We can’t possibly keep up with the times without publishing an article about the latest social media developments, can we? It’s safe to say that in this day and age, running a business without social media is like drinking tea without sugar. Similarly, companies that don’t use social media may as well give up now because they’re effectively out of the running. It’s as if you have already been disqualified from the competition.
One of the most well-known social media management tools, Buffer, has conducted a study called the State of Social Report, and its findings suggest that businesses are receiving a massive response on the social network. Several social media statistics are provided below:
It also noted that 85 percent of companies intend to increase their production of video content in comparison to 2017. The social media landscape is dynamic, with emerging platforms and evolving patterns appearing almost daily.
Deeper Mixing
Remember what I said about tea and sugar? That’s what a company without a social media presence is like. After finishing a website’s design, it’s time to think about how to incorporate social networking features. The vast majority of businesses will prioritise social media integration; if you’ve already done so but aren’t actively using the platforms, you’re missing out on thousands of prospective consumers and should probably start using them. Innovation in social media platforms allows for increased exposure and advertising, which in turn drives expansion. By using social media, you may make it such that people can join your email list by just logging in with one of their existing profiles.
Real-Time Video Streaming
As a result, video content has surpassed written material as the preferred method of engaging with social media users. Whether it’s a live broadcast or a previously produced video, this is a crucial social media strategy that company leaders should not overlook.
HubSpot reports that over half of all social media users want brands to provide more video content. This is why companies are concentrating on posting 18 videos every month on average; doing so keeps slightly more than one-third (37%) of their viewers engaged throughout. Not only that, but research shows that 85 percent of companies prefer to keep their video production in-house.
Facebook is still on top
It is considered that everyone launching a business is ready for both the best and worst case scenarios. Facebook has experienced the same thing. According to a survey conducted by Facebook’s newsroom, the social media platform has approximately 2.27 billion active users worldwide. This is despite unfavourable publicity surrounding the company’s data privacy and security standards, etc. Facebook’s growth up to this point is quite impressive, and it will only accelerate going forward.
Increased spending on social media advertisements is expected to rank #4.
Paid advertisements are a feature offered by all major social media sites and are a great way to get your brand out there. Meanwhile, a Zenith Media survey found that advertising spending will rise by more than 20%, to the tune of $58 billion.
Increases in spending on sponsored ads don’t necessarily translate into higher conversion rates for social media marketers (CTA).
Instagram Stories
Instagram is becoming one of the most widely-used social networking sites. Quicksprout found that after its introduction in August 2016 as a feature similar to Snapchat’s, Instagram Stories rapidly gained more than 100 million daily active users in just a month.
Every month, the vast majority of Instagram businesses share at least one story and receive at least one direct message. The novelty of being able to share photographs and videos that vanish after 24 hours means that this function will also rise in popularity. Furthermore, users can personalise their creations with a variety of enhancements like filters, stickers, text, and doodles.
Using Chatbots and Other Messaging Programs
Businesses may better interact with their customers and vice versa with the help of messenger apps and chatbots. We’ve all heard of Facebook Messenger, and we all know how it functions. The importance of this cannot be overstated, as Facebook users rarely visit the site with the intent to make a purchase while they are there. If the user performs this and lands on a company’s page where they find something of interest, the user can get in touch with the company through instant messaging and chatbots. Due to the high engagement rate and widespread availability of messaging apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, Kik, etc., chatbot integration is expected to rise.
Content Created By Its Users
UGC refers to content made by consumers who are already familiar with and enthusiastic about a brand. It’s a great tool for companies to promote their wares. Images, videos, and memes are all part of the commercial plan to get users interested and engaged.
In today’s tech-driven economy, word-of-mouth promotion may be more important than ever. People aren’t interested in simplistic advertising strategies; instead, you should include a situation-based example into your tale or meme to pique their interest. YouTube stars are a prime illustration of the power of social media influencers, as it is their ability to broadcast films on relevant, timely, and topical real-world events that pique the interest of their viewers and encourage them to interact with the content.
Augmented Reality
There have been many early adopters of AR in business, and early results indicate that it will have far-reaching effects for years to come. According to the forecasts of industry experts, by 2023, the augmented reality and virtual reality marketplaces would have surpassed billions of dollars. Snapchat’s popular photo editing app is a good case in point. When it comes to user satisfaction, more and more services are following suit.
Concluding Remarks
One day, social media marketing will be everywhere. Companies have grasped the importance of social media and are actively working to suit users’ demands. Get your firm moving faster on social media and educate your audience about the industry.