Riding the wave of the pandemic and the global recession, 2023 looks to be an interesting year, with social media platforms reflecting the changes in consumer preferences, accessibility, and sustainability. With 2023 around the corner, now is the time to plan your social media strategies. Here are some trends we’re paying attention to for 2023:
Augmented Reality vs Reality
Despite users loving filters and other forms of augmented reality (AR) on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, there is a rising movement in the opposite direction — toward authenticity. Naturally, some platforms are listening, doing away with filters, and photoshopped videos completely. The app BeReal asks its users to send real-time photos to friends at a given moment. No filters, no enhancements, just candid, honest photos.
And this applies to any form of content you post. So, the next time you upload a video or photo, or even a caption, take a moment to ensure its truthfulness. It’ll have a greater impact on your audience.
Videos Are Still Impactful
If you’re continually posting relevant and engaging content on social media, that’s already a good start— but are you posting videos? According to Hubspot, 90% of marketers who are currently incorporating videos in their posts will either maintain or increase their investment next year. That’s a huge benefit! These videos don’t have to be epically long either. The shorter the better, especially since the attention spans of younger generations are becoming increasingly shorter.
Keep the videos short, sweet, and to the point, and you’ll see a difference in your audience’s engagement rate. Include closed captions or subtitles and you’ve not only become more inclusive but also more accessible to those watching in noisy environments or unable to turn on their sound.
Direct Messaging Is the New Email
Nothing beats having that personal touch (or access!) with an organization you want to connect with. That’s why we see this becoming the new way to go, with more and more organizations reaching out to clients, supporters, and even donors via direct messages on social media. If this seems strange, don’t worry. Younger generations now actively seek engagement with organizations through social media, with direct messaging being the most effective, engaging, and efficient way to do just that.
The good news is as a small business or nonprofit, you now have more ways to reach out to your target audience, in addition to email blasts, phone calls, text messages, or even direct mail. A friendly message can draw your audience in more easily and make them feel like they have a direct connection to your organization — a win-win for everyone involved.
Social Accountability Will Remain Popular
As we’ve seen in the past few years, brands and organizations are not only taking an active interest in social issues, they’re also taking an active stand. That includes speaking out in favor of social justice movements and recognizing they may lose supporters in the process. As a small business or nonprofit you’re probably already taking a stand against injustices or fighting the status quo. But are you speaking out in favor of a more inclusive workplace? Are you actively hiring people of color in higher positions in your organization? Is your website friendly for those with low-vision or blindness? These are all questions that we will be asking ourselves in the upcoming year. Demonstrating how you live by your values on social media will be incredibly meaningful for your supporters.
Redstart Creative will be helping small businesses and nonprofit organizations like yours in the upcoming year implement these strategies and more. If you’d like to know how we can help you get ahead of these trends to boost your brand recognition on social media, reach out to us today!
