Short-form video content 

More and more businesses are using short-form video content from platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels and Twitter Fleets to design innovative content to engage with a wider audience and create a strong connection between brands and consumers. Videos don’t have to be created using a social media platform but it is important to have videos within a social media strategy.  

Social responsibility 

This has become a highly important part of business and especially when promoting yourself as a brand or service. Consumers are increasingly becoming aware of their own environmental impact and want to use companies that prioritise sustainability, ethical sourcing and giving back to the community. 

Artificial intelligence (AI) 

AI has become one of the most talked about things in 2023 in marketing. With platforms such as ChatGPT and DALL-E leading the way, businesses can consider using these to automate and optimise their digital marketing campaigns. All people using these AI tools though need to research and understand them so they don’t hinder their efforts and even delve into copyright misuse. 

Audio and podcasts 

Podcasts and audio streaming services are becoming an increasingly popular form of communication in 2023. Podcasts can be used to provide entertaining content, give expert advice and host virtual events, and can reach customers in a more intriguing and immersive way.  

 Posting stories 

They have been around for a while now but social media stories continue to dominate as one of the more effective ways to reach your consumers and target audience. Via such platforms as Facebook and Instagram using stories or reels as part of a marketing strategy offers quick results and close contact with audiences, and can provide an authentic glimpse into a brand’s personality. 

Privacy and security 

As technology evolves, data breaches and privacy concerns should be at the forefront of a company’s concern. Businesses need to constantly stay up to date on GDPR and privacy regulations to ensure their customer’s data is continually protected.   

Privacy and security measures should be a high priority in your digital marketing agenda making sure to enable two-factor authentication, encrypt sensitive data and regularly review and update security and privacy procedures. 

Staying on top on trends can feel like a full-time job so if you haven’t got the time to research these, or incorporate them into your marketing strategy, let us help. We can provide full marketing campaigns and offer expert advice on all aspects of marketing, please contact us today. 

The post Top trends in marketing in 2023 so far  appeared first on Brighter Directions.

So what are Instagram Reels?

Reels are a new feature on the Instagram App that first rolled out in August of 2020. It is very similar to Instagram Stories and is comparable to the popular app TikTok. They are intended to be accessible, built right into your Instagram interface, and provide a source of regular content on your homepage.

Here are the basic features of Instagram Reels:

• Reels are short videos, anywhere from 3-15 seconds long.
• They can be filmed directly from the Instagram app, using the Reels camera, or you can use video from your camera roll.
• You can film a single take, or you can edit different clips together: you can cut to different camera angles, different locations, and more!
• They are mobile-only. Reels are only available on the Instagram app; you can’t post them from your desktop.
• They can be uploaded to the Stories feed or added to a special Reels gallery on your profile page. They can also appear on your home feed!

So why use Reels to market your business?

Why not just stick to story vids? Well, for one thing, Reels get more exposure because they can appear in stories, home feeds, and your profile. The unique editing features in Reels are also useful. Sure, the Stories camera works when capturing something in-the-moment, but it’s hard to be the next Alfred Hitchcock or Steven Spielberg without the option to edit different takes together.

The opportunity to film and edit different takes is perfect for tutorial videos. You can cut between close-ups of each step without worrying about the empty space or missing details from a single take.

You can also use the Reels feature to highlight giveaways, show off products, and produce room-by-room tours of your office (or a property, for those who work in real estate).

The take-by-take editing allows you to create short stop-motion films as well—especially fun and useful if any of your products need assembly.

Remember: Reels are supposed to be short, sweet, and to the point. Make your call to action as bold as possible: feature it in the audio and in any text you have on-screen.

You don’t want the viewer to miss it!

If you are looking to boost your Instagram marketing, why not give us a call and see how we can help?! hello@brighterdirections.co.uk

The post Instagram and Facebook Reels appeared first on Brighter Directions.