good product that matches up with their message and style, it could be a ticket to excellent advertising opportunities that are worth every penny.
Micro-Moments are Anything But
Micro-moments are those times when users reflexively pick up their smartphone or tablet to search out something. It could be the answer to a question, a search for a product, or any number of things. When you consider that people do this an average of 150 times a day, it’s clear that these moments can and should play a role in your marketing strategy. This another perfect example of why clear, targeted SEO is so important. When you’re in that first-page position, you have a better chance of being the answer to the question of the moment.
Visual Search is Cutting Edge
Humans are visual creatures, and technology is catching up to that. Another platform that is in its infancy, visual searching is set to be the next big thing. Although we can’t fully take advantage of that yet, we can take high-quality, interesting images and post them with ALT text that perfectly describes what the photo is.
User-Generated Content
This is another key player in social media trends of 2019. With interaction between users and influencers becoming more and more widespread, user-generated content has become a real powerhouse in social media trends as well as digital marketing trends. This type of content, as the name implies, is generated by users and not the company. It’s vital to have an interesting, engaging, and interactive platform with customers and potential customers to help increase the chance that they will begin to share their experiences with others.
Content AND Authenticity are Key
Today’s social media users are far more savvy and discerning than past users. They understand that underneath all the fancy glam, companies are still trying to sell them something. That understanding has lead to an increased distrust of advertising. That is why content is still king and so is authenticity. In fact, 86% of consumers state that authenticity is a key factor when deciding which brands they will support.
Of course, influencers have sponsored content and readers enjoy that, but it works better when woven into a real, interesting story based on your REAL life. Give consumers and readers a feeling that they know who you are. It will go a long way to establishing the most important marketing tool of all – trust.
Social Media Trends and Marketing Strategies are Changing
We need to change with them. In the social media realm, if you don’t adapt, you die. These social media trends are set to change the face of how influencers and business owners interact with potential clients. In many cases, they have already changed the face of the marketplace. Be aware of social media trends now and in the future to help increase your visibility AND viability.
Are you a business or brand? Confused about what to do and where to focus your time and efforts? I can help. Contact Paula Schuck (Thrifty Mom Media) – inkscrblr@rogers.com.