Let's dive into 2022, shall we?
2022 is months away
What is coming, what doesn’t work anymore, and what you can do to keep your brand afloat.
I wanted to create this blog post to help you navigate trends and feel less overwhelmed by the predictions coming our way in about two months. Many things are changing here at PostingBee, too, and we are adapting our offerings to the current circumstances. More to come on that in the next few days!
Meanwhile, in the social media world, boy, do I have a load of information for you! Google it, and you will find thousands of articles on 2022 social media forecasts. If you’re a data nerd like I am have a blast reading the one article I feel is easy to understand and follow.
However, If you prefer a short, quick version of things that you should be aware of for the next year, then I came up with this list of 8 best practices for 2022, so you get the information without the headache.
Short video format for a growing shorter attention span (sounds wrong but it will make sense.)
Video content continues to reign supreme over any other form; meaning, the concept is here to stay. I also know this is hard to understand and work through when you’re a photograph person or you own a retail business, but I do have a bunch of ideas to help any business make their content in video. Message me if you want to learn more.
Keep it short and sweet and visually pleasant
No one actually wants to stop their scrolling to read your 6 pt type graphic about it. That’s inaccessible, forgettable, and boring. Take a wordy statement and create a PR piece, a blog post, or an email campaign. Then grab the link and share it on social, with a CTA or link in the bio to read more.
Make your content accessible
Don’t forget to use captions when creating a video so that EVERYONE can be touched by your message. #inclusivedesign
Anticipate by researching
Learn to research well, and you’ve won half the battle with creating top-quality social posts. What’s trending? What is not acceptable? What helps increase engagement? What is your competitor doing? At the end of the day, consistency means more than just posting every day. It means posting intentionally and thoughtfully.
Not everyone lives on social media
Lack of Likes Syndrome? That doesn’t mean your message has not been delivered and appreciated. Drop that vanity metrics obsession and focus on website visits, phones ringing, and DMs popping. Plus, keep in mind that marketing is all about experimenting and adjusting, patiently.
Inclusive content for the win
It humanizes your brand. Thinking in terms of inclusivity-first presents a picture of a brand that understands the need for diverse representation. It shows that the brand’s audience--all of it--really matters. I work with clients who feel really strongly about causes close to their hearts, and we always find a way to incorporate and magnify their message and tone of voice accordingly. #beanicehuman
User-Generated Content (UGC)
Brands that do not establish themselves as user-friendly on social media traditionally do not receive engagement, are seen as “corporate” and unrelatable. Plus, with all of the selling “noise” out there, customers trust each other’s opinions more than they trust information coming directly from your business.
Make it easy to buy from you
Yes, I am talking about shopping capabilities. Online shopping and e-commerce experienced a tremendous boom throughout the pandemic and continue to be the prominent shopping options for global consumers. Run a website audit and test your shopping capabilities. Open Instagram Shop and let your consumers buy from you with fewer clicks. Reconsider exploring TikTok for e-commerce, as fewer Gen-Z’s and Gen-Y’s remain on Facebook every day.
I also constantly offer marketing tips and advice on Instagram, and I would love to see you there. Ask questions, suggest content, and/or shoot me a DM with your different point of view. All are welcome! For example, this week I posted about “social media, not sales media”--you should check it out.
Rock on,
Adriana
PS.: One last unofficial piece of advice: marketing is not a side gig that you take care of in your down time anymore. If you are ready to have a supporting team behind you, let’s talk.