We're well into 2023 at this point, but so much has changed since our marketing agency started the year. We've seen the ever-increasing rise of social media and short-form content. The explosive entry of AI technology. And so much more.
With this comes a fresh batch of trends shaking up the social media marketing landscape.
Can you feel the virtual earth move under your feet? We sure do!
Welcome to our in-depth look at the Latest Social Media Marketing Trends to Follow in 2023. Buckle up because we're about to ride the wave of the future, and it's more electric than ever. 🚀
The Rise of Short Video Content
The absolute leading contender for social media marketing comes in the form of short-form video content.
After all, you know how much short-form content now plays a part in your day-to-day life. Like, have you watched a short-form video you have?
Chances are, you have... and somewhere out there, a savvy marketer is celebrating another view, another click.
It's like this for everyone, with an average watch time of 46 minutes daily for each American and a video completion rate of 86%.
Because of this, more than 91% of businesses now use video as a marketing tool, according to Hubspot statistics.
From Instagram's Reels and YouTube Shorts to TikTok's infectious videos and Twitter's Fleets, the legacy of short video content is now ingrained in the DNA of major social media platforms.
This change is not only fast, people, but it's also happening now, and if you're not taking advantage of it, your competitors are, and guess what outcome that's going to have.
So, to take advantage of and leverage this trend, you'll need to start making content.
This means creating content that tells a story, teaches a new skill, or simply makes people laugh. Short videos are all about packing a punch in condensed timeframes, so remember to keep the content engaging and, most importantly, genuine.
Need some inspo?
Look no further than Gymshark and how brilliantly they use their IG Reels to demonstrate workout routines and fitness tips.
Or take a leaf from Tasty's book; their quick and quirky cooking videos on Facebook have earned them a whopping 101 million followers!
The Rise of Social Commerce
Once upon a time, online shopping meant turning to dedicated eCommerce sites.
You'd find your favorite sites, find the products they sell, place your order, and away you go. You'll get it in the mail. Think the likes of Amazon.
While this way of online shopping still thrives (think the likes of Amazon), social commerce is taking off in a big way, and if you're selling anything online, then you certainly want to be a part of this.
Today, we are amidst an eCommerce revolution led by social media platforms.
Social commerce has progressed at an astounding pace, easily distorting the lines between scrolling and shopping.
eCommerce leaders, Shopify state that social commerce sales will reach an impressive $6.3 trillion as of 2023, amounting to 4.3% of all retail e-commerce sales.
Those aren't just big numbers; those are 'add-to-cart' kind of big!
And all platforms are taking note, from Facebook's "Shop Now" feature to Instagram's integrated shopping experience and Pinterest's Buyable Pins, the world is your marketplace, my friend.
Need an example?
Look no further than skincare powerhouse "Glossier."
Born online, the brand has grown lightyears ahead by leveraging the power of Instagram for sales. Just a simple click on their aesthetically pleasing photo, and bam, you've landed on their product page.
It's just that simple... and ingenious!
User-Generated Content as a Marketing Strategy
Ah, user-generated content (UGC), something we all see every day but might not even realize it.
You see those posts of hand-whipped Dalgona coffee on Instagram? Or how about individuals doing the latest trending dance on TikTok? All these are prime examples of UGC.
We all know that everyone with a smartphone has the potential to be a creator. It's like magic, just without the need for a magic wand! Users are actively contributing to marketing strategies, often without even realizing it.
As a marketer yourself, you must take advantage of this and engage with your customer's user-generated content. This could be as simple as liking and commenting on their posts or even sharing them on your main page.
Because imagine if your favorite brand posted one of your photos on their pages. Imagine how recognized and appreciated you'd feel. Now remember you have the opportunity to do that for others!
Showcasing Authenticity and Building Trust
UGC not only lights up your social media profiles but is also radiating with authenticity. It shows real people using your products or services in their everyday life.
And let's be honest, what speaks more loudly than the voice of an ecstatic customer? It's this authentic pull of UGC that ramped up its use in marketing strategies.
According to Forbes, almost 86% of businesses are deploying UGC as part of their marketing tactics today.
A great example of this in action is Airbnb's #HostWithPride campaign, which engaged hosts and guests to share their pride-filled stories and took the social media world by storm.
Or what about Starbucks' #RedCupContest, where fans submitted their artwork to be featured on the holiday cup design?
These companies aced it when it came to harnessing the power of UGC!
So, with all this in mind, consider ways to incorporate UGC into your social media content strategy.
From challenges and contests to hashtag campaigns, start exploring ways of inviting your audience to co-create. After all, as they say, 'Content is King,' but with UGC, 'Consumers wear the crown.'
Riding the Tailwind of AI
Okay, so you've heard of AI, probably ChatGPT, over the last few months, one of the fastest-growing platforms ever developed. It's changed the world we know, especially the virtual world, where people use it for various tasks and processes.
The same has happened in the world of social media marketing.
While the technology is changing all the time, and we're sure there are plenty of advancements already on their way, there are two main ways AI is revolutionizing the social media marketing game.
First, content creation.
Content creation has been front and center of AI tech for months now and shows no sign of slowing down. The internet has been inundated with generated text, and some love it, and some hate it.
Let's break it down.
First, you won't get penalized for using AI-generated content on social media or on Google. Most major platforms have welcomed it. However, you need to make sure your content isn't spam and actually provides value to the user.
The way to use this is by using your preferred AI tool for brainstorming, generating ideas, researching, and piecing together your content. Think of it as an assistant.
It could be your planner, copywriter, image artist, editor, researcher, or assistant in whatever way you need. However, you must do the work, assemble everything, and have the final say.
This means editing the content, fact-checking it, and making sure it's of quality. No generating and posting something raw. This won't get hard-and-fast results - it will just create the impression of spam without adding anything new or valuable to your customers.
The second way AI can help is by assisting with your social media workflow. Let's break down some of the ways we can do that.
User Segmentation: Split your audience into different buckets based on demographics, interests, and behaviors using AI. No, it's not as hard as it sounds! Tools like Facebook's Lookalike Audience feature or Instagram's data insights can help you nail down these segments.
Personalized Content: Once you've segmented your audience, create tailored content for each group. Think of customized captions, hashtags, CTAs, or even images. It's like whipping up their favorite cocktail every single time.
Automated Posting: The last thing you want is to post a Halloween post on Christmas Day. AI can schedule posts based on when your individual audience segments are most active. Goodbye manual guesswork, hello optimized timing.
Chatbots: Have you ever had a friend who's there for you 24/7? A chatbot is a friend for your audience, answering their queries in real time, enhancing customer service, and even sharing personalized product recommendations.
Predictive Analysis: AI can forecast future trends and consumption patterns, helping you stay one step ahead, the trailblazer you are. So, rain or shine, you're always prepared.
Wrapping It Up
And there you have it, your step-by-step guide to boosting your social media marketing strategy using some of the more modern trends.
It might seem complex, but the beauty of it rests in its simplicity: Authentic engagement, personalized experience for your audience, and an empowered brand presence.
But remember, partnering up with the right people is pivotal in navigating these waters. Ready to supercharge your marketing strategy?
Take the next leap with KJ Marketing Group, a top marketing agency in texas committed to helping you grow your business with effective, tailor-made marketing campaigns. Let's write your success story together.
Click over to KJ Marketing Group today because your goal is our mission!