Social Media Trends 2018: Adapt or Get Left Behind

Key Takeaways

  • Businesses face challenges such as declining organic reach, social media video dominance, and content fatigue in the ever-changing social media landscape.
  • To overcome these challenges, businesses should focus on sustainable strategies, creating engaging video content, optimizing existing strategies, and leveraging social listening tools.
  • By staying informed about trends, adapting strategies, and actively listening to their audience, businesses can thrive in the digital age and build stronger relationships with their customers.

In the realm of social media, change is the only constant. Just when you think you’ve mastered the art of engaging your audience, new trends emerge, challenging you to adapt or risk becoming obsolete. The 2018 Social Media Trends Report, a comprehensive study of 300+ social marketing experts, interviews with 38 industry specialists, and global data on social media ROI, unveils the key challenges and opportunities that businesses must navigate in the coming year.

3 Social Media Challenges Businesses Face in 2018:

Challenge 1: Declining Organic Reach:

The harsh reality of declining organic reach is upon us. Social media platforms are prioritizing paid content, making it harder for businesses to reach their target audience without investing in advertising. The solution lies in shifting focus from short-term tactics to sustainable strategies. Be selective about the networks you publish content on, invest wisely in social media advertising, and develop influencer and brand ambassador strategies to amplify your reach.

Challenge 2: Social Media Video Dominance:

The rise of video content is undeniable. Video ad spending on social media has skyrocketed by 130% this year and is projected to continue its upward trajectory. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses must focus on creating videos that align with their business objectives and deliver measurable results. Experiment with different video formats, optimize for mobile viewing, and leverage the power of social media analytics to track your progress.

Challenge 3: Content Fatigue:

With the constant bombardment of new tactics, tools, and content formats, brands are experiencing content fatigue. The key to overcoming this challenge is to prioritize optimizing and measuring existing strategies rather than jumping on every new bandwagon. Demonstrate the business impact of your social media activities to justify further investments. Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with your audience and provides value.

Bonus: Embrace the Power of Social Listening

In the era of social media, listening is just as important as speaking. Social listening tools allow you to monitor conversations about your brand, industry, and competitors. This invaluable data can provide insights into customer sentiment, identify emerging trends, and uncover opportunities for improvement. By actively listening to your audience, you can tailor your social media strategy to their needs and preferences, building stronger relationships and driving measurable results.

In conclusion, the social media landscape is constantly evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses. By staying informed about the latest trends, adapting your strategies accordingly, and leveraging the power of social listening, you can stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the digital age.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How can I measure the success of my social media efforts?

A: Use social media analytics tools to track key metrics such as engagement, reach, website traffic, and conversions. Regularly review your data to identify what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Q: What are some effective ways to engage my audience on social media?

A: Create interactive content, such as polls, quizzes, and contests. Respond to comments and messages promptly. Run social media ads to target specific audiences with tailored messages.


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