3 Social Media Trends for 2016

In the ever changing world of Social Media, we can absolutely expect more modifications which will impact how business is done on Social Media. We’re looking at three social media trends for 2016 that you will need to take note of if you want to stay ahead.

1.Snapchat will be king for consumer brands

If you’re in a B2C environment you can’t afford to miss out on Snapchat in 2016. The past 12 months has seen the social app become a force to be reckoned with thanks to an increase in celebrity and brand usage.

Snapchat Ireland If trends continue, Snapchat will only become more popular among consumers in 2016. According to Expanded Ramblings, Ireland is the country with the most users on Snapchat, meaning your business is primed for a ready made target audience.

It can be a daunting concept, snapping pictures of videos that will catch people’s attention, but if done right, it can have a huge impact. For your own research we recommend that you check out how Amazon do things; they market sales and special offers, but not nearly as often as they give a showcase into how life working at Amazon is, which warms people to the brand in a very significant way.

Snapchat Amazon

 

2.Live Broadcasting is going to explode

How annoyed Google must be that their concept of broadcasting live through their video service ‘Google Hangouts’ has been overshadowed by a couple of small-time apps, Periscope and Meerkat.

alert-bullhornThese live broadcasting social apps are a tool for promoting your brand. Broadcasting from events, showcasing live webinars on a valuable subject and live streaming product launches are all clever ways of generating interest in your brand. It takes the snapchat methodology to a whole new level.

Real-time connections are becoming so much more valuable in modern marketing, and with Facebook taking on live Broadcasting for selected figures it is definitely going to be more common place. Don’t be surprised if you hear of Facebook making a move in on Periscope or Meerkat as well!

 

3.Social Advertising will become bigger, better, and unavoidable

Get ready to give in to Social Advertising; you didn’t really think it would be a free ride all the way, did you? The people who run Social Networks need to make money, just like you, and short of charging regular Joes to use their site, the only real way to make money is to charge for advmoneyertising.

Don’t fret too much though, it’s a lot better than it sounds. At the moment you are shouting into space if you’re not already using targeted advertising. It allows you to specifically target those who are likely to have an interest in your business, and it can even target people who have looked at your sit but never made contact. 2016 will also see Social Advertising become even more targeted and therefore valuable to businesses. It’s something all businesses should be open to embracing; and it’s not as easy as boosting a post and hoping for the best, there has to be a strategic element to it. in 2016, we recommend you remain open to Social Advertising and be prepared to embrace it.

One more thing to keep in mind on this; if Social Networks are going to put more emphasis on advertising, they are going to tighten their algorithms even further, making it more difficult to be seen. This means you are going to have to really be on top of your strategy.

 

Who knows what else 2016 will bring in the world of Digital Marketing, but we are betting on these three predictions coming to fruition in the next 12 months. If you want to stay on top of the whirlwind world that is Social Media Marketing, be sure to get in touch with us to discuss your overall Digital Marketing Strategy. With our team of experts your business’ visibility will increase. Click below to request a free telephone consultation. 

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Richard Coen

With over 21 years of experience in Digital Marketing, 31 years in sales and 25 years in business development, Richard assists companies to develop key growth strategies on a local or international basis. He can assist marketers to achieve balance in their approach to key areas affected by the growth in digital marketing.