By Willona Solan
The one thing you can count on with social media is that it will continually evolve. What’s hot and what’s not can flip in an instant. As a business owner, you need to know which channels are popular and which are going out of style. Who is using what and how are they are using these channels to connect, get information, and spend money?
There’s more to the social media universe than Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. While these are certainly the big platforms, new social media platforms continue to take off. Be sure to understand the demographics and usage patterns for the different channels so that your time and digital ad dollars will be well spent.
Social Media Channels to Put on Your Radar
Keep an eye on these channels and consider ways they could help your business:
- Medium is a great place to publish thoughtful journalistic pieces. The majority of users are college-educated, and 43% of them earn at least six figures. Half of users are 18-34; 70% are under 50. Brands are using Medium creatively to engage potential customers in quality storytelling.
- Snapchat has started attracting businesses. The video sharing app appeals to 18-24 year-old users who share videos that disappear instantly after viewing. The market isn’t saturated with brands, so for more innovative companies, Snapchat offers a great way to reach millennials. The keys to using Snapchat for your business: Be strategic and have fun.
- We Heart It: This image-sharing platform offers space for inspiration and beautiful things. Mainly females ages 13 to 24. Why it’s good for business: Savvy marketers can work their way into the conversation using engaging images and snappy visual messaging.
Ello is a platform that celebrates creativity, but its popularity seems to be declining. It’s one to watch to see whether it will pick up speed again. There’s a lot of buzz about the sharing app Peach too.
The two biggest social media trends to watch this year are the rise in live streaming apps and the growth of storytelling platforms. Keep an eye on live streaming app Meerkat, which experts say is on the wane. It may rebound; either way that technology will be on the rise.
As a business, it’s important to find ways to create content that is memorable, fun, and shareable. Don’t create content that feels like advertising; create content that feels real. Learn more about the social media marketing trends to watch here and here.
