The State of Social Media Marketing in 2017
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Where is social media marketing headed for 2017?
While I'm not a fortune teller (though that would be pretty sweet), there are a few predictions we can make going into the new year, taking into consideration what we've seen throughout 2016. So pop some bubbly - let's celebrate the new year and all the new marketing techniques that are sure to follow.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="1 " background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" text_font_size="16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]
Predictions for 2017
1. PersonalizationAs technology and tools continue to innovate, and audiences repeal traditional profit-driven advertising, personalized and valuable content is a MUST in order to stay relevant. From engagement, all the way to closing leads, why wouldn't you prioritize personalization into your social media and content strategy? Between retargeting and data, there's no reason why you can't keep a pulse on your target audience. Without ensuring personalized and tailored content, your audience won't stick around for long, and probably won't convert (and who wants that?).
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label="Divider" color="#2f92c0" show_divider="on" height="3" divider_style="solid" divider_position="top" hide_on_mobile="on"] [/et_pb_divider][et_pb_testimonial admin_label="Testimonial" author="Erika Heald " job_title="Chief Content Officer " company_name="SpinSucks " url="http://www.erikaheald.com/" url_new_window="off" portrait_url="https://heyorca.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/erika.jpg" quote_icon="on" use_background_color="on" background_color="#f5f5f5" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]I think 2017 is going to be an interesting year for social media. The divisiveness of the 2016 election really showed itself on many people's Facebook walls. I think in response, many people will be looking to other private communities, often brand-sponsored, as safe places to engage with others on topics they are passionate about. With that in mind, I expect we'll see many brands creating owned communities in 2017.[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_social_media_follow admin_label="Social Media Follow" link_shape="rounded_rectangle" background_layout="light" url_new_window="off" follow_button="on"] [et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network="twitter" url="https://twitter.com/SFerika" skype_action="call" bg_color="#00aced"] Twitter [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network] [/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" text_font_size="16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]Erika's right! We would be kidding ourselves if we said that the 2016 elections didn't teach us anything in terms of marketing and consumers. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label="Divider" color="#2f92c0" show_divider="on" divider_style="solid" divider_position="top" hide_on_mobile="on" height="3"] [/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label="2 & 3 " background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]
2. Automation
With audiences congregating in digital and social environments like never before, marketers are facing much more convoluted and unorganized spaces compared to that of television, radio, and print. In turn, it only makes sense that workflow tools and means of communicating with customers address that environment. Whether it's using bots when it comes to messaging customers over Facebook or using an actual software for social content, automation is a must for any marketer's toolbox.
3. Integration of Virtual & Augmented Reality
Though we are still in the early stages of using VR and AR in terms of marketing and branding, audiences are watching. VR and AR offer the perfect opportunity to create innovative and immersive experiences that audiences are craving. If anything, I think we're going to see a lot of experimentation with VR and AR content over the next year. Considering Facebook's launch of the VR headset, and the success of Pokemon Go, there's a market for it - and you wanna be part of that market.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider admin_label="Divider" color="#2f92c0" show_divider="on" height="3" divider_style="solid" divider_position="top" hide_on_mobile="on"] [/et_pb_divider][et_pb_testimonial admin_label="Testimonial" author="Katherine Lisciani " job_title="Founder " company_name="Millenovation Media " url_new_window="off" portrait_url="https://heyorca.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/katherine-.jpg" quote_icon="on" use_background_color="on" background_color="#f5f5f5" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid" url="https://www.millennovation.com/"]In 2017 companies are going to have to face up to a creeping lack of engagement. The best brands will differentiate themselves by investing in the talent and strategy it takes to make one-to-one connections at scale and devise an efficient way to funnel qualified opportunities across social channels.[/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_social_media_follow admin_label="Social Media Follow" link_shape="rounded_rectangle" background_layout="light" url_new_window="off" follow_button="on"] [et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network="twitter" url="https://twitter.com/millennovator" skype_action="call" bg_color="#00aced"] Twitter [/et_pb_social_media_follow_network] [/et_pb_social_media_follow][et_pb_text admin_label="Text" background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" text_font_size="16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]
Katherine also predicts that engagement will be a major priority going into the new year.
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4. New Features Galore
One thing 2016 didn't lack was platform updates and new features. From Facebook Live Map, Instagram Stories, Twitter Moments, and all the way to Snapchat Spectacles - social media has become a playground for marketers.Throughout the next 12 months, I think we're going to see exactly what updates are worth the time to master. The majority of these updates enable users to create and distribute real-time, genuine experiences. Marketers need to hone in on this form of content and ensure that their social media strategy can resonate with the preferences of their audience. Features that encourage content creation are great for user-generated content, cross-channel campaigns, and influencer marketing. Speaking of.
5. Influencers Continue to Reign
I don't have to tell you the amount of clutter and noise that's out there - let alone how difficult it is to be seen and heard above it. Influencers will continue to attract audiences, acquire prospects, and convert leads through innovative, authentic content. Bloggers, vloggers, thought leaders and celebrities - they all have the ability to resonate with niche audiences and marketers through a shared passion that goes beyond your brand. Influencers personalize your brand while leveraging their presence to help shape purchase decisions.[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label="Outro " background_layout="light" text_orientation="left" text_font_size="16" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]Just when we think we have a handle on social media, platforms continue to develop and innovate. In order to stay relevant in the eyes of audiences, marketers must adjust their social media marketing strategies to include the latest, resonating trends. As forms of content and distribution evolve, the social media game will only continue to grow.
Here's to 2017!
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Here at HeyOrca, social media (and coffee) is the reason we get up in the morning
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