Social Media in 2022, it’s not Slowing Down.
When I say that social media has become even more critical to marketers, businesses and brands during the pandemic, I’m sure you aren’t shocked. Afterall, it’s a great tool that allows you to reach out to potential customers or clients and more importantly enables you to quickly update your followers with any business updates.
Social media is fast-paced and constantly evolving, it can be hard to keep up. So, I’ve rounded my top three Hootsuite social trends that look to be big in 2022.
– Haroon Rashid –
‘The strength of your social media is determined by the strength of your content.’
Advertising gets Creative
Social media marketers, businesses and brands will spend more on social media advertising in 2022, but if they really want to stand out from the crowd then they’re going to have to get creative.
People are still ad-weary, after all many people have ad blockers now to stop those pesky pop-ups. So, it’s no wonder most people scroll through or tap past a sponsored post on social media.
What’s the key to stopping this you ask?
Well, for starters you need to look at which platforms you’re focussing on. Because the largest increase in spend relative to the last year will be going into TikTok, Pinterest and Snapchat. Why? Because, these networks haven’t been saturated with brands in the same way that Facebook and Instagram have (…yet).
But, more importantly these networks encourage creators, brands and advertisers to curate content that fits organically into their platform.
- TikTok’s tagline – ‘Don’t make ads. Make TikToks.’
- Pinterest’s call to action – ‘Stop interrupting. Start inspiring.’
- Snapchat asks that you – ‘Become a part of Snapchatters’ everyday conversations.’
Simply put, consumers are holding advertisers to a higher standard when it comes to ads and they don’t want their experience interrupted by ads that are self-serving. Brands that advertise successfully on these networks appreciate and understand their audience’s mindset.
Now, this doesn’t mean that you should immediately go and set up accounts on any or all of these platforms. In fact, if you’re wondering whether advertising on these networks can benefit you, get in touch, we’ll take a look at your social media strategy and if you don’t have one then we can create one with you.
Social Commerce Booms
Thankfully bricks-and-mortar shops live on, but it’s clear from the trends of the past year that social commerce isn’t going anywhere either.
As millions of people were plunged into various states of lockdown, they sought refuge in online shopping for both large and small purchases, whether that was for a new loungewear set to work from home in comfort or a Peloton bike to keep fit.
It was then that social commerce then became a way of life. Small businesses relied on their social storefronts to continue to serve their customers and maintain a revenue stream, while larger companies were forced to look at how their consumers are interacting with their brand.
Two years on, social commerce isn’t slowing down. And now, shoppers aren’t only using social media to click that ‘buy now’ button, they’re using it at every stage of the purchase journey.
They are now the second most important channel for online brand research after search engines. In fact, social media ranks higher in pre-purchase research in consumers aged 16 to 24 than Google, for example.
2022, will see small businesses extend their customer experience across social media, while larger companies will continue to test the limits of the online shopping experience and enhance their brand’s voice by engaging with their consumers.
Social Media, the Frontline Defense in Customer Service
Thanks to lockdowns, Brexit and the pandemic in general it’s no secret that supply chains have been disrupted and a rise in staffing shortages has ensued, among other problems. All of which leads to a potential stream of unhappy customers wanting answers.
Let’s face it, there is nothing more infuriating than being left on hold. So, it’s little surprise that consumers have found that service delivered via social media is more immediate, convenient and most-importantly effective. In a recent survey, 64% of people said they’d rather send a message via Facebook rather than call a business.
So the pressure is on businesses to adapt to embrace as many digital customer service channels as possible.
As Christoph Neut, Vice President Sales at Sparkcentral by Hootsuite said; ‘When you bundle social marketing and social care, you’re actually covering the core outcomes that have a huge impact on customers’ buying experience your company’s bottom line. That’s the big picture many businesses still aren’t seeing.’
Want to flourish on social media 2022?
Firstly apologies for the bombardment of information, but to simplify the above, social media is bigger than ever and it’s not slowing down.
If you’re still posting as and when you remember to, or have social media because it’s what you thought you had to do, then it sounds like you need a social media manager. Or at the very least a social media strategy.
Get in touch, let me help ease the pressures of social media.
Work With Me
