Rachel Brauer
  • Home
  • about
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
    • Social Media Management >
      • Consulting
      • Adolescent Health Initiative
    • Writing Samples >
      • The State News
      • College of Nursing
      • Her Campus
    • Event Promotion
  • Contact

2019 social media trends to take advantage of before the year is over

8/9/2019

0 Comments

 
2019 social media and online marketing trends to try before the year is over.
This is a guest post written by Katie Ko Social. More information about Katie can be found at the end of the article. 

Is anyone else in denial of the fact that we’re already over halfway through 2019? Fall is quickly approaching and before we know it, 2020 will be here. 

So, what should you focus on for the rest of the year? The short answer: a lot of things. 

One of the hardest parts about social media is the pressure to “keep up with the trends.” I hear it from clients on a weekly basis: what should we be doing? How can we stay relevant? 
​

Social media is always changing and it can be difficult to stay on top of it all. But for now, I recommend focusing on the following trends.
Take advantage of Instagram stories 
With over 400 million active users, Instagram stories are the perfect way for you to boost engagement, generate leads and drive traffic. If I were you, I’d aim to show up on Instagram stories every single day. I’m talking photos, videos and going live. 

One of the best things about Instagram stories is how casual they can be. They don’t always have to be curated or planned out weeks in advance. Users will appreciate a more relatable, behind-the-scenes look into your brand. 

Not sure what to post on your story? Here’s a list of more than 30 different ideas. 

Artificial intelligence 
Now more than ever, brands are taking advantage of artificial intelligence such as chatbots. However, it’s important to note that you should only be utilizing this new feature if you can give it the proper time and attention. Too many brands are using AI but aren’t focusing enough on providing a quality customer experience. 

If you’re interested in using a chatbot or some form of artificial intelligence, make sure you’re digging deep into the minds of your consumers. Figure out what kind of experience and customer service they’re looking for. Then, see if AI can help you bridge any gaps and deliver this to them.
 

Live content 
The video streaming market is projected to be worth $70 billion by 2021. Yup, $70 billion. If you haven’t already taken advantage of live video, now is the time to start. Though curated content can still produce desired results, these days it’s more about showing up in the present. It’s about being real and authentic. 

Struggling to come up with ideas? Here’s a stat to keep in mind: According to Livestream, 87 percent of audiences want behind-the-scenes access and prefer to watch online live-stream video when it offers more behind-the-scenes content than traditional television. Not to mention that 53 percent of viewers are watching entertaining and funny videos. So, think about giving your viewers an inside look into what a typical day looks like for you, with a few bloopers in-between. Live video is the perfect way for you to showcase your personality and connect with your target audience. 

Experiment with ads 
According to Statista, social media advertising revenue is expected to grow over 26 percent in the next year. If you haven’t started using ads on social media, think about incorporating them into your strategy. No matter your budget, there are ways for you to take advantage of ads and work on expanding your reach. 

Not convinced? According to Adobe, 57 percent of millennials and 45 percent of Gen Z, the demographics dominating on social media, agree that the ads they see are becoming more relevant. There are more targeting options now than ever, so do a little research and figure out how you can use ads to boost your business this next year. 

Influencer marketing 
We’ve all seen them: posts that include “#ad or #sponsored.” Influencer marketing has taken over the world of social media, and has proven to work wonders for brands big and small. An increase in brand awareness, sales, traffic and more can come from this type of collaboration. 

According to BigCommerce, 65% of influencer marketing budgets will increase in 2019. So, if you haven’t already, make it a goal to work with 1-2 influencers or micro-influencers by the end of the year. Take a look at your business goals and spend time looking for someone who will represent your brand in a positive light. This is one trend that’s not going away anytime soon. 

Authenticity 
These days, people don’t just buy products, they buy stories. They buy something that’s going to help them become a better version of themselves. So when you’re on social media, you need to focus on telling a story and being more authentic. 

