Social media usage is on a steady rise, and it is estimated that there will be 6 billion active users on all platforms by 2027. The pandemic boosted the numbers in 2020 as many users took to TikTok and Instagram to share their daily accomplishments and indoor adventures.
The availability of several platforms with large audiences opens a world of possibilities for digital marketers. They can be truly creative and experiment with various features and content. With that said, it is important to mention that the competition is quite strong, and you need to stand out to be noticed. So let’s look at some of the most exciting social media trends you should expect in 2023.
1. Be genuine
A platform BeReal was all the rage in 2022, and people embraced just being in the moment and not using filters. Content creators and brands who make relatable videos and posts are undoubtedly more popular. The audience is not interested in luxurious trips they will never be able to afford or beauty standards that are simply unachievable by a normal person.
Therefore, if your brand is planning to collaborate with influencers, choose someone honest, friendly, and relatable. They don’t need to have a large following but engage with the people on their profile.
2. Go for microinfluencers
As mentioned above, macroinfluencers might seem like the best possible choice for a brand, but the truth is that their engagement rates are low. They might have the numbers on their side, and that’s about it. However, microinfluencers have a loyal following, especially if they have established themselves with useful tips and honest product reviews.
Not to forget that hiring microinfluencers is way more affordable, which is perfect for brands trying to find their audience. The pandemic also introduced more people to online shopping, so hiring influencers should be on your list of digital marketing strategies for 2023.
3. Customer service on social media platforms
Since almost every brand out there is using social media, their followers are used to communicating with them on those platforms. It is no wonder many of them contact the brands when they have a problem with their order, want to find out more about a product or service, etc. And they expect a speedy response too.
Consider moving one part of your customer service to social media. They should reply to DMs and comments and try to come up with the best solution. When other users see a brand that responds to the comments publicly and solves problems for their customers, chances are they will be more interested in engaging with the brand itself.
4. Short-form videos
YouTube has been a go-to platform for long-form videos for years, and that is not changing anytime soon. But the popularity of TikTok really made a huge shift in the way videos are created. Short-form videos are way more interesting to Generation Z, but Millennials are not too far behind because they have embraced this trend quickly.
The launch of Instagram Reels only proved that short-form videos are the future. They are essential if you want to have a wider reach. Since Instagram is competing with TikTok at the moment, the chances are you will see a boost in your engagement numbers if you start creating high-quality and attention-grabbing short-form videos.
5. More involvement
Business activism has been on the rise in the last couple of years, and it is a welcome change. Brands of all sizes should be more involved in social justice and environmentalism. Numbers show that customers gladly support brands that are vocal about causes. But remember that it needs to be a sincere involvement and something that aligns with a brand.
Simply saying that a brand is passionate about making a change is not enough, and the followers need to see the activism first-hand. Social media allows us to post updates at all times, so use this to your advantage. Well-thought advertising campaigns that address social and political issues are appreciated, but remember to be genuine.
6. Build smaller communities
Being bombarded with new posts and updates doesn’t suit everyone. Some people prefer smaller groups to interact with, and that is okay. They usually share common interests and bond over them. For instance, Facebook Groups are perfect for building smaller communities that share content among themselves.
Creating a tight-knit community around your brand can do wonders in the long run. It will boost engagement rates, and you will be able to get more honest feedback regarding your products and services. These conversations could help you improve and build trust with your loyal audience. Keep in mind that you may try out different platforms, such as Discord, that allow you to create multiple channels depending on topics.
