Social media platforms are increasingly playing a key role in people’s daily routines. It is reported that 80% of smartphone users check their social media feeds in the morning before brushing their teeth.
The importance of social media in consumers’ lives has businesses flocking to social platforms hoping to connect with their target market. This is not easily attainable unless you have a clear social media plan and strategy in place.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest social media trends can help your business and help you get noticed. Here are five social media trends that you need to be aware of in 2020.
1. Social Commerce is Expanding
Social Commerce or the selling of goods, services and products directly on social media is expanding. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way consumers are shopping. In June, online sales were up by 78%. This means Google, Facebook, website builders (like Go Daddy and Wix) and booking apps have begun to add ways for customers to buy directly from them and/or your business websites.
When you log on to some of these platforms, you have the option to purchase services, vouchers and services instantly. If you are looking to expand your business and attract more customers, this is one area that you should consider investing in.
2. Instagram Plans to Remove the 'Like' Button
Facebook Inc - a part of Instagram - has started to remove the number of ‘likes’ that are visible on some posts. There has been a lot pressure amongst influencers and major competitors on the picture-liking app. As a result of this, Facebook Inc have brought in this measure to decrease competition.
In April, Instagram started hiding ‘likes’ in Canada, later extending this to other countries including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Brazil and Japan. With this in-mind, we encourage our clients to use the platform in a creative way.
3. The Rise of Ephemeral Content
Disappearing content (ephemeral content platforms like Snapchat) with their flashy media, attractive images and savvy videos are becoming increasingly popular. This kind of content is media-savvy and is usually only accessible temporarily - in most instances they are visible only for 24 hours before they disappear forever.
The short timespan of these mediums is designed to get an immediate response. They are great at grabbing shoppers’ attention and encouraging spending. Because of consumers’ Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), they tend to take advantage of shopping offers and promotions before they are gone. These platforms are really good at getting an immediate response from consumers and will be seeing a lot more of them in the months to come.
4. The Growth of Influence Marketing
Influence marketing will continue to grow - we like to try on clothes and shoes, see furniture and goods and get feedback on services before we buy. This has led to the rise of influencing. More than 75% of marketers find influencer marketing effective. Collaboration with influencers helps to bring products and services to their target markets. Companies who work with influencers find that they help to establish and strengthen their brand’s reputation, build trust, improve audience engagement and start conversations.
5. Changes to Social Media Rules and Regulations
As our use of social media increases, there will be a lot more legal responsibilities and regulatory rules. Currently in the UK there is no specific law which is designed for social media. There are several laws like the Criminal Justice and Police Act of 2001 (Section 43) and The Malicious Communication Act of 2003 (Section 127) that are used to guide and protect users. If you are not sure what your legal responsibilities are on social media, the best thing to do is to censor your status posts, tweets, updates and videos. This will allow you to post content that will not offend or cause harm.
All data from the Office for National Statistics.
Collaboration- Article & content by: T.T.Powell
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