While social media provides brands with a plethora of ways to reach customers, the smartest marketers keep a close eye on new emerging trends on various platforms. This helps them figure out how to incorporate them into their digital marketing strategies and have an edge over their competitors.
To assist brands embrace the trends that will have the most impact in a timely manner – and thereby get a jump on the competition – Rise Collective Ltd decided to share 5 Social Media recommendations that will be decisive in 2022.
1. Build a Community
Being human on social media is something that should never go out of style. Your page will feel more like a community if you make an effort to connect with your fans. So, always make it a priority to engage with them; reply to their comments, comment on their pages, engage in discussion topics, etc. Moreover, consumers are evaluating more than just a brand’s products and services in their social feeds. They’re looking at how closely a brand’s purpose, mission, and social issues are aligned; for example, what NGOs you’re supporting, what is your company culture, etc. By sharing those things on your Social Media channels (in a professional and appropriate manner), those with similar values, passions, or mindsets will be more likely to connect with you…and eventually, become your customers.
2. Invest in Influencer Marketing
We believe that 2022 will be a year in which brand-influencer partnerships will be stronger, more diverse, and more intentional than ever before. As the digital transition continues to bring retail online, brands will need to develop more innovative online collaborations in order to stand out in an all-digital world. Drop the idea that influencer marketing only works with influencers who have tens of thousands of followers. Have you ever come across the term “micro-influencers”? These are social media influencers who have more than 5,000 followers but less than 10,000 followers (based on Mauritius scale of course). Micro-influencers are known to have deeper connections with their audiences, with people feeling close to them. Leveraging on them is therefore a cost-effective method to achieve better conversions and more growth for your brand.
3. Keep Your Videos Short
With the introduction of IGTV, brands assumed that long-form social media videos would become the new norm. However, since Millennials and Gen-Zers have shorter attention spans, this tactic is being laid to waste. Thanks to apps like TikTok and features like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, short-form videos have made their mark and are going to be here to stay for the foreseeable future. So, keep your social media video material short and sweet, with the exception of YouTube, where long-form videos are still valued.
4. Talk Less, Social Listen More
Keep your finger on the pulse of what your audience is saying about your brand. When it comes to social monitoring, social listening goes the extra mile. Rather than merely replying to posts and comments about your products or business, social listening involves analysing and generating insights from them, which can then be used to fine-tune your strategy. If you make social listening a priority, you’ll have an easier time figuring out what your customers enjoy and want to see more of. You’ll also know what kind of products and content don’t resonate with them, which will save you time and money in the long run.
5. TikTok, Tic Toc!
How could we not mention this beast? TikTok is easily one of the most popular apps in the world right now, with over 1 BILLION USERS in 2021. This app was once primarily used by teenagers and young adults who wanted to share funny and entertaining videos. However, it’ll quickly become the next great social media marketing tool… and it’s already making its way to Mauritius. Although lots of people are using TikTok right now, a lot of brands are still reluctant about jumping into this new app. And this is great news for you guys!!! As a result, there is far less competition on this platform, giving you more opportunities to make a bang and get people interested in what you’re selling. The TikTok wagon won’t wait for you, so don’t miss it!
Those are just five elements among millions of big and small consumer shifts which will give rise to new trends. For this reason, now is the time to reconnect with customers, challenge all of our preconceptions about what works, and be humble in the face of changes we are just beginning to grasp.
If you know someone who’s been stuck in developing their Social Media plan for 2022, do share this article to help them streamline their strategy and experience great results. As always, WE ARE HERE if you need a little extra help!
