If there’s anything we can be sure of when it comes to social media, it’s change. Every other day there’s a new app or website that’s taking over the world, and we can be certain that this will continue in the coming years. Businesses should be growing more astute about how to use social media to make a regular splash with their audience.
Check out the social media trends to know about for 2017:
Forms of Content/Methods of Delivery
More video. All the big platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Pinterest and of course YouTube), have video components. Believe it or not, Snapchat crushes YouTube with 10 billion daily video views! If you’re looking for a way to elevate awareness for your business, your grassroots movement, your products and services, video is arguably the most impactful way to do it.
[Tweet “What #socialmedia trends are you expecting for 2017?”]
Livestreaming takes over the world. Remember what I said about video being the most impactful way to accelerate via social media? Video is the by-product of the TRUEST, MOST IMPACTFUL way to grow: livestreaming. If the rise in popularity of Periscope (owned by Twitter) and Facebook Live are any indication, live broadcasts will be THEE way to build trust, establish credibility and galvanize your audience in 2017.
side note #1: Part of what makes livestreaming so popular is the ability for viewers to get real-time engagement. This is an extension of things like website chat boxes and dedicated customer service via social media. Consumers are growing to expect in-the-moment interaction with companies and responses to their issues.
side note #2: at the time of this writing, Instagram Live rolled out, and Twitter Live rolled out the next day. The world takeover has already begun….
Self-destructing content. Periscope moved away from this model, and it’s what makes Snapchat so attractive: expiring content. When your posts and videos disappear, that creates a sense of urgency in your audience to read or watch.
side note: Instagram Live broadcasts disappear after the broadcast ends.
All About the Numbers
Data driving more decisions. Pardon the nerd in me coming out, but analytics will be a buzzword in the social media world next year, and I’m excited about it. Business owners tend to lean on instincts when making decisions, but data is irrefutable. Tracking the growth of social media profiles, video views and other stats are going to play a larger role in social media marketing efforts, making what you do online more successful as a result.
[Tweet “Make decisions based on data – not JUST your gut. #BabyStepstoGreatness”]
More pay to play. Lastly, and to our chagrin, social media will become less free in 2017. Thank you, algorithm. The days of reaching most of your fans and followers on social are gone, and we can expect organic reach to decrease even more.
As we roll into another year in the social media-driven world, if we can’t (or don’t want to) get ahead of these trends we should at least be aware. Social media isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, the best we can do is prepare for what’s next by becoming well-versed in what’s happening now.
To your (social media) Greatness,
