Social Media Trends For 2022
Author
Lizanne Loots
Release
February 22, 2022
Tags
Marketing
Facebook
Digital
If you want to stay ahead of the curve with your marketing efforts this year, you need to understand what social media trends are predicted for this year!

If you want to stay ahead of the curve with your marketing efforts this year, you need to understand what social media trends are predicted for this year! 

We have identified 3 key social media trends for 2022. 

#1 TikTok 

TikTok is growing exponentially. It’s an innovative and cost-effective way to reach your customers, especially if your target audience is made up of younger millennials and Gen Z. 

According to a social media trends report conducted by HubSpot and Talkwalker, TikTok is the first non-Facebook app to reach 3 billion global downloads. 

“According to our research, 68% of marketers do not plan on using TikTok for marketing purposes in 2021. However, 32% are interested in learning about this platform. If you are looking to diversify your marketing beyond Instagram, look closely at TikTok. This is especially important if you are targeting Gen Z with your marketing.” Michael Stelzner, founder of the Social Media Examiner explains. 

If your target audience is on TikTok, what are you still waiting for? 

#2 The Numbing Effect of Advertisements 

Did you know that Google is working on phasing out the ‘cookie’ by 2023? What will this mean for advertisers? 

Although people do not like to see ads or feel personally victimized by targeted ads, 49% of internet users said that they are more willing to buy from a brand they see advertising when browsing. 

Consumers do not want to see ads that look like ads. Dennis Yu, speaker, and agency builder explain that people are tired of ads. As a marketer, it’s up to you to create promotional content that doesn’t feel like advertisements. It’s vital for marketers to be innovative and on-trend with their content strategy. 

Making use of user-generated content (UGC) as part of your strategy will ensure that people see your brand without feeling bombarded by advertisements. Make sure to use data to drive the strategy. For example, who is your demographic? Are you using the correct tone of voice and platform to reach your demographic? Another tip is to create content that adds value, is educational and entertaining. This way people will want to see content from your brand. 

#3 Omnichannel engagement will change engagement behaviour 

Nick Martin, the social media engagement specialist from Hootsuite says: “In 2022, social listening, and subsequently social intelligence, will be a key trend. Brands aren’t seeing the full picture of their industry and audience if they’re not performing social listening, gathering insights, and making strategic decisions based on those learnings.”

Using chatbots can combat the spread of fake news, but ultimately consumers are driving the conversation, which makes it very difficult to stop the spread of fake news. The social media report urges brands to keep close tabs on what their audience is reading and believing and commit to sharing information that builds consumer trust.

How to ensure that your brand doesn’t fall victim to this misinformation crime? 

Misinformation can damage your brand. Prioritize being a trustworthy brand and source. Share brand-appropriate content as well as content that will resonate with your ideal audience. 

Key Takeaways 

The top 3 social media trends identified above can either help accelerate your social media strategy, or it can seem like a daunting task to keep up with the trends. Every social media challenge (or trend) can bring out the best or show the flaws of your social media strategy. 

If your approach to social media is current and agile, you’ll be regarded as a thought leader and you’ll surpass your competition. 

If this article seems overwhelming, go back to the drawing board. Ask yourself who is your ideal target audience, what do you want to achieve with your social media strategy? Align your brand and your marketing strategy to fit in with your vision. 

Contact us at OMNI for a non-obligatory discovery call: info@omni-agency.com 


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