“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
While it’s true that online marketing is evolving quickly, certain truths don’t change.
For example: Social media marketing has proven to be a powerful method for getting the word out about your business. 77% of small businesses use social media. And there are new trends popping up all the time.
But these trends are built on classic concepts. Remain true to your brand identity. Provide your customers with a great shopping experience. And, when in doubt, grab the public’s attention by being entertaining.
Let’s dive into 3 new trends that are powered by classic ideas that will never go out of fashion.
Authenticity and Social Media Marketing
Recently, “authenticity” has become a word that carries serious weight for brands all around the world. It’s something that customers have come to expect, even demand. In fact, a staggering 90% of consumers admit that authenticity is a key factor when it comes to choosing the brands they follow.
Slick, perfect advertisements are no longer enough to convince consumers to become loyal to a brand. Instead, they want real experiences that feel genuine. (Think: homemade YouTube productions). Normal people creating unique, engaging content that resonates with their audience.
Whether it’s a makeup tutorial, a recipe video, or a travel vlog, viewers are drawn to the authentic nature of user-generated content. It’s less about the production value and more about the realness of the content. After all, there’s nothing quite like watching someone honestly share their passions and experiences with the world.
For businesses that can deliver on this kind of rough-around-the-edges authenticity, the future looks bright. Aim to produce advertising that speaks to customers on a personal level, that taps into the values and beliefs they genuinely share with your brand, and your brand will be a force to be reckoned with – in 2024 and beyond.
Social Media Marketing and the Rise of Social Commerce
Social media and online shopping are wildly popular activities. And they’ve merged into a whole new beast: Social Commerce.
Social commerce is a new way of online shopping – it offers consumers the simple option of purchasing products directly from social media platforms. No more clicking on links that take you to a separate website, which might risk you losing interest in the product. Now you can “add to cart” right there next to your cousin’s all-caps hot take on weekend karaoke etiquette.
Shopping on a social media platform is fast and convenient – which shoppers love. It also reduces abandonment rates, and encourages impulse buys.
Social media commerce is growing fast, with more brands jumping on every day. You’ll want to offer a seamless shopping experience within the social platforms where customers already spend so much of their time. Since many people interact with social media through their mobile devices, optimizing for mobile use is more important than ever.
But keep in mind that the heart of social media commerce is still the same – giving customers the best possible shopping experience. With a focus on high-quality products and exceptional customer service, you can really thrive.
The Entertaining Side of Social Media Marketing
Social media isn’t just a place for catching up with friends or scrolling through endless pictures of cute animals (although, let’s be honest, we all love that too!). It’s also become a hub for entertainment, with people turning to platforms like Instagram and TikTok to unwind after a long day.
More and more brands are tapping into people’s love for entertainment online by creating genuinely enjoyable content. These days, brands that prioritize the fun factor tend to do better than the ones focused solely on self-promotion.
In fact, this brings us right back around to the topic of authenticity.
While it’s true that 66% of consumers prefer short-form videos, usually less than a minute in length, throwing together just any kind of video won’t necessarily move the needle. But if you create entertaining media that’s both true to your brand, and engages with your audience in a playful way, then you’re sure to see gains in customer interest and loyalty.
Social Media Marketing: The Best of Both Worlds
Marketing your business in the world of social media is a powerful combination of both new and old. Despite the new trends, the main goals of marketing remain the same: Getting seen despite the hustle and bustle, and creating those special opportunities to make a new sale.
Some things never change.
Retaining a timeless quality is essential in all areas of business – and that’s what you can expect from Smart Link Solutions.
Our team of knowledgeable experts always keep up-to-date with the latest trends in social media marketing, while still paying close attention to the foundational values of customer care that will never go out of style.
We’re passionate about crafting compelling online presences for brands just like yours, and we are confident that our commitment to both innovation and tradition can help take your business to the next level.
Partner with Smart Link Solutions today, and discover the kind of quality that never fades with time.