So where is Social Media going?
Top 5 Social Media Trends for 2020.
1. Ephemeral content
Ephemeral content is something that is available only for a short duration and disappears afterwards. Instagram and Snapchat Stories are perfect examples of this type of content. They are short, engaging, and addictive in a way that people can spend hours scrolling through one Story after another. This is evident by the substantial rise in Instagram Stories’ daily active users, as shown below.
2. Using niche Social Media platforms
Several other niche social media platforms have not only emerged but have significantly risen to fame. This means that brands must tailor content specifically for the platform and the audience it carries.
3. Likes on Instagram
Instagram is removing the likes feature for posts. Getting rid of “likes” could also make it more difficult for brands to vet influencers whom they use for promotional or sponsored content.
4. Social Commerce
Social commerce has become a new retail avenue for brands and this trend is only going to get stronger. There is a big opportunity here for brands, as this could simplify the process of purchasing a product. Most people are more likely to follow through on a purchase when it is simple and on a medium they are familiar with.
5. Video, Video, Video
Video content is one of the most engaging forms of content and will soon dominate the social media a clear winner over all other types of content. Brands can start by using features like Stories both for social media content and for advertisements. Businesses can also add videos to their social media feeds, even on platforms that were traditionally dominated by image or text content.
SEO has changed, what’s in store for 2020?
Search Engine Optimization Trends for 2020
1. Automation
Marketing will become a more even playing field, you’ll have no choice but to use automation. There are credit card companies like Brex that make it easier for startups to get approved for larger limits and you may not have to pay them back right away.
There are financing companies that will give you cash to spend on marketing, so non-venture funded companies can more easily compete. In other words, the marketing playing field is getting more even.
If you want to do well, you are going to have to leverage AI and automation. If everyone else is using it and you aren’t, you are going to get crushed because it will make changes faster and more accurately than a human.
2. Online rankings carry more weight
It’s becoming clearer that Google ranks brands and therefore wider brand and content marketing campaigns are key to SEO success. But what does this mean? Due to the current economy, spend on TV and above-the-line advertising isn’t really growing, with brands choosing to shift their budgets into digital performance marketing.
As a result, lots of brands are struggling for awareness and relying on number one or page one ranking to solve that problem. However, with paid ads, local results and images taking up nearly half of page 1 results – organic search rankings just aren’t enough.If we see a company dominating social channels, being engaged with on Facebook, talked about on YouTube or hitting the headlines on a regular basis and in a positive light – we naturally start to trust it as a brand – no matter its visibility on Google.
3. Incorporating SEO expertise into your online messaging
For the last few years, the main aim has been to try and get clients to understand everything that impacts SEO and organic search beyond the normal content, architecture, and links.
We all should know by now that having an SEO expert in the room when discussing anything relating to the website is a must but taking this further, not having an SEO representative present when you discuss TV, billboards, PR, Social or any other marketing activity can lead to missed opportunities that would considerably benefit your organic performance.
The reality is that what we consider core SEO will only get you so far and to get where you want to be, in a competitive space, you often need to bring SEO considerations into other channels while putting your audience and the desire to get people to your website first and foremost.
4. Online reputation and trust
Building customer trust is one of the main issues plaguing eCommerce businesses. A typical shopper’s mind generates skeptical questions, like: “Are their products really good?” or “Will they return my money back if I’m dissatisfied?”
That’s why genuine customer reviews bring value to the purchasing process. People want to hear an impartial opinion, not an advertisement. User-generated content offers brands the opportunity to supply that social proof. Rather than spending big bucks on paid promotion, let your customer’s social media content encourage cross-sells.
5. Cross-selling and up-selling
Upselling and cross-selling are timeless marketing approaches. If used correctly, they can boost revenue growth and increase customer lifetime value. To give your brand a sales reboot, incorporate personalization into the strategy. Amplify user-generated content and consider the pricing when bundling. Customize. Upsell. Sell more.
These are the trends that will come true, some already are, and you have to adapt for them. We hope this article helps with the planning and preparations for your business this coming year.
