Social media is always changing be it new platforms or varied forms of communication, platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp etc. are always coming up with innovative features and functions that suited for the particular users. These apps cater to the needs and wants of their users and make sure they’re always up to date with the latest features.
Being a social media marketer, it becomes hard to keep track of the next big thing.
Our prediction of what will rule social media in 2019:
1. The rise of Live
Live video is something that’s been around for a while, especially on YouTube, but now Instagram and Facebook have also made it very popular. Brands need to look out for this in 2019 as it will become a standard platform for promotions. The interactivity of live video makes it a powerful tool for marketers it helps the company engage with their customers directly and strengthens the relationship.
2. Personalization
With so many social media platforms coming up, it has become really easy for marketers to get the insights of every customer and see what the customer is expecting. The customer, in turn, expects the marketer to understand their likes and dislikes and create a product/service or an app update according to their taste. Content, products, emails – all of it can now be based on the consumer’s purchase history, clicked links, social media posts, and other behavior.
3. Augmented reality
Augmented reality is already being implemented in smaller ways, but the impact it’s leaving on the society is very vast. In fact, it’s estimated that the augmented reality and virtual reality markets will surpass $298 billion by 2023. The most obvious example is Snapchat’s facial filters.
Social media marketing managers can and should take advantage of these filters as they will become prevalent in 2019.
4. Generation Z
Generation Z is starting to enter the workforce, meaning they have money to spend. Marketers are starting to target the new generation early, which is a smart move. Retail businesses, for example, are offering clothes that are higher end while offering a wider range of styles. Generation Z is surrounded by technology which makes it and social media marketing a perfect fit.
All these changes not only help users engage in a number of different ways with their favourite brands online but also gives the marketer a chance to capture their audiences through various tools and tactics.
5. Voice search marketing
Voice recognition software isn’t new but Google assistant and Alexa have raised the standards. These voice-based customer services like Siri, Alexa, Google assistant, and auditory chatbots are the future of customer services. In near future we wouldn’t see actual people sitting at the back end office to answer calls, instead, these softwares would be doing the needful. Earlier customers wanted everything at their fingertips, they still do want it but Voice assistant has made life easier. From ordering food, to play songs and showing you the cricket score, voice recognition is certainly taking over the future.
While there are many other trends that are going to rule 2019, these are the few which we are looking out for. But remember always that trends do not replace good marketing. Best practices to stand out in a crowd are to build your brand awareness, unique content and engrossing content. In this way you can attract consumers.
