Not long ago, I remember writing about how marketing trends keep evolving. It’s mostly because Google, Facebook, Twitter, and other online marketing avenues love updating their guidelines and algorithms. They would introduce new features and SNAP! Just like that, yesterday’s strategies go obsolete; and all the marketers are back to strategizing. It’s because the focus shifts on devising appropriate techniques to boost traction on social media and other online platforms.
However, being your personal social media encyclopaedia, Blue Strawberry is always one step ahead in powering your insight; as I will in this blog.
So, hello Strawberrians! Today, I am going to tell you about the top social media marketing trends of 2021. For instance, what’s a hit, what’s a miss, and what needs to be chucked out of your marketing style-sheet.
Marketing Trends 2021: Get Up to Speed on Social Media
Stream it Live
I said it before, and I will say it again! Live streams are the life-blood of social media post-2020. It all started as we spent those harrowing months indoors, talking with friends, streaming our joys and worries, connecting with the world. For instance, a survey revealed that Facebook Live and Instagram streaming views doubled in the Corona hotspots.
Even in 2021, people are more interested in live brand interactions over streaming platforms. Tutorials, DIY classes, webinars, QandA sessions; diversify your live-streaming in social media and see your views and sales go up.
Minimalist and Thoughtful
Reflecting on the 2020 days. At that time, brands were more focused on sending out good thoughts to the people who were in distress than going all out in self-promotion. Although, the worse is hopefully over, it’s not normal out there. The world has changed and so has the consumer behavior. It’s time, you acknowledge that and follow up with the revised marketing trends of 2021.
For example, try and understand what your audience wants to know; be thoughtful in your posts and promotions. Keep it simple, keep it minimal.
Story Time
Did you know? More than 500 million people interact on Instagram through stories. According to a market study, Stories get 5.65% more taps than normal posts. But you can’t just focus on Instagram stories. Use Facebook stories, Twitter fleets, YouTube Shorts, and likewise to your brands’ benefits. There are more than 51% of businesses tapping into the potential of Stories; join in!
Start a Conversation
Conversation with the audience; personalized interactions; are highly appreciated by the consumers. It increases the engagement between people and the brands. Your target audience feels that you care about them. It creates a personal connection that has immense value.
For example, suppose a buyer posts negative feedback on your posts. You should reach out to that person; be humble. Try and get to know what he/she didn’t like. That gesture will go a long way in maintaining good customer relations. It will also give your insight into the product. Therefore, you can fix it accordingly
Visuals, Visuals, and MORE Visuals
Your social media strategy is half done without video marketing. Studies show that:
- 90% of the information processed by the human brain is video or visual content.
- 65% of the people are visual learners.
- 49% of social media marketers focus on video marketing.
Everyone should start investing in visual content for social networking. If you need help with the process, Blue Strawberry is here to help.
Go VIRTUAL with REALITY
This is another trend that found traction amid the pandemic chaos. Since people were indoors, some brands started using VR experiences for brand promotion. It was an instant hit. In 2021, more brands are using similar strategies on social media.
Even Facebook is heavily promoting its Oculus VR platform. It will provide people with more realistic connection experiences virtually. So, I would suggest that you keep VR in your social media marketing strategies.
Trend with AR
If you are thinking of VR, then AR won’t be that far away. But why use AR? Multiple social media sites are encouraging users to adopt AR. Since AR access is easier through smartphones, you can start with it and then move to VR. AR helps you to have more personal and meaningful interactions with the audience. You can create filters and start a trend for your customers to post and tag. There are several creative ways to execute your AR strategy.
Sell on Social Media
The appropriate term would be social commerce. It means you sell your products or services through your social media page. This is quite common on both Facebook and Instagram. Consumers have liked this concept a lot. So, you might want to look into ways of doing the same. It’s simple; just add a buy button to your product post. It increases the chance of it getting sold.
Work for a Cause
#BlackLivesMatter #StopAsianHate; we are quite familiar with these two causes that sparked a global conversation. There are millions of good causes out there. As a responsible brand, you can show your support to such instances of #volunteer, #activism, #donate, #philanthropy, and likewise.
According to a survey by Twitter, 74% of consumers prefer brands that support social causes. So, I would suggest, start with something local; encourage your audience to be part of the campaign. Later on, you can expand as you move forward, making a real difference. Bonus: It’s one of the high traction marketing trends 2021.
Global Inclusivity
This one is close to my heart, and probably the best social media trend that I will share with you today. Inclusivity matters! For instance, inclusivity of different ethnic groups, the LGBTQIA+ community and other diverse groups of people. When composing a post, be careful to not hurt the sentiment of any group. The world is progressing. Hence, your marketing trends should follow that too.
Shoppers prefer inclusive brands to ones that share no opinion regarding the matter. With everything that has been going on in 2020, inclusivity has been trending and it will be a major social transition in the days to come. So, keep that in mind when planning your social media strategy.
Wrapping Up!
Follow what I mentioned above, and you will be surfing the high-marketing wave on social media. That’s my promise; you know I never break one. Nevertheless, rest assured that Blue Strawberry is always here to sort out and solve your social media woes. If you need any help regarding social media management, don’t hesitate; just reach out to us. My fruity self will be back with more delectable and juicy marketing quips soon. Adios amigos! See you all in my next post.
