Current trends in social media advertising for small businesses
Staying ahead in social media marketing is vital for small businesses looking to connect with their audience effectively. The nature of social media, driven by pop culture and trends is ever-changing, and understanding the current trends can provide valuable insights into how to shape your marketing strategy.
Following the current trends in social media advertising for small businesses can make a big difference for you. Whether you are considering the growing influence of text-only posts, the shift towards social platforms as search engines, or the rise of longer video content, these trends offer a fresh perspective on how small businesses can enhance their presence online.
In this blog, we’ll explore these developments in more detail, offering practical advice on how to incorporate these trends into your social media strategy. Whether you’re new to social media marketing or looking to refine your approach, understanding these shifts can help you make more informed decisions for your business.
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Key Trends Shaping Social Media Marketing
Text-Only Posts: A Return to Simplicity
In a world saturated with images and videos, text-only posts are experiencing a resurgence. These posts strip away the distractions, allowing the message to stand front and centre. For small businesses, this trend offers an opportunity to communicate directly and authentically with their audience. Without the need for elaborate visuals, text-only content can be more spontaneous, reflecting the genuine voice of the business.
Practical Tip: Keep your messages concise and impactful. Use these posts for announcements, quick updates, or sharing insights that resonate with your brand’s values. Experiment with different tones to see what best engages your audience.
Social Platforms as Search Engines: Changing the Way We Find Information
Social media platforms are increasingly being used as search engines, with users searching directly on Instagram, Pinterest, and similar platforms for products, services, and inspiration. This shift is reshaping how businesses approach SEO, as discoverability within these platforms becomes as important as on traditional search engines.
Practical Tip: Optimise your content with relevant keywords and hashtags that align with what your target audience might search for. Ensure your profiles are complete and reflect your brand identity, making it easier for potential customers to find and connect with you.
Longer Videos: Bringing Depth to Your Content
While short-form video content remains popular, longer videos are making a comeback, offering a platform for more in-depth storytelling and engagement. For small businesses, longer videos can provide an opportunity to showcase expertise, share behind-the-scenes insights, or dive deeper into topics that matter to their audience.
Practical Tip: Focus on creating content that adds value to your audience. Whether it’s a tutorial, a product demonstration, or a deep dive into industry trends, ensure your videos are well-structured and hold the viewer’s attention throughout.
Shift to Direct Messages: Building Personal Connections
As public engagement on feeds declines, more interactions are moving to private direct messages (DMs). For small businesses, this shift offers a chance to foster closer relationships with customers through personalised communication. DMs can be used for customer service, sales enquiries, or simply to maintain a more intimate connection with your audience.
Practical Tip: Respond promptly and personally to messages. Consider using DMs to offer exclusive deals, conduct surveys, or gather feedback. This approach can help build trust and loyalty among your customer base.
Shares Over Likes: Maximising Content Reach
In the evolving metrics of social media success, shares are becoming increasingly valuable. A share extends your content’s reach beyond your immediate followers, introducing your brand to new audiences and boosting credibility. Encouraging your audience to share your content can be more beneficial than focusing solely on likes or comments.
Practical Tip: Create content that is shareable—whether it’s an insightful article, a humorous post, or a valuable resource. Use clear calls to action that encourage your followers to share your content with their networks.
Using Trending Music: Amplifying Your Content’s Appeal
Music trends are a powerful tool, particularly on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, where sound is a key component of the content experience. Integrating trending music into your posts can help small businesses tap into broader conversations and increase the visibility of their content. Using popular tracks can make your content more relatable and shareable, drawing in viewers who are already engaged with these trends.
Practical Tip: Stay updated on the latest music trends by following what’s popular on TikTok and other platforms. Use trending songs that align with your brand’s message and tone, but be mindful of licensing restrictions. Pairing the right music with your content can boost engagement and reach.
Reddit: Engaging with Niche Communities
Reddit, often referred to as “the front page of the internet,” is a powerful platform for engaging with niche communities and building authentic connections. With its vast array of specialised subreddits, Reddit allows small businesses to reach highly targeted audiences who are passionate about specific topics. Engaging in discussions, sharing valuable content, and participating in relevant subreddits can significantly increase brand visibility and credibility.
Practical Tip: Identify subreddits that align with your business or industry and become an active participant. Share useful information, answer questions, and contribute to discussions in a way that adds value without overtly promoting your products or services. Building trust within these communities can lead to increased brand awareness and loyal customers.
Telegram’s Rise: Preparing for the Future
- For a while, Telegram emerged as a platform to watch, particularly for businesses looking to expand their communication options. With features that support direct communication, content sharing, and community building, Telegram had the potential to become a central hub for small businesses seeking to engage with their audience in new ways. Yet, recent news has shown that they are under investigation for several issues, including facilitation of illegal activities, unchecked calls for violence by their users and lack of regulation. We therefore no longer recommend it as a social platform to use for your small business.
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Recommended reading: HubSpot’s social media trends report.
