We can hardly believe it’s time to look ahead to the social media trends of 2022 as 2021 draws to a close. It’s been a busy 12 months, from lockdowns at the start and Freedom Day in the middle, to Omicron at the end. 

During it all, countless small and medium-sized businesses hitched a ride on the e-commerce rocket, fuelled – of course – by social media. 

That trend, at least, doesn’t look set to change any time soon, as over 50% of customers in a recent survey said they wanted local businesses to use social media more, with 58% keen to hear about offers via their favourite platforms. 

That’s great news for business owners, but what else can we expect for the coming 12 months? Let’s take a look at what we think will be the social media trends for 2022… 

Social selling – what is it and does it work?

Social selling is a buzz phrase for good, old-fashioned customer service, and it’s all about building a relationship and trust with your customers. 

Social selling is a growth sector, particularly for businesses or entrepreneurs looking to elevate their brand presence, and Instagram is the social selling marketplace. 

If you’re planning to launch a new business in 2022, it’s crucial you connect your online store and your social media presence to create an unrivalled marketing tool. Talk to us about how to become a master social media marketer.  

Craft your content to entice and excite potential customers, then engage personally with them to create a rapport and watch those conversions skyrocket. 

Make it easy for customers to communicate online 

We’ve all lost minutes (in some cases hours) of our lives hanging around on customer service phone lines while trying not to listen to the worst muzak in the world. 

E-commerce has the potential to change all that. In 2022, consumers will be looking for direct, online communication methods for support and after-sales service. 

It’s up to you to make it as easy as possible for your clients to get in touch, whether via a WhatsApp number, sliding into your DMs on Twitter, or messaging you on Facebook. 

Ensure your customer experience is as stress-free as possible and, if it’s appropriate, don’t forget to add a dash of fun. 

TikTok: one of the biggest social media trends for 2022

In the past couple of years, we’ve watched TikTok blossom from a teenager’s toy to becoming a fully fledged business platform. It’s added profiles, ads and a creator marketplace. 

Search demand for TikTok grew by 173% in 2021, compared to 22% for Instagram Reels and a 33% slump for Stories. 

A recent survey found 24% of respondents thought TikTok was the most effective for reaching their business goals, a massive 700% increase on 2020 figures. If you don’t have a TikTok presence, make 2022 the year you get one. 

Short videos will be king in 2022

The king is dead, long live the king. If YouTube is the home of the longer-form video, 2022 will see the rise and rise of bite-sized video content popping up across a range of platforms. 

While ephemeral content – ahem – such as Twitter Fleets and LinkedIn Stories came and went in 2021, TikTok’s popularity fed consumer appetite for video snippets that were smart, eye-catching and informative. 

With almost 40% of businesses preferring short-form videos too, the stage is set for a boom in the ad form. Start brainstorming now for ideas or read on for more social media trends for 2022. 

Take social media trends for 2022 and make them yours 

Social media is awash with all kinds of content, and nothing makes us smile more than when we come across something really smart or original. 

That’s why, in 2022, keeping an eye on what’s trending on social media will be crucial for entrepreneurs and business owners, because they’re brilliant bandwagons to jump on. 

If a trend lighting up social media fits with your brand message, what better excuse to hop on and use it to amplify your business? It’s a fuss-free way to generate potentially viral content. 

Should I pay for social media ads?

It’s a very good question, and something we can help with if you’re not quite sure. Business-to-business (B2B) ads are a potential growth area for paid social media ads in 2022, and Facebook is still the daddy when it comes to getting the best return on investment. 

Partner up with an influencer in 2022

Relationships are the glue that binds society together and it’s no different in business. The pandemic years have demonstrated that the UK’s small and medium sized businesses are a resilient, innovative bunch, and even more so when we join forces. 

In 2022, that trend will expand as increasing numbers of businesses partner up with influencers to spread their brand message to the widest possible audience. 

For example, teaming up with a top TikTokker could open up a whole new customer base, or partnering with a local Instgrammer with a solid following could boost your brand no end. 

