Social media continues to get bigger and better every year. As more businesses begin using digital marketing, it’s even more important for you to know what’s on the horizon.
To discuss the upcoming trends they see in the new year, I turned to the members of the Social Clique (my mastermind group). I asked them “what do business owners need to know about social media in 2018?”
What You Need To Know About Social Media In 2018
Video Will Still Rule
“VIDEO! More people will be realizing the importance and benefits of showing off your business and personality through video, while also being able to rank on google and youtube for organic discoverability, and lower your ad costs with this kind of content!
Not enough businesses are doing this — YET! So it’s time to get ahead of the competition in 2018 with video.”
More Augmented Reality Experiences And Social TV
– Social TV with Facebook TV
– Voice will become more and more prominent, and with it the rise of the single result (but maybe for 2019)
– something that I hope for, maybe at the end of 2018, some small movements around authenticity, non-manufactured value., and with it, brands turning to micro-influencers
– analytic-driven micro-decision making for brands (engagement and followers won’t cut it anymore) – think Cambridge Analytics type of data micro-management
– rise of audience creators (companies pulling data from many sources and delivering detailed audiences for better targeting).”
Messenger Bots Will Be Big
“BOTS! BOTS and more BOTS! Facebook is constantly coming up with ways to keep people on Facebook.
I can see these bots taking over the industry and becoming the next ’email marketing’. You can’t deny the open rates are SO much higher than email open rates.
The cost per lead is so much lower than other ads. They are another tool (a very important tool) in your success and will be extremely important when building those valuable customer relationships as we move forward.
Bots are where it’s at in 2018!”
“I second the BOTS…every platform either has them or will have them by first quarter of 2018. I also see geofencing continuing to gain popularity.
As brick and mortar businesses realize the necessity of emphasizing their in-person, feel and experience advantage, messaging or texting potential customers as they walk or drive by will play a huge role in attracting them inside.”
“Video is going to be HUGE for sure! Chatbots too–more and more people will be purchasing not only because of social media but THRU it. I see chatbots being a way to keep people/clients interested and engaged when used properly. Too much or too little and you lose people.”
Some Things Never Go Out Of Style
“Messaging platforms! 2.5 BILLION people use messaging platforms to connect with consumers on social networks.
I think with Dark Marketing on the rise that messaging as a marketing strategy will be NECESSARY! Plus they are ideal for relationship building. Connecting with people on a personal level through conversation is a difference maker always.”
“Personality. More and more brands are going to settle in and get comfortable with who they are and what they do, and much of that will be showcased through video. Giving your target audience a sneak peek into what goes on behind the mask in that business owners in service providers can connect and stand out.”
Connection with your core audience in an authentic way.
The businesses who TRULY know and understand their target market, and who can speak their target’s language will rise to the top.Whether it be through humor, engagement, education, or top notch customer service…
The business that truly connects and keeps on connecting will rise to the top.”
What Really Matters In Your Marketing
No matter if you try bots, YouTube or stories- your social media marketing needs to make sense for your business. Working with a social media strategist can help you design a business plan that will help you crush it in the new year.
So tell me in the comments- what do YOU see being big in social media next year?
