The world is changing rapidly, it is crucial for all businesses to stay on top of all the game. If your business wants to continue growing by adding real value, you will have to rethink taking into account all the shifts taking place. Brands ought to react quickly if they want to survive and even when they do adjust, they must be aligned with the brand imagery, voice, and persona. 

It is that time of the year again, where social media experts everywhere are planning their strategies for 2022. Consumers have more power, they are now a big part of the decision making process. They are now vocal about their needs and expectations. Hence, it is important to take the time to listen to those needs using social listening; it is impossible to predict the upcoming changes from year to year. In this article, we put together the 5 key social media trends to put into consideration to fuel up your social media strategy into the right direction as you start planning for the upcoming year. 

1. Rise of Video Content 

After 2020, consumers redefined what is considered engaging content on social media. In the age of the ‘new normal’ post pandemic, people are spending more time online looking for relevant content that would help them connect with others. Short form videos are becoming more popular. Tik Tok is setting a trend that is not going away anytime soon. It is even inspiring other social media platforms to readapt their content to match consumer expectations. For example , Instagram readapted its strategy by expanding its video options. This type of shift in video consumption puts pressure on brands to ride this wave of trend before it’s too late, and you are left behind. 

2. Social Media Algorithms

The role of artificial intelligence in social media continues to grow. Most social networks use algorithm based feeds and updates in the effort to create a personalized user experience as they scroll through their homepage feed. Each one of them works differently depending on the platform. Consumers are more likely to pay attention to content that just came their way; they do not go searching for it online. So for a brand to remain visible, they must communicate using the right keywords and hashtags targeting specific audiences based on age, gender, location, and interests. The process of how algorithms make decisions keeps on changing, but the consistent factor is that relevant content with specific targeting increases the chances of it being seen. 

3. Social Commerce 

As millions of people started shopping online during the pandemic, consumers were introduced to a new way of life. Small businesses relied on social media to continue serving their customers during lockdown. Larger companies were forced to reimagine new ways to interact with their customers; one of those ways happened to be social media shopping. It is now post-pandemic; social media shopping did not slow down. Shoppers are not just scrolling through social media to view the product; they are pressing the ‘buy now’ button available on social media platforms for consumer packaged goods. Now, social media is being used for every stage in the user purchase journey across several product categories. 

4. Personalized Content 

Consumers expect to consume personalized content that matches their interests and an overall positive experience. Now, consumers are expecting more from brands; brands are required to be proactive, not reactive. Consumers are fully aware of the power they have over brand messages and overall operations. Brands are held accountable for what they represent, so if a brand does not align with the values of their consumers, this would be a drawback. There is pressure on brands to be about more than just their product or service, they are expected to be part of change to make the world a better place. 

5. Influencer Marketing 

Influencer marketing is rapidly developing at a fast speed. More brands are investing in influencers to market their products online, and they are also putting in the research based on data to ensure they make the right decisions regarding the right influencers to collaborate with. Consumers are looking for trust, so they are likely to listen to someone they follow and trust more than the official page of a brand. Brands need to focus on establishing this relationship of trust by selecting the right representatives, and encouraging dialogue in their content. 

Crowd Analyzer’s Insights & Reporting experts are here to support you with extensive data and industry expertise. They will provide you with accurate insights, reports, and recommendations that will help you identify the best marketing tactics that would be the right fit for your brand as you get ready to prepare your content and marketing strategy for 2022.