Social Media Marketing Trends in 2021

April 17, 2021

It is no secret that social media marketing has been very effective and powerful in the past few years, and it will continue to be invaluable in 2021. This is why it is important to know what the current social media trends are to gain an edge against the competition. 

Here, we’ll give you insights into the current and useful trends that will help you achieve your marketing goals for the year. 

Top Social Media Marketing Trends for 2021

Here are the top social media marketing trends to watch out for in 2021: 
 

More Livestreams and Influencer Content

2020 was a thriving year for live streams and influencer content because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result of canceled concerts and events, there was a rise in branded live streams, online workshops, and online concerts. 

In fact, there was a 50% spike in live viewing on Facebook during the lockdown period. Meanwhile, views on Instagram were 70% higher than the previous year. 

This trend is more likely to continue in 2021 since the pandemic is still ongoing. It is expected that more human-driven content will be in demand. 

As a marketer, you can take advantage of this trend by offering valuable content to your target audience. You can use influencers or experts to drive more credibility to your streams and content so that people will be compelled to watch it.
 

Social Media as A Channel for Purchase 

Several social media experts are saying that social media will become more of a channel for purchase instead of discovery. This is because these platforms are now making it easier for consumers to purchase the products that they want without necessarily going out of the platform. 

In 2021, it is expected that more brands will adapt to this development because it's what's more convenient for the consumers. 
 

Growth in Fee-Based Fans

One of the biggest problems businesses encounter in social media marketing is the lack of organic reach. However, at the same time, more consumers now prefer smaller and more intimate communities such as Facebook Groups. As a result, there was a big shift in the direct-to-consumer space in 2020 in terms of content and e-commerce. 

In 2021, the two trends mentioned above are expected to converge and result in a growing fee-based community that provides patrons with access to exclusive content or products. This is similar to what's being offered by the membership club marketing strategy. 
 

Increase in Purpose-driven and Goodwill Brands

The new breed of consumers is now smart and more vigilant. They are unlikely to support brands that are insincere or shady. As a result, connection will be vital for brands to earn consumers' trust in 2021. 

This is why brands have to dig deep to know how to thrive during difficult times. To do this, they need to be attuned to their existence and those whom they seek to serve. It is expected that there will be more purpose-driven and goodwill campaigns from brands in the coming months. 
 

A Focus on Sustainability

The majority of consumers prefer companies that are conscious of the environment. This is not a surprise because, in the previous years, environmental destruction is very evident. Moving forward, those with environmental sustainability efforts will have a bigger edge. 

Suppose you are interested in incorporating sustainability into your brand's social media marketing strategy. In that case, you can begin by choosing environmental foundations to support. You can also spearhead campaigns that will positively impact your nearby local community.
 

More Visual and Audio Search

Alexa, Siri, and other similar tools will continue to be widely used. At the same time, there is also an increase in consumers using Google lens for visual searches. 

Due to this trend, marketers must invest more in sitemaps and alt-text for images to improve their SEO Game. In fact, companies who have adapted to this trend have already noticed an increase in their digital commerce revenue. 
 

Easy-to-consume Content

2020 was also the year for easy-to-consume content like podcasts or newsletters. According to studies, over half of the American population is now listening to podcasts. That number even increased during the lockdown period. 

As a result, podcasts are becoming a new effective channel for marketing, and it is hinted that its success will continue even in 2021. This easy-to-consume content will enable brands to forge a deeper connection with consumers, which in return increases their awareness and trustworthiness
 

Better User-generated Content

User-generated content or UGC will soar in 2021. Most consumers nowadays prefer easy yet memorable experiences with brands. They want to have social proof before they decide to buy as a form of reassurance. Besides, nobody wants to regret their decision later on. 

By investing in UGC, you will be able to build and strengthen the communities that support your brand. It will also make your brand relatable and help uplift your audience. 
 

Emphasis on Inclusivity

There was a huge clamor for inclusivity in 2020, especially with the Black Lives Matter movement highlighting systematic issues lingering on society's various facets. As a result, there was a cultural shift that impacted consumer behaviors. 

Over 59% of consumers now prefer retailers that express their views on diversity and identity. 29% of them are willing to take the step and switch to another brand if they do not showcase enough inclusivity. 

This shift towards inclusivity is expected to continue even in 2021. Brands that openly support movements and causes that push inclusivity are expected to gain a deep connection with consumers. 
 

Final Words 

If you notice, some trends from 2020 are definitely here to stay. At the same time, there are converging trends that will allow you to create more meaningful connections with potential customers. By the end of the day, knowing these will significantly help you in formulating an effective marketing strategy for boosting your brand’s online presence and overall success.

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