Intro: Every year, social media platforms evolve and change, so staying on top of the trends is essential if you want to continue using them effectively for your business. Here are ten trends that you should jump on right away in 2018. From live streaming to influencer marketing, these are some of the most popular and promising strategies currently being used by businesses worldwide. So read on and get ahead of the curve!
1. Live streaming video:
Live streaming video is one of the hottest social media trends. Platforms like Facebook Live and Instagram Stories have made it easier for businesses to connect with their audiences in real time. And with the addition of live streaming to Snapchat and Twitter, this trend will only continue to grow in 2018. And according to a recent study, 82% of internet users say they watch live video streams at least occasionally. Now is the time to start if you’re not already using live streaming video. And it’s not just for significant events – businesses of all sizes are using it to give their customers a behind-the-scenes look at their operations, show off new products, and more.
2. Influencer marketing:
Social media users are becoming more and more selective about the content they consume. In 2018, businesses will continue to leverage the power of influencer marketing to reach new audiences and promote their products and services. Influencer marketing is a form of marketing that involves working with individuals who influence potential buyers. And as a result, traditional advertising is becoming less and less effective. That’s where influencer marketing comes in. This strategy involves working with individuals who influence your target audience to promote your brand or product. And it can be highly effective – according to a recent study. Businesses make an average of $6.50 for every $1 they spend on influencer marketing.
3. Video marketing:
There’s no denying that video is one of the most popular content formats on the web. A recent study showed that 78% of internet users watch videos online every week, and 55% watch videos daily. If you’re not already using video to market your business, 2018 is the year to start. Video is one of the most effective and engaging ways to reach your audience, and it will only become more popular in the coming year. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have built-in tools that make creating and sharing videos easy. And several video marketing services can help you get started, such as Animoto and Wisti; you can also buy tiktok views to boost your account content and gather an audience. What’s more, video marketing is an incredibly effective way to boost engagement and conversions. So, if you’re not already using video to promote your business, now is the time to start.
4. Chatbots:
Social media users answer their questions quickly and efficiently. And chatbots are a great way to do just that. Using artificial intelligence, chatbots can provide customer support, answer FAQs, and even help with sales and marketing. If you’ve been on Facebook in the past year, you’ve probably noticed the rise of chatbots. These automated programs can hold a conversation with a human, and they’re becoming increasingly popular for businesses to interact with their customers. Chatbots can handle all customer service tasks, from answering FAQs to taking orders. And they’re only going to become more common in the coming years, so it’s a good idea to use them now.
5. Augmented reality:
Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that allows you to superimpose digital content onto the real world. It’s best known for its use in gaming, but it’s also being used more and more for marketing purposes. This year, we saw the release of Pokémon GO, an augmented reality game that took the world by storm. And it’s not just a fad – businesses are already finding ways to use augmented reality to promote their products and services. For example, Ikea has released an app that lets you see how furniture would look in your home before you buy it. And with the release of Google’s ARCore and Apple’s ARKit, it’s only going to become more accessible for businesses to create augmented reality experiences for their customers. For example, you can now use AR to try on makeup or see how a piece of furniture would look in your home before you buy it. This technology is still in its early stages, but it has a lot of potential and is one to watch out for.
6. Snapchat filters and lenses:
Snapchat filters and lenses are a great way to add fun and personality to your snaps. And with the release of Lens Studio, anyone can now create their own custom Snapchat lenses. It is an excellent way for businesses to create branded content to engage and delight their Snapchat followers. Snapchat has become incredibly popular, especially with younger users. And one of the things that makes it so appealing is the use of filters and lenses. These allow users to add fun effects to their photos and videos and are a great way to engage with your audience. If you’re not already using them, now is the time to start!
7. User-generated content:
User-generated content (UGC) is any content created by your users rather than you or your brand. It could be anything from a review or testimonial to a blog post or video. User-generated content (UGC) is a great way to get your audience involved in your marketing. UGC helps you build trust and credibility with your audience, as it shows that you’re not just trying to sell them something but also interested in their opinions and feedback. It’s also great to show off your products and services in a real-world setting. You can use several platforms to collect UGC, including Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat. And if you’re unsure how to get started, plenty of resources and tutorials are available online.
Conclusion: As you can see, there are several exciting social media trends to jump on right away in 2018. From live streaming to video marketing, these are some of the most popular and promising strategies currently being used by businesses worldwide. So, get ahead of the curve and start implementing them in your social media marketing plan today!