Social Media Marketing is one of the ever-changing landscapes today. What will be in store for 2019?
Here are predictions from some of the top Social Media Marketing experts.
#1 Voice Technology.
First in the list, is Voice Technology. Mitch Joel predicts that voice search will replace the need for writing in the future.
At present there is a lot to be developed to enable easy search ability. This is similar to back when web browsers, didn’t have hyperlinks. There is also limited content available for voice searches. Businesses need to be thinking about what their voice will be, and what kind of content to develop. This will then increase brand awareness, and advertising will be able to be incorporated in, just like blogging and content marketing do now. Smart audio is where all brands must focus for the future.
#2 Bring ‘social’ back to social media.
Mark Schaefer suggests that 2019 is the year to bring social media marketing back from the IT department. We need to drive a human-centred approach to our customer relations. We need to be connecting with our clients, not just post something we believe will manufacture engagement.
#3 Back to passive experiences
Michael Stelzner from Social Media Examiner, says the pendulum is shifting away from active social interactions. He suggests it will head back to more passive experiences, that entertain, inform and educate.
This will mean podcasts, reading and video will be high on the list. We need to be looking at how we can create content, to fill this change of direction.
#4 LinkedIn
LinkedIn will gain prominence and growth according to Susan Beebe.
Due to the growing distrust of social media regarding privacy and data breaches, we need to be prepared for a possible change in platform use.
LinkedIn has grown to become a professional platform, that has maintained user trust. Better quality discussions are had due to the professional nature. This in turn, means more screen time and better return on investment for advertising.
#5 Augmented Reality
Augmented reality (AR) is a huge part of the social media marketing future according to Cathy Hackl.
AR is already heavily used with Snapchat, allowing you to add various images to your face. Also other social media platforms are starting to adopt this feature.
Another great way to use this technology is for consumers to attend functions, this has been done with the PGA Tour. Consumers can attend the tournament via an app downloaded, using live data.
AR videos are another excellent option just around the corner. Businesses will be able to create AR videos, to express how a consumer will experience their product or service.
A virtual shop where consumers try online, by seeing themselves with the product. This is already done by a number of cosmetic companies. This technology will be used for many different products. The images of the consumers online shopping can then be shared with others as great word of mouth advertising, a win-win for all.
Of course, there are many more changes on the way for 2019 regarding social media marketing, what do you think will be the biggest shift in this area?
