by Brittany McSorley
It’s been quite a year for social media marketers (and, you know, absolutely everyone else). 2020 threw a lot of unexpected twists at us, and in the digital marketing space, that meant adapting to developments even more quickly than usual. As a result of the pandemic, social media use increased, and traditional marketing had to be replaced with of-the-moment strategies as we navigated the new normal.
It’s hard to believe, but 2020 is nearly over, which means it’s time to look ahead to 2021 and what to expect in social media marketing over a new (and hopefully much better) year. According to the experts, here’s what marketers should focus on in 2021:
Coronavirus content: Unfortunately, the end of the year does not mean the end of the pandemic. According to Social Media Today, content that keeps your followers in the know about COVID-19 will remain important in the new year. People will continue to crave helpful information, so keep assuring your audience that you’re staying safe and in the know.
Memes: More than half of social media users between 13 and 35 years old are sending memes on a weekly basis. Those are big numbers. This fun format will continue to dominate in 2021.
Nostalgia marketing: For unknown reasons, people needed extra comfort this year, and a surge of nostalgia marketing got the job done. Content that harkens back to brighter days and beloved traditions will continue to perform well throughout the new year.
Radio advertising… ish: Around 55% of Americans now listen to podcasts. The modern twist on classic radio offers a huge marketing opportunity for brands that can develop compelling audio.
Instagram SEO: According to Social Media Examiner, since Instagram users can now search for keywords as well as hashtags, 2021 is the year to incorporate more SEO strategy when creating content for that platform.
Reels: Instagram’s answer to TikTok is here to stay, so marketers should waste no time in getting acquainted with Reels.
User-generated content: Sharing user-generated reviews, testimonials and videos was on the rise this year, so consider giving your customers a starring role on your platforms in 2021.
LinkedIntimate: The most business-y platform is becoming more personal, thanks to its Conversation Ads feature driving and deepening engagement. This trend will continue, so get ready to open up.
Live video: Long-form and live video content became not just an option but a necessity during the pandemic. In 2021, users will continue to crave livestreams and long-form content.
Heart: Finally, we all became much more socially conscious in 2020. Throughout 2021, the importance of community, generosity, and patience will only increase. Make sure your content keeps reflecting your values, because your followers are paying attention.
Just a few weeks to go! We’ll see you on social media in 2021.
