Social media has taken the world by storm, and keeping up with the latest trends can feel overwhelming. You might wonder why social media trends matter—but they can make or break the effectiveness of your marketing strategy in 2019.
So far this year, there are three standout trends worth paying attention to:
Social media storytelling
The concept of “Stories” was first introduced by Snapchat and quickly became one of the most-used sharing tools across social media. It has become especially powerful on Instagram—particularly after changes to the platform’s algorithm impacted how feed-based content is shown organically to users.
That shift encouraged brands to change how they post in order to reach their maximum audience. Instagram Stories give viewers a quick, easy way to experience content “in the moment” as they tap through. Stories can include photos, videos, polls, questions, and more, making them an engaging format for brands and creators alike.
For content you want to keep longer than 24 hours, Instagram also allows you to save Stories using Highlights, which appear as clickable buttons on your profile. While Stories exist on other platforms too, Instagram continues to lead the way in how widely and effectively this feature is used.
Personalized content
Social media has also shifted the type of content businesses are producing. In 2019, it’s essential to build an authentic brand that creates content on a personal, interactive level.
Brands should focus on quality over quantity while building a clear brand narrative. Creative and thoughtful posts encourage stronger engagement and help build a base of genuine followers who actually care about your business.
Trust is built by brands that provide high-quality, consistent, and approachable content. And one simple way to make your business feel more personal? Put a face to your brand. Show the people behind the scenes—the ones who make it all happen.
Audience segmentation
Another trend shaping social media in 2019 is audience segmentation. Businesses are now targeting different groups within their market across different platforms.
That means content on Facebook may look different than content on Instagram—even if it’s posted by the same brand. It’s no longer effective to publish the exact same content across every platform.
The reason is simple: audiences vary widely by platform. Facebook users often have different interests and behaviors than Instagram users, and both differ from Twitter. By focusing on each segment separately, you can create content that performs better on each platform—while still maintaining a cohesive brand message.
Next steps: review your social media strategy
It can be extremely beneficial to review your social pages and identify changes you can make to keep up with the fast-moving world of social media. Small adjustments—like leaning into Stories, creating more personalized content, or tailoring posts by platform—can make a big difference in results.
If the idea of keeping up with trends feels overwhelming, consider getting help managing your brand image and social media strategy.
Want support updating your social media strategy? Contact us to learn how we can help.
