Join us as we take a look at some social trend predictions for 2023!

Authenticity

Over the past few years, “authenticity” has been a popular used word within social media. Consumers have grown to expect a level of honesty and sincerity from the brands they love.

88% of consumers claim that authenticity is key for what makes them choose a brand to support. What’s more, that number is only expected to increase over time. In fact, consumers have now become more vocal about their disapproval of brands who fail to meet this new authenticity demand.

Podcasts will grow as a marketing platform

In the UK alone, more than 19.1 million Britons listen to podcasts regularly. They’re an easy, accessible, handsfree way to consume media. But podcasts are growing in popularity so much due to their engagement with audiences and communities. Brands that initiate podcasts focusing on relevant content can expand their audience reach. It can deepen their relationship with consumers around the world. Brands can use podcasts to their advantage by having product placement and ads incorporated within.

Social media shopping will increase

Online shopping is popular yes, but few brands and businesses are really prepared for how much this era of consumer behaviour will continue to grow. TikTok is growing rapidly as a search engine allowing for its users to search and also buy thing easily. Other social media platforms such as Instagram boast large consumerism as people enjoy browsing and shopping on these platforms because they get an accessible and in-depth, perspective on different brands from their feed.

If you or your company need help with your own social media marketing activities, the expert team at Brighter Directions can help with any PR, social media, content and strategy.

Get in touch today on hello@brighterdirections.co.uk or call us on 01246 586 330.

The post The Role of Social Media in 2023 appeared first on Brighter Directions.

This term has been used to describe the media trend which has seen content creators such as writers, YouTube influencers and TikTok stars build their own successful businesses independently without the help of media companies.

The Content Economy has given creators the chance to monetise their following and looks set to revolutionise the way content engages with audiences over the next decade.

Reflecting on the last year, two technological forces have made it much easier for content creators to build their own independent businesses: monetisation platforms and no-code tools.

Subscriptions have proved to be more effective than traditional ad revenue with platforms such as Substack, Patreon and Revue making it simple for people to subscribe directly to a creator’s work. Alternative platforms such as Teachable and LinkedIn Learning also allow creators to make paid courses for potential consumers to sign up to.

The rise of no-code tools has allowed content creators to break away from media companies which would typically design and develop professional content. Platform apps allow people to create their own websites, produce high quality graphics and edit videos in a way which were not possible in the past. These include Squarespace (website design app), Canva (visual design app) and TikTok.

As the content industry changes, here’s how businesses can adapt to build a larger, and more engaged audience:

Know your audience

As a marketing leader you need to know your audience inside out by making sure you understand what your audience wants from you.

Platforms such as Substack can help you in this aspect as it allows creators to focus on a smaller niche audience of people that are interested in specific work rather than a broader audience which a media company would cater for. These people are willing to pay for that work as the creators know exactly what interests them.

Embrace internal influencer talent

Credibility and affinity mostly come from individual influencers rather than traditional media brands if they consider creating thoughtful content that engages and identifies with the people they are targeting.

Your own internal influencers don’t need to be full-time and can be freelancers who write regularly for your brand. Creating efficient bylines for blogs and earning the trust of your audience. Having an excellent freelance writer is more likely to stay producing content for your brand than the average employee would typically do.

Allowing creative freedom

The tools that are available for people to use means that we can create content at a faster rate than ever before. Allowing your own team to implement their own ideas can prove beneficial to both your brand and themselves.

Make sure there is a strategy and guidelines to follow but allow creativity to come from your individual team members rather than collectively brainstorming for ideas.

If you are looking to develop your content marketing strategy in 2022, we would love the opportunity to support your business, please do reach out to us here at Brighter Directions!

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