The social media marketing landscape is constantly changing. This is both due to evolution in technology and changes in consumer behavior. And while it’s impossible to predict exactly what the coming months will hold in store; we can certainly make some educated guesses.
The reality is, it’s never too early to think ahead about upcoming social media trends. Now is the time to put measures in place to ensure your brand isn’t playing catch-up come January. Here are a few of the trends that are already gestating in the back half of 2023. They are likely to be dominant when the new year arrives.
6 Social Media Marketing Trends for 2024
1) Social Commerce
You’ve probably noticed more business and brands selling their wares directly on Instagram and other platforms. This shift toward social commerce has been a big deal in 2023. As such, we expect it to continue well into the new year. Be ready to position your social media content to address buyers who are much closer to the bottom of your sales funnel, not just buyers who are at the top.
2) Mixed Media
Video content has obviously been a big deal lately, especially short-form video on TikTok and Reels. However, we predict more and more brands finding a balance between video, visual, and written content. And understanding that content diversity is one of the best ways to address the full spectrum of user needs and preferences.
3) Customer Service
Communication is supposed to be a two-way street. And increasingly, that’s what we’re seeing with social media communication. More and more users want to interact with customer service reps via DMs as opposed to phone calls. A willingness to meet your customers where they are is a critical way to distinguish your brand’s commitment to responsiveness and care.
4) Stories
If you’ve spent any time at all on Facebook or Instagram lately, you know that Stories are an increasingly big deal. Many users love the chance to see this ephemeral content. And it can provide an opportunity for your brand to highlight its authenticity through more spontaneous or off-the-cuff updates. Consider Stories for behind-the-scenes glimpses, quick Q&As, customer polls and surveys, and more.
5) Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is really nothing new, but we’re seeing a gradual shift away from big-name celebrity endorsements and toward micro-influencers. Niche voices, whether they are lifestyle bloggers, board game reviewers, or small-town tour guides, have an increasingly outsized role in pushing content and building audiences. Influencer marketing should remain a part of your strategy heading into the upcoming year.
6) Ads + Organic
We’re old enough to remember when you could ostensibly find social media success with just organic (that is, unpaid) posts. The situation today is more complicated: You can’t always get the reach you want with just organic, but you can’t foster an authentic community with just ads. Striking the right balance between paid and unpaid posts will remain a core issue for social media marketers going into 2024.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Curious about what comes next in social media marketing? Our team is here not only to walk you through the changing landscape, but also to provide you with a plan to future-proof your social media marketing strategy. Reach out to Grammar Chic, Inc. whenever you’d like to chat: Contact us at 803-831-7444 or at www.grammarchic.net.
Amanda E. Clark founded Grammar Chic in 2008. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds degrees in Journalism, Political Science, and English. She launched Grammar Chic after freelancing for several years while simultaneously leading marketing and advertising initiatives for several Fortune 500 companies.