The New Year is upon us and now is the time to rethink your social media strategy. We have identified the top 7 social media trends we can expect to see in 2015 and how you can make them work for your business.
- New and Improved Sites
We’re sure to see new sites step on to the scene in 2015 as well as the growth of some older sites. The social media sites we predict to see growing in the New Year include:
- Ello – this anti-Facebook, ad-free social media site is going to draw a lot of attention in 2015. The jury is still out as to how businesses will utilize it.
- Tumblr – this micro-blogging platform grew 120% between Q2 and Q4 of 2014 (Global Web Index), making it the fastest growing social media site of the year. If it continues to grow we will certainly see marketers hopping on board.
- Snapchat – the disappearing photo, messaging app grew 56% between Q2 and Q4 of 2014 (Global Web Index), making it the fastest growing messaging app. More and more marketers are experimenting with it.
- Instagram – The photo-sharing app is predicted to become the most popular platform in 2015 and is on track with a 64% growth between Q2 and Q4 of 2014 (Global Web Index).
- Social Advertising
Although advertising on social media has been around for awhile, it is taking off now more than ever. Sites which have had advertising for awhile, like Facebook, are offering incentives to businesses that advertise, such as greater organic reach.
Additionally, new sites are experimenting with advertising, such as Pinterest, Instagram, and Snapchat. At this time, advertising is only available to select brands, but Pinterest’s waitlist is a good sign of future expansion. Set aside some advertising dollars this year and begin experimenting to see which advertising platform works best for you.
- Analytics for All
In the past, only a few sites had analytics, including Facebook and LinkedIn. However, in 2014 Pinterest added an analytics tool for businesses and Twitter made its analytics tool available to all users. Take advantage of these analytics, monitoring changes over time and adapting your strategy as you see fit.
- Mobile Growth
According to Internet Retailer, 60% of global mobile consumers use their mobile device as their primary or exclusive internet source. Additionally, more and more people are accessing their social media site from their mobile devices. If your site is not already responsive, consider a redesign in 2015. After all, if you are going to link to your blogs and contact form from your social media sites, you’ll want them to be mobile-friendly.
- Online Video
Online video sites, like YouTube, are seeing rapid growth. Additionally, non-video sites are pushing video more than ever. According to AdWeek, Facebook video views spiked 50% between May and July. And we’re also seeing an uptick in video advertising. Make online video part of your digital marketing strategy in 2015.
- Imagery
2014 saw an overall boost in image-based social media sites. Between Q2 and Q4, Pinterest grew 111%, Instagram grew 64%, and Snapchat grew 56% (Global Web Index). Social media sites that are not image-based also saw an increase in photo usage. Twitter added large cover photos and in-feed photos, making it more visual than ever before. And, according to Socialbakers, photos make up 75% of Brand Facebook posts. If you don’t already have one, pick up 1 new image-based social site in the New Year.
- Social Shopping
From Pinterest’s “Gifts” feed to Facebook and Twitter beta testing “purchase” buttons, 2014 saw a lot of change in the way of social shopping. Although nothing is set in stone, we predict that social shopping will become more solidified by the end of 2015. If you have an e-commerce site, make sure that it is responsive and prepare your strategy for the onset of social shopping.
If you need assistance with any of the social media marketing trends mentioned in this blog, feel free to contact Informatics. We look forward to helping you with your social strategy!
Photo Credit: Jerry Nihen via flickr cc
