2018 Business Social Media Trends

It’s no surprise that social media platforms are gaining a lot of popularity. You would see a lot of people everywhere with their eyes glued to their phones. People are so updated with lives of, not just their families and peers, but of the celebrities they follow.

But what kind of contents or posts are the reason that they can’t keep away from social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram?

Here are social media trends for the year 2018:

1. Going Live Is ALIVE!

Almost all of the social media platforms have a live feature. Facebook live on Facebook, Instagram story for Instagram and well, Twitter has always been somewhere you can post real-time updates. People love the authenticity of watching you live as it’s not something you can edit. You have that certain realness to you when you do live posts and stories. Viewing anything that’s authentic and real entices something human with the viewers. Showcasing your products live will not only create a bridge between your business and the audience but also create a human connection.

2. Generation Z Is Key

According to this post by AdWeek, Generation Z is most likely to be influenced by sales and discounts. Unlike other generations that witness or grew with the birth of the internet, Gen Z came to the world with the internet already in bloom. Chances of them patronizing your products and services rely heavily on social media. Here’s an infographic on the gen z social media habits.

3. Social Messaging Is The Way To Go

All social media platforms have their own online messaging. You can even talk to the same person with different subjects using different social media sites. The reason why it’s a trend is that of accessibility. If a user would see an Instagram story they like, they can directly message the creator (unless their direct message through stories is disabled). You can do a lot of things through social messaging such as sending photos, gifs, stickers, even voice recordings. Because of accessibility, it’s very easy to respond to clients through social messaging.

4. Customer Service Through Social Media

Since almost all people are on social media, it’s very easy to introduce your products and services. But as easy of a job this is, it’s also easy to receive feedback from clients, including the bad ones. All reviews on your Facebook page must be reviewed and responded to. Search for feedback through hashtags in Instagram and feature them in your own account. It’s easy to build and destroy a business in social media sites so, be very mindful of the reviews about your products and services.

5. Social Media Marketing Through Influencers

Influencers are on the rise especially on Youtube. Since video is still the best form of content for social media, Youtube personalities are definitely gaining a lot of popularity. With this, having these personalities market your brand is a sure fire way to connect with most generations especially gen Z. There has been a buzz with a certain story on Facebook that involves a Youtube personality asking for a free accommodation in a hotel in exchange of her documenting her stay and posting it on her blog as well. The request did not sit right with the hotel owner and exposed her on Facebook. People like the hotel owner does not understand the effect of social media influencers in their businesses and would rather resort to doing it on their own. Although it is possible to increase following on your own, the existing following the influencer already have can increase marketing on your business without much time and effort needed.

So…

These social media trends are guides for this year and for the years to come. It may or may not change but for sure, social media is all the buzz there is. It’s not only enough to have a physical store but social media engagement is a must. You may be great at interpersonal relationships but having a presence in the world wide web is critical for your business. If you’re one of those business owners who struggle with increasing your following or you’re trying to get on with the times and reach most generations, a social media freelancer can do these things with you! Send me a message so we can get you started on your social media journey towards business success.