The landscape of social media is in a perpetual state of flux, continually evolving and updating. Consequently, the methods companies and brands employ to promote their products must also adapt accordingly.
In this guest blog, Amy Hermitage delves into some emerging trends that companies are increasingly embracing to market their services and products.
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Livestreaming
Livestreaming entails broadcasting real-time video captured on devices like tablets, smartphones, or professional cameras, over the Internet for viewing on web platforms or mobile apps.
An escalating number of companies are leveraging real-time video to engage and captivate their target audiences. This medium affords brands the opportunity to foster authentic and unfiltered interactions with their viewers, imbuing the company or brand with a relatable personality. Its live nature facilitates immediate feedback, enabling both the company and audience to glean valuable insights into audience preferences.
Moreover, livestreaming serves as a platform for companies to elucidate concepts to their audiences, who, in turn, can pose questions and engage in real-time dialogue. Its novelty and immersive appeal forge deeper connections between companies and audiences.
An array of social media platforms and applications boast livestreaming capabilities, including Facebook, Instagram, Periscope, and Twitch. Among these, Facebook is perhaps the most renowned. Additionally, third-party websites enable companies to embed livestreams on their own platforms, driving traffic to their websites.
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Expiring Content
Expiring content, as the name suggests, refers to content with a limited lifespan, typically viewable for only 24 hours unless captured via screenshot.
Snapchat and Instagram are frontrunners in the realm of expiring content, featuring functionalities like “Stories.” These enable users to upload photos and videos, embellishing them with filters, stickers, and annotations.
Expiring content boasts a low production cost, as it caters to audiences seeking an “in-the-moment” experience. It provides a glimpse into the inner workings of a company or offers behind-the-scenes insights into products or events. The ephemeral nature of such content lends it an air of exclusivity, fostering a sense of privilege among viewers. This fosters a special bond between the company and its audience, nurturing a unique relationship.
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Consistent and High-Quality Content
There’s a growing demand for consistent and top-notch content. Regular postings keep the company on the radar of their audience, serving as a gentle reminder to utilize their products or services. Moreover, social media platforms increasingly prioritize posts that are relevant and engaging. Consistent posting not only appeals to the audience but also reinforces brand identity when maintained across all social media platforms.
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Emphasis on Video Content
Video content holds immense appeal for audiences, particularly mobile users, as it has the power to captivate and evoke emotions. Video marketing offers a concise and engaging way to convey information. In today’s fast-paced world with shortened attention spans, consumers prefer the ease of consuming content through videos rather than reading lengthy product descriptions. Watching a video allows customers to witness the product in action, leading to increased engagement and time spent on the company’s website. Extended exposure signals to search engines that the site hosts valuable content. Additionally, incorporating video content enhances the likelihood of a company’s website ranking higher on Google, given Google’s ownership of YouTube.
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Leveraging Influencer Marketing
Influencers, individuals with sizable and dedicated followings, possess the ability to amplify trends and create compelling content. Celebrities, YouTube creators, Instagram personalities, and bloggers are examples of influencers.
It’s increasingly common for companies and brands to collaborate with influencers to promote their products or services to a broader audience. Leveraging influencers allows companies to tap into the influencer’s loyal following, increasing brand visibility and potential customer engagement.
However, it’s crucial to select influencers with the appropriate reputation and personality. The most effective endorsements come from influencers who genuinely align with the company’s values, appearing as authentic customers of the brand.