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Social media is constantly evolving and changing, and it can be hard to keep up with the latest trends and best practices. But if you want to stay ahead of the curve and grow your online presence, you need to be aware of what’s happening in the social media world and how to adapt your strategy accordingly. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to keep up with the latest social media trends in 2023 and beyond.
1. Follow industry experts and influencers
If you're eager to stay in the loop and stay updated on the latest developments in the world of social media, there's a straightforward way to do it: follow industry experts and influencers in the field. These individuals are like the 'go-to' guides when it comes to understanding what's happening in the dynamic realm of social media.
These experts excel at sharing valuable information, such as tips, real-life examples, and predictions about upcoming social media trends. By keeping tabs on their updates and insights, you'll ensure that you're always well-informed about the most current happenings and trends in the world of social media.
Some of the industry experts and influencers you can follow are:
Neil Patel: a digital marketing expert known for his knowledge in SEO, content marketing, social media, and more. He shares his insights with others in the digital marketing field.
Gary Vaynerchuk: serial entrepreneur and a social media expert. He provides guidance on personal branding, entrepreneurship, and social media marketing, helping people and businesses make the most of social platforms.
Mari Smith: a famous Facebook marketer and is recognized as an authority in the field. She assists businesses in understanding and using Facebook's features and tools to grow their audience and revenue.
2. Use social listening tools
Social listening is a valuable practice that involves keeping an ear to the ground in the digital world. It means paying attention to what people are saying about your brand, your industry, your competitors, or any topics that pique your interest on various online platforms.
By engaging in social listening, you gain insights into the desires, preferences, and expectations of your audience. You get to know what they love about your offerings and what they don't quite fancy. Moreover, social listening isn't just about understanding your audience; it's also a powerful tool for staying ahead of the curve. You can spot emerging trends before they become mainstream, seize new opportunities, and protect your brand from potential threats.
There are many social listening tools available that can help you track and analyze online conversations across various platforms. Some of the popular ones are:
Sprout Social: a comprehensive social media management platform that offers social listening, analytics, engagement, publishing, and more.
Brandwatch: a powerful social intelligence platform that helps you uncover insights from billions of online conversations.
BuzzSumo: content marketing tool that helps you discover the most popular content and influencers in your niche.
Mention: a simple and affordable tool that helps you monitor your brand’s online presence and reputation.
3. Experiment with new platforms and features
Another effective strategy is to try out different social media platforms and their latest features that are gaining popularity. You don't have to be everywhere or use every feature, but being aware of what's out there can greatly benefit your brand.
By experimenting with these platforms and features, you can gain valuable insights into what resonates with your audience. For example, you might explore emerging platforms like TikTok, Clubhouse, or features such as Instagram Reels or Twitter Spaces.
This experimentation can help you stay ahead of the curve and adapt your social media strategy accordingly. It's all about finding the right fit for your brand and connecting with your target audience in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Some of the new platforms and features you can try out are:
TikTok: a short-form video app that has exploded in popularity among Gen Z and millennials. It offers various creative tools and effects to create engaging videos that showcase your brand’s personality and culture.
Instagram Reels: a feature that allows you to create 15-second videos with music, filters, stickers, and more. It’s similar to TikTok but integrated within Instagram’s ecosystem.
BeReal: a new social network that encourages users to share their authentic selves through unfiltered photos and videos. It aims to combat the unrealistic standards and pressures of social media.
Livestream Shopping: a trend that combines live video with e-commerce. It allows users to watch live product demonstrations, reviews, or tutorials while being able to purchase the products directly from the video.
4. Attend webinars, podcasts, and events
In these webinars, podcasts, and events, you get to hear from these smart folks who share their thoughts, experiences, and the best ways to use social media effectively. They might tell you about the latest tricks to get more followers or how to create eye-catching posts. They can also discuss important issues in the social media world, such as dealing with online negativity or privacy concerns.
So, attending these gatherings is not only a great way to learn but also a chance to connect with people who share your interests. It's also joining a community where you can chat with the pros and other enthusiasts about all things social media.
