As the world of marketing changes, so too do the trends. And nowhere is this more apparent than with social media marketing. What was once a platform for sharing updates and connecting with friends has become a powerful marketing tool used by businesses of all sizes.
But just like any other marketing channel, social media is constantly evolving. What works today might not work tomorrow, which is why it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends.
Here are some of the biggest social media marketing trends to watch out for in 2022:
1. Ephemeral Content
The most popular examples are Snapchat and Instagram Stories, but the concept is starting to be used on other platforms as well, such as Facebook and Twitter.
The appeal of ephemeral content is that it’s timely and often personal. It gives businesses a way to connect with their customers in a more informal way. And because it’s only temporary, it’s not as pressuresome as other types of content.
2. Augmented Reality
It’s been used in gaming for years, but it’s starting to gain traction in other industries as well. The game uses your phone’s GPS to place digital Pokemon in the real world. You can then catch them by walking around and looking for them.
This same technology can be used for marketing purposes. For example, you could use AR to give customers a virtual tour of your store or office. Or you could use it to create an interactive experience, such as a scavenger hunt.
3. Live Streaming
Live streaming is a relatively new phenomenon that’s exploded in popularity in recent years. Platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live, and Twitch allow businesses to stream live video to their audience.
Live streaming is appealing because it’s unscripted and real-time. It’s a great way to connect with your audience and build a connection with them.
4. User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) is any type of content that’s created by users, not businesses. This can include things like social media posts, reviews, and comments.
UGC is a valuable marketing tool because it’s credible and trustworthy. People are more likely to believe and engage with content that’s been created by other users.
5. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a type of marketing that involves working with social media influencers. These are people with a large following who have the ability to influence their audience.
The appeal of influencer marketing is that it allows businesses to tap into a new audience. And because influencers have a personal connection with their followers, the messages they share are more likely to be trusted and believed.
6. Chatbots
Chatbots are computer programs that simulate human conversation. They’re commonly used to provide customer support or to answer common questions.
Chatbots are a valuable marketing tool because they allow businesses to automate customer service. They can also be used to collect customer data or to provide personalized recommendations.
7. Social Commerce
Social commerce is a type of e-commerce that allows businesses to sell products and services directly on social media. The most popular platforms for social commerce are Instagram and Facebook.
The appeal of social commerce is that it’s convenient and easy to use. Customers can purchase products without ever having to leave the social media platform.
8. Micro-Influencers
Micro-influencers are social media users with a smaller following than traditional influencers. They typically have between 1,000 and 100,000 followers.
The appeal of micro-influencers is that they’re more affordable than traditional influencers. They’re also more relatable and more likely to engage with their audience.
9. Shoppable Posts
Shoppable posts are social media posts that include product information and a link to purchase the product. They’re commonly used on Instagram and Facebook.
The appeal of shoppable posts is that they make it easy for customers to purchase products. Customers don’t have to leave the social media platform to make a purchase.
10. Social Listening
Social listening is the process of monitoring social media for mentions of your brand or keywords. It’s a valuable marketing tool because it allows businesses to track and respond to customer sentiment.
Social listening is also valuable for research purposes. It can be used to track trends or to get insights into customer behavior.
These are just a few of the many social media marketing trends to watch out for in 2022. Stay ahead of the curve by keeping an eye on these trends and incorporating them into your social media marketing strategy.