Why do you do what you do? What makes you stand out from the rest? Get to know your target market and figure out what’s going to resonate with them. Dominate on social media by going 
against the grain. Share something new, be vulnerable and open up. People are much more likely to buy from those they trust, and there’s no better way to build trust than by sharing your own story. 

Video, video, video 
Tired of me hitting you with the stats? Here’s another: According to Renderforest, marketers who use video grow revenue 49% faster than non-video users. And, they receive 41% more web traffic from search than non-users. If that doesn’t convince you to start prioritizing video, I’m not sure what will! 

If you’ve never made a video before, fear not. These days, there are plenty of tools, free and paid, to help you do so. And they’re user-friendly for all of us who aren’t videographers. Personally, I love Videoleap for making videos on my phone and Animoto for making videos on my computer. They’re both easy to use and will take your video content to the next level. 

Social media can be intimidating, but by focusing on these trends for the rest of 2019, you’re sure to widen your reach and connect with your target audience. Leave fear behind and don’t be afraid to try new things. By showing up each day, you’ll be able to keep up with the trends and understand what’s going to have an impact on your followers. 

Have any questions? You can reach me here. I’d be happy to talk more about your social media goals! 
Picture

About the author

Katie Ko Social is a social media consultant and has worked in the world of digital marketing for more than five years. When she’s not scrolling through Instagram, you can find her planning her next adventure, reading a new book or baking one too many batches of cookies. 

Follow her on Pinterest here and Instagram here.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Hey there,
    I'm Rachel!

    Social media maven at your service! Read more about me. 
    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Blogging
    Inbound Marketing
    LinkedIn
    Personal Development For Entrepreneurs
    SEO
    Social Media Tips

    Archives

    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    October 2017
    June 2017

    RSS Feed

Testimonials

"Rachel has done an outstanding job of weaving Michigan Medicine values into her work. She is intentional and thoughtful in her Marketing practices, and always brings care and integrity to her work. She actively challenges herself to be learning, and think critically about representing AHI and Michigan Medicine in the most responsive and inclusive way possible. Rachel is innovative in her approaches to Marketing and Communications. She constantly challenges AHI to think of new ways to reach their communities in a way that feels supportive. Rachel also incorporates team feedback into her work, and is always looking for ways to include more voices in the work. I’m proud of the work Rachel has done in response to meeting both AHI & Michigan Medicine values. She is a true asset to the institution and to the field."
-  Janine Driver, Marketing Specialist at the Adolescent Health Initiative.

"Rachel was my digital strategist for a year. I'm incredibly pleased with her innovation, work ethic, persistence, diplomacy, and creativity. She does more than sit back and let me dictate to her. She jumps in as a valued collaborator.  If needed, she has learned a new skill and pursued formal education to assist in any task I ask. If you have the opportunity to work with Rachel DO IT, she's like a whole team in one person,"
- Pamela Stewart, author.

"Rachel approaches all projects with heart and a lot of passion. She envelopes herself in the subject matter of her work, and she strives for perfection. She's not afraid to reach out when she needs help, wants to do more, or is looking for another perspective on things. Rachel is someone I would turn to for projects that need a creative lens or greater sensitivity. She is encouraging -- both personally and professionally -- and cheers for all to succeed. She's sure to bring an aura of positivity wherever she goes,"
- Caitlin Taylor, Communications Coordinator for Airport Community Schools, former Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus-Michigan State University.

"Rachel has gone above and beyond for Project LETS-MSU. She has brought many incredible ideas to the table and has never failed to execute them. Her creativity and passion is definitely noticeable in her work,"
- Sonali Solanki, former President of Project LETS-MSU. 
  • Home
  • about
  • Blog
  • Portfolio
    • Social Media Management >
      • Consulting
      • Adolescent Health Initiative
    • Writing Samples >
      • The State News
      • College of Nursing
      • Her Campus
    • Event Promotion
  • Contact