Some of the webinars, podcasts, and events you can check out are:
Social Media Marketing World: an annual conference that brings together thousands of social media professionals from around the world. It features sessions on various aspects of social media marketing, such as strategy, content creation, analytics, ads, influencer marketing, and more.
Social Media Examiner Show: a daily podcast that delivers actionable tips on how to improve your social media marketing. It covers topics such as Facebook ads, Instagram stories, LinkedIn marketing, YouTube optimization, and more.
Hootsuite Webinars: a series of free webinars that cover various topics related to social media management. You can learn how to use Hootsuite’s features and tools, as well as best practices and trends in social media.
Social Media Today Webinars: a series of free webinars that feature industry experts and influencers who share their insights and tips on social media. You can learn about the latest trends, strategies, and tactics on social media.
5. Learn from the best examples
To stay updated with the latest happenings on social media, it's a great idea to learn from those who are doing really well on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and others. These could be famous brands or people with lots of followers, like YouTubers or Instagram influencers.
When you check out what they're doing, you can get some awesome ideas. These folks are super creative, and they know how to use all the cool new stuff on social media. So, by watching what they're up to, you can learn some cool tricks and techniques.
Some examples of brands using social media trends in 2023 are:
Nike: makes its customers feel more connected by asking them to share their stories and experiences with Nike products using the hashtag #justdoit. They also work with athletes, celebrities, and influencers who connect well with their audience and represent the brand's values.
Starbucks: uses short videos and TikTok search optimization to entertain its audience. They create fun videos that show off their products and promotions and make sure to use the right words and hashtags so that TikTok's search engine can find them easily.
Sephora: increases its sales and keeps customers coming back by doing live shows on Instagram and Facebook. During these shows, they show their products, give discounts, and answer questions from viewers. Customers can even buy products right from their social media pages.
IKEA: takes shopping to a whole new level with VR and AR. They have an app that lets you put IKEA products in your own home using your phone camera. They also have VR experiences where you can explore different IKEA rooms and products in 3D.
6. Keep learning and improving
The last tip on how to keep up with the latest social media trends is to keep learning and improving. Social media is constantly changing and evolving, and as someone who wants to thrive in this digital realm, you must be prepared to evolve along with it. Relying solely on outdated methods and tactics that worked in the past won't cut it anymore. Instead, you should remain receptive to fresh ideas, experimental approaches, and constructive feedback.
Stay Informed Through Reading: Regularly read blogs, books, and articles that provide insights into the latest news, updates, and trends in the world of social media. Valuable sources to follow include well-respected platforms like Social Media Today, Social Media Examiner, Buffer Blog, and HubSpot Blog. These resources can provide you with valuable knowledge and keep you informed about the ever-changing social media landscape.
Enroll in Online Courses and Certifications: Consider taking advantage of online courses, certifications, or workshops tailored to teach you new skills, techniques, or tools in the field of social media. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Skillshare offer a plethora of courses catering to various skill levels and interests. Investing in your education can greatly enhance your ability to navigate the evolving social media landscape effectively.
Engage in Online Communities: Connect with like-minded professionals in online communities, groups, or forums dedicated to social media. These platforms provide excellent opportunities to network, exchange ideas, ask questions, and seek advice from experienced individuals in the field. Some notable communities include Social Media Marketing Society, Facebook Groups for Marketers, Reddit's r/SocialMedia, and Quora's Social Media Marketing Topic. Participating in these communities can foster a supportive environment for learning and growth.
Conclusion
To keep up with the latest social media trends in 2023 and beyond, follow industry experts and influencers for valuable insights, use social listening tools to understand your audience and spot emerging trends, experiment with new platforms and features like TikTok and Instagram Reels, attend webinars and podcasts to learn from experts and connect with peers, learn from successful examples like Nike and Starbucks, and keep learning and improving through reading, online courses, and engaging in online communities. Social media is always evolving, so staying informed and adaptable is key to thriving in the digital world.
