The days are getting shorter, and the Christmas decorations are popping up all over the place, which means a new calendar year is coming in hot. Marketers continue to utilize social media in 2016 with different approaches, and when it comes down to it, it really depends on your brand when deciding what’s the best route to take with your businesses social media strategy. Social media marketing is always changing so to are consumer interests, along with innovations that impact social strategies. Looking ahead to 2017, understanding where social media is going can give you a head start on your competition.
1. Use of video content - 83% of marketers are planning to create more video content so long as they have the time and resources, along with 30% specifically targeting Facebook video in 2017
2. Marketers continue to pile on Facebook content - Although organic reach on Facebook has gone down, most marketers are either using the same amount of Facebook or more compared to 12 months ago (both Facebook and Facebook Ads).
3. Get ahead with customer support - Most businesses aren’t using social media to facilitate customer support, so hop on the wagon before your competitors do!
As Facebook maintains its position as the leading platform for marketers, Twitter is a close second. Twitter could see a decline in use going into 2017 with the heavy use of image and video marketing attracting both customers and businesses to platforms like Instagram and Snapchat (and of course, Facebook video).
Most businesses are adapting a pay-to-play strategy when it comes to Facebook as most marketing strategies focus on investing in Facebook Ads along with boosting posts. Facebook is currently the dominant social platform and as it continues to innovate, it seems that it’ll continue to be in 2017. Video content has played a big part in this, as more brands are trying to find ways to implement it into their marketing strategies.
Hopefully, you’re using either Snapchat or Instagram (IG) or both, because if you’re not I’d suggest implementing them into your 2017 strategy. Both platforms are great ways to add more of a personality to your brand, and further increase engagement with your customers.
Because IG is owned by Facebook, your Facebook Ads are also easily transferable to Instagram, making your IG account that much more important when it comes to activity. IG stories are similar to Snapchat, and are also great for your business, whether you’re using it for behind the scenes footage, giveaways, interactive experiences, or even takeovers!
Social media will only become more relevant in 2017, be prepared and have a plan for your brand’s social media presence.