Social media trends driven by Covid-19
As marketers, we spend a lot of time predicting trends for the coming years. 2020, however, was a year no one could have predicted. From 0 mentions in November 2019 to over 1.2 Billion, Covid-19 not only took over the world but lit a fire under current issues, initiatives and drove ideas to fight problems.
Here we discuss trends to drive your social media strategy forward in an ever changing landscape catalysed by Covid-19.
Remixing vs User Generated Content
It is well known that user generated content is an excellent way to communicate with guests and add a personal touch to your brand but let us introduce you to remixing. The art of taking existing formats and recreating them to express a user’s own personality or idea. The trend is likely to bring with it more chances for brands to connect with new audiences and create a new vision for content.
Knowing what your customers want from you
Even when Covid-19 is resolved, the effects and mindsets that people have adapted will likely linger. Brands should mold their messaging with a tone shaped by Covid-19. Analysing conversations to understand concerns and tackling issues effectively.
- Engage with global trends to help build a stronger connection with your audience.
- Remain conscious of the on-going pandemic, a hard sell may no longer sit right with your audience who are looking for compassion.
- Understand where your brand sits within the pandemic. Ensure that your messaging is up to date with the current situation as it changes day to day.
- Prepare for the next major issue. 2020 and 2021 have been a difficult years that have taken many by surprise. As we emerge out the other side it’s important that we prepare a crisis plan that prepares you for the unexpected.
Here come the memes
Memes are the new wave of community engagement. But be warned, they’re not all positive. As their popularity grows you should have fun with memes but also prepare to protect your brand from them should another crisis arise.
Memes are vastly popular among the younger generations with 55% of 13-35 year olds sending memes every week. Mentions of memes have increased over the past 18 months as users turned to them for engagement and escapism during the lockdown. Memes are a great way to engage with your audience in a fun, banter-like manner to strengthen your customer relationships.
Nostalgia marketing
Slip on the rose tinted glasses and it’s easy to look back at the good old days to help boost current emotions. The attraction of nostalgia marketing is clear – it connects positive emotions to your brand, giving it a sentimental boost.
Know your audience
For nostalgia marketing to work, you need to consider what is nostalgic to your audience. Each campaign will capture the interest of different audiences depending on your focus.
Hit the data
To find the perfect event that captures the hearts of your audience you need to use data for find what was big in the 70s, 80s or 90s.
Get the conversation started
With the increased focus on digital media, it is more difficult than ever to get your voice heard with so many others in the mix. It’s no good shouting into the void, right now it’s all about starting a conversation with your audience to build relationships and create sales.
Conversation marketing is a method of engaging customers through live chat, social messaging, calls and more. Building a relationship with customers through personalised, one to one content.
- Give customers an opportunity to start a conversation with you.
- Soften your tone. Expose the human side of your brand. Ditch the sales driven speak and focus on an approachable tone, opening the door to conversations.
- Integrate marketing with customer service. Gather the data from customer service and review your frequently asked questions to provide additional insight to your customer journey, identify engaging points or relieve pain points hindering the sales process.
Out with the old, in with the… old
Trends come and go overnight while some bounce in and out of view every now and then. In times of uncertainty, we have seen a switch back to tried and tested methods of “old school marketing”. During the pandemic people have been craving relevant information, bring back the use of newsletters and podcasts. We are also seeing the gradual return of voice. Calls have previously been an essential communication method and we are now seeing the use of voice in voice search and voice notes on the rise.
It’s all about the consumer
Ultimately, to succeed in the world of social media your consumer must be at the heart of your strategy. Those that fully understand their consumer needs and make decisions based on these insights will be the ones to prosper.
Need help managing your social media accounts? Simply click here to drop us a line or call 01726 418118 to discuss your plans today.
