Goodbye Instagram filters, hello sales and community growth! Constant change and kaleidoscopic trends seem to characterize the social media landscape these days. Which can be difficult to keep up with! But this also means brands have more opportunities than ever to step outside their comfort zones and explore new ways of connecting with audiences.
This is why it’s more important than ever to keep an ear to the ground about what’s happening in the industry. The last thing you want is for a cool new trend to take you by surprise! So, let’s get right down to it: what’s up in social media-land in 2022?
1. Creators are here to stay
A large social media following doesn’t automatically translate into a truly engaged and active community. As a brand, you should collaborate with the kinds of creators who can tap into digital communities and new audiences, ultimately earning their trust. Why are these communities so important? These days they provide some of the most reliable word-of-mouth buzz to increase your brand visibility and promote engagement.
2. Invest in social commerce
Product tags. Let’s face it: they’re everywhere. By bringing e-commerce to the social media realm, companies can use social platforms to drive sales. Tap into this trend and make consumers aware of products through social commerce.
3. So-long ‘long’ videos, hello short-form
TikTok is changing the video game. So, it should come as no surprise that short-form video is the way to go in 2022. It's also more easily accessible to brands than longer-form content. And we’re not just limited to polished-looking videos anymore, either. If you’re still feeling intimidated by video, why not start experimenting on a single channel first?
4. Don’t forget about UGC
While picture-perfect content shot by a cutting-edge photographer might seem like the only way to go, never underestimate the power of user-generated content (UGC). UGC is brand-specific and created by customers – then published on social media.
Why is this kind of content important? UGC takes authenticity to the next level and helps establish brand loyalty and grow communities. It allows customers to participate in a brand’s growth. An absolute must-have when it comes to strategy in 2022.
5. Diversity and inclusion are here to stay
These days, a lack of diversity and inclusion should demand a brand’s immediate attention. While many are leading the charge for change, there are still many brands that seem to unconsciously exclude groups and communities. Consider positioning your brand’s social media channels – through words and visuals – as a place that welcomes all kinds of audiences.