2020 is here and with it, a whole cast of new and exciting trends that are bound to either take off or burn up in the next twelve months.
As marketers, one of the most important parts of the social media marketing process is making sure we're making informed decisions about what trends we need to be jumping on and which trends to stay far away from.
After all, did we ever think TikTok was going to take off the way it has for businesses everywhere? There was a time we were wondering if it would be burning out by now. However, not only has TikTok stuck around, it has completely blown us away.
So what trends are we keeping a particular eye on as the year begins? And why these particular trends?
Let's dig in.
The Invasion of the Invisible Likes
Turns out, Instagram is saying goodbye to allowing other people to see the number of individuals who have "liked" your posts. This will have two very positive impacts from all that we can tell.
1) It will allow people and businesses to be more creative in that they won't be trying to post for "likes" but instead for their audiences. If there isn't social pressure from wanting to appear more popular, there's more space for creativity.
and 2) It will have a positive impact in the mental side of the spectrum as well. Because brands and individuals are often fixated on the number of likes they receive, they're more apt to get depressed or feel humiliation in one way or another if they don't receive as many likes as a friend, competitor or family member.
The "death of the Instagram like" will definitely take the pressure off of Instagram users in a way that will allow everyone to be a little more creative and a little less sensitive about not "measuring up" which is always a good thing.
TikTok is Taking the World by Storm
Led by a group of creatively dedicated GenZers, TikTok is paving the way to greater creativity through social video.
Instagram, which is known for showing the best of the best as far as our everyday lives are concerned has been turned on its head thanks to TikTok. It's turning away from the perfect snapshots and live videos in favor of a quick delivery of relatable, hilarious and engaging videos that are reshaping the way we view social media.
Video Content is Still Growing...and Growing...and Growing.
It's hard to believe, but true. In 2020, it's anticipated that more than 82% of all internet traffic is going to be video. Shocking, right?
As marketers, we need to be taking advantage of this trend sooner rather than later and keeping an eye on the changes that take place throughout as social media platforms try to make video a more dominating factor on each channel.
As you grow your video knowledge for 2020, keep in mind that the emphasis is on what's creative, engaging, enlightening and inspiring. Be relatable!
Social Media Shopping: More Seamless in 2020
The ease of buying through Facebook and Instagram is only going to get easier from here. And we can guarantee that it won't be long before TikTok has harnessed this ability and is offering the possibility of shoppable posts on the platform.
So keep an eye out and get busy! Spark engagement through creative social videos and posts that grab the attention of your viewers.
If your audience feels like they need your product to be happy and solve a particular problem in their life, you're doing a great job.
A Surge of Privacy-Related Activity
Friends lists are growing, but the need for security is also growing. And with this type of thing happening more and more frequently, individuals are turning to private messaging apps, groups and boards for more private and intimate connection and conversation.
This trend is only set to rise, so in 2020, make the most of your contacts by reaching out to them wherever they are and bringing them together. Maybe this means creating a group or a forum where people can ask questions and gain insight. Maybe it means more private messages through LinkedIn or Facebook. Maybe it means providing information that makes your audience feel a little safer when it comes to interacting with you.
Authentic, Meaningful "Solutions" on Social=Real Connectivity and Trust
Users want meaningful connections. They want real conversations. They want to be able to trust you and they want you to bring them the solutions to their biggest, (and in their minds) unsolvable problems.
The issue? Your audience is more skeptical than ever. And it's not just your audience either. Everyone is scared and nobody wants to get ripped off.
And that's where you can reshape the way your audience views your brand.
If you can be the answer to their problem and give them a feeling of being less like a customer and more like a family member, you're going to make much bigger steps towards success in 2020.
Successful brands treat their customers like family. Not just another name on a sales report or another lead in the funnel.
Providing good, quality, helpful content is a huge part of giving your customers what they need, when they need it. If you are the one providing solutions, gaining the trust of your audience is going to be that much easier.
The Emphasis on "Vanity Metrics" Fast Disappearing
With the likes on Instagram meeting their demise, and fewer and fewer people relying on follower counts and other vanity metrics as a way to measure results, vanity metrics are fast becoming meaningless in the social media atmosphere.
In 2o20, instead of relying on these types of metrics, it's time to start looking for actions. Count conversions over impressions and engagements over followers. It'll help you find out what's ACTUALLY working instead of what APPEARS to be working.
2020 is going to be a big year for all of us. With lots of new things to explore and discover, (as well as the chance to see TikTok really spiral into something massive!) we can't wait and we're so glad you're here with us for the ride.
What metrics and trends are you watching in 2020? Give us a shout in the comments!
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