With the first month of 2021 almost in the books, it’s time to come to grips with the fact that the rest of this year is going to mirror much of the last… However, that doesn’t have to be the case for social media. In my latest and greatest write-up for ENX2 Marketing, I am going to dive into some 2021 social media trends we should be mindful of as we continue on throughout the year.
Instagram Ads Takeover
Last year wasn’t the greatest year for many of us, but for Instagram, it was. Don’t believe me? You should. Better yet, read the statistics from Sprout Social:
- Over 1 billion people used the platform every month
- 90% of Instagram accounts claimed to follow at least one business account
- Q4 of Instagram’s ad reach outgrew every other social media platform’s reach
Impressive stuff, right? Long gone are the days when Instagram mainly served as a place to see photos of your friends. Instagram now serves as a place for brands to reach new customers. According to Facebook, 83% of Instagram users discover new products or services on the platform, and 87% of users said they took some type of action after seeing product information on Instagram.
Instagram ads aren’t the future, they are the NOW.
Influencers and User Generated Content on the Rise
Online influencers, like our very own Nicole Farber, are highly effective content creators. They are essential in brands’ digital marketing strategies, as consumers have come to rely on influencers for pretty much anything you can buy online.
84% of digital consumers have shopped for products and services online since the pandemic began, and that trend doesn’t look to slow down anytime soon. It’s as simple as hitting one single button or swiping your finger.
Influencers aren’t the only ones getting in on the fun. You, me, and even the “Regular Joe” down the block have flocked to social media to create their own content. Maybe out of boredom or by finding a solution to pandemic stress, everyday people continue to self-create on social media. Livestreaming has increased by 70% during the last year, and that trend will likely continue throughout all of 2021.
Social Listening Continues to be a Priority
So much has happened over the course of the last 12 months, and brands felt the pressure to contribute to online conversations about each and every issue. But sometimes, the messaging felt short.
Because of all this, businesses of all industries will be spending time and money to make sure their messages never miss the mark again. Throughout 2021, the implementation of tools to help those overseeing a brand’s digital voice will be put into place to help determine if a brand’s voice is actually needed in the conversations surrounding social justice, politics, healthcare, and other hot-button issues assured to rear their ugly head throughout this year and beyond.
Even in paid social media content, you’ll begin to see brands listening to their audiences better with their current beliefs and behaviors in mind.
Contact ENX2 Marketing for Your 2021 Social Media Needs
Whether it’s Instagram ads, advice on user-generated content, or the implementation of social listening techniques, the social media professionals at ENX2 Marketing are here for you. With expertise in both organic and paid social media, our team has what it takes to make your business succeed across every major platform. Contact our agency today.
