Social media marketing became ever more critical during the pandemic, with social media managers seeing increasing ROI on their investments. In 2022, social media is set to continue playing an essential role in driving customers. Herein is an overview of key trends that will shape the social media landscape in 2022.
Emerging Shopping Capabilities
Social commerce is set to expand, with a new paradigm shift in the way sellers and buyers interact. The pandemic highlighted this shift to online social platforms as a sales driver when conventional commerce models were challenged. Social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, already have in-app shopping capabilities.
Research conducted by the Harris Poll reveals that 73 per cent of businesses are engaging in social commerce. A social media agency can help you formulate and incorporate social commerce into your overall marketing, and sales funnel in 2022.
New Audience Outreach As a Primary Social Media Marketing Goal
Among the major social media marketing goals in 2022 will include reaching new audiences (increasing brand awareness), developing customer relationships, and enhancing customer service experiences.
Consumers today want to develop relationships with brands. As such, social media managers will increasingly use social media for brand awareness by fostering better customer relationships.
Video Content Will Still Dominate
To effectively market online in 2022 and beyond, video content has to be a core component of your social media marketing strategy. 82 per cent of consumer internet traffic will be video content by 2022, according to a study conducted by Cisco.
It’s imperative to incorporate creative, engaging, and entertaining video content in your strategy to stand out in the 2022 social landscape.
Paid Marketing Will Be Essential
Today, many businesses have to engage in paid advertising to increase their social media presence since the organic reach is on the decline. For instance, according to the 2022 Social Media Trends Survey by Hootsuite, a Facebook post has an organic reach of around 5 per cent. Paid advertising will have become a necessary aspect of your social media plan.
Customer Service Through Social Media
Customers today are accustomed to initiating purchases online, but now they want quick responses to queries as well. Social media platforms dedicated to customers service have long existed. However, in 2022, there will be accelerated adoption of such channels. A social media agency can help refine customer service to leverage new social media platform features.
User-generated Content Will Be Ever More Popular
User-generated content is set to be one of the strongest assets you can leverage in 2022. User-generated content fosters brand authenticity and helps build lasting relationships, becoming increasingly important for consumers. 93 per cent of marketers agree that consumers trust user-generated content more than brand content.
Social Media Managers Will Have to Consider Inclusivity
Over the past few years, there have been increased public calls for social media accountability and corporate social responsibility. To stand out in the expected social media landscape in 2022, you will have to emphasize your commitment to inclusivity.
Brands that align their values with those of their communities and tackle inclusion and diversity issues in their social media strategy will definitely stand out in 2022.
Increase in Social Media Communities
Impactful and vibrant communities have always thrived on social media platforms. The pandemic highlighted the importance of social media communities and how they are becoming central to our daily experiences.
2022 presents a growing opportunity to tap into this aspect of social networking. Brands will increasingly use social media communities to engage customers, share experiences, answer queries, launch products/services, and get feedback.
All in all, a reputable social media agency like WSI Next Gen Marketing can help your business/brand adapt to the new social landscape in 2022 and leverage this beneficial marketing medium to enhance customer relationships, inform the overall marketing strategy, and ultimately increase leads and drive sales.