Let's Talk Early 2024 Social Media Trends
Do I need a TikTok shop? What is UGC? How do I leverage social media for my business? Social media is constantly changing as the hottest trends become outdated in a matter of days, people switch from using Instagram to TikTok, and there are new ways to shop online. This may feel overwhelming, but don't worry-- the HausCo team is here to help! This year, three pivotal trends are reshaping the marketing landscape: searching within social platforms such as TikTok, UGC/community-led entertaining content, and social media e-commerce shopping.
Traditional search engines are taking a backseat as TikTok and Instagram become the go-to platforms for Gen Z, emphasizing the importance of keyword captions and hashtags for content discoverability. Gen Z no longer looks at reviews on Yelp or reads how-to articles on managing their finances. They use social media to see the experience before they live it, hear others' opinions, and learn in-app through video. To leverage the platform's unique search features to enhance your brand’s visibility and engagement, we recommend that brands post more engaging and experience-focused content, such as breaking down how to use a product or answering FAQs. We also recommend using keywords and hashtags in posts to help users find the content faster. For example, utilizing the hashtag #thingstodoinchicago allows interested users to find specific experiences in Chicago and will help your content get discovered.
Regarding brand visibility, User-Generated Content (UGC) and community-led initiatives are also redefining the rules of engagement in the social media arena. Marketers need to grasp the significance of UGC in building brand loyalty. Strategies involve reposting UGC and creating content based on audience preferences, which proves effective in fostering brand loyalty. Along with UGC content, the content creation landscape is evolving, focusing on entertaining and innovative content that’s capturing attention— the JID- surround sound trend being one of the many examples. Using these viral trends tastefully and strategically helps brands connect with their community.
Such trends can also ramp up the visibility of an artist or product. This is where social media e-commerce takes center stage, with TikTok and Instagram Shops providing seamless in-app purchasing experiences. This shift reflects the industry's commitment to streamlining the user journey from content discovery to purchase, marking a pivotal evolution in online shopping experiences and an essential e-commerce practice for brands.
Navigating these three trends can provide businesses with valuable insights for shaping social media strategies in the continuously developing digital landscape 2024. Adapting to the shifts in user behavior, platform dynamics, and technological advancements is essential for staying relevant and thriving in the competitive social media space while building the loyalty of your community.