The creative and revenue possibilities are endless, and you don’t even have to pay for a Kardashian (thank goodness). 

So there you have it – our pick of the social media trends for 2022. As always, we’ll keep our fingers on all the platforms’ pulses. In the meantime, all that remains is for us to raise a glass and wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. 

We’re 24 fingers, a digital marketing agency and a proud member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Excel Business Networking Group, the Trusted Business Community, the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and the Rotary Club of Brentwood à Becket. We help companies who are all fingers and thumbs with their social media grow their business and brand. Book your free strategy call here.

You know the saying “always the bridesmaid, never the bride”? We wonder if Instagram feels a little like that at the moment. Just when it was enjoying a moment in the social media sun with the announcement of a slew of new features, including the ability to post from the desktop (HURRAH and we’ll get to that in a bit), along comes parent company Facebook to elbow it back into the shade. 

Congratulations – it’s a Meta! If you’ve no idea what we’re talking about, pull up a chair: Facebook ain’t Facebook any more – it’s rebranded to Meta, complete with a wibbly wobbly new logo that has no end and no beginning. 

Announcing @Meta — the Facebook company’s new name. Meta is helping to build the metaverse, a place where we’ll play and connect in 3D. Welcome to the next chapter of social connection. pic.twitter.com/ywSJPLsCoD

— Meta (@Meta) October 28, 2021

But don’t panic, the social media platform itself is still going to be called Facebook, but new corporate moniker Meta will be the stepping stone into a wider digital ecosphere. As Mark Zuckerberg explained in a founder’s letter: “The next platform will be even more immersive – an embodied internet where you’re in the experience, not just looking at it. 

“You’ll be able to do almost anything you can imagine – get together with friends and family, work, learn, play, shop, create – as well as completely new experiences that don’t really fit how we think about computers or phones today.”

According to Zuckerberg, we’re all going to be zooming about as holograms, from working in the office and ripping it up at a concert, to catching up with friends and family. “This will open up more opportunity no matter where you live,” he wrote. “You’ll be able to spend more time on what matters to you, cut down time in traffic, and reduce your carbon footprint.”

While we’ll have to wait and see what all of that really means for us ordinary mortals, let’s get back to Instagram. For years, many people have grumbled about only being able to access their Instagram feed but not post anything, and now the boffins have finally done something about it. 

The new capability is one of several goodies unveiled by the platform that have been created to boost creativity (and, no doubt give TikTok a run for its money). For example, Instagram has made it easier to co-author posts and Reels with other users under the Collab feature. 

There are also changes to the fundraiser prompts so you can launch one directly through Instagram and make it easier for people to donate. 

And there’s more. Reels is going to get some music features, such as Superbeat, which adds video effects based on a song beat, while 3D lyrics brings up the words in tune with the melody.

If you need a helping hand getting to grips with Instagram’s new features, get in touch and we’ll get you posting like a pro. 

We’re 24 fingers, a digital marketing agency and a proud member of the 42 Club, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Excel Business Networking Group, the Trusted Business Community, the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and the Rotary Club of Brentwood à Becket. We help companies who are all fingers and thumbs with their social media grow their business and brand. Book your free strategy call here.

Tomorrow night, eight o’clock. Stadio Olimpico, Italy. Euro 2020. If you’re not among the millions who will be an inch away from their TV screens, smartphones clutched in their hands ready to post their heart and soul out on social media over 90 agonising minutes, then you’re probably not a football fan. 

Euro 2020 fever has totally gripped us at 24 fingers, and not just because of knights in white Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling getting us into the quarter finals baby. We’ve also been thoroughly enjoying the role social media is playing in the tournament, obvs. 

The good

Chiselled god of sport Cristiano Ronaldo sent social media into total meltdown when he shuffled two bottles of Coca-Cola from under his perfect nose during a press conference and muttered “agua” or water. Proof (as if it were needed) that influencers really do have clout when it comes to marketing.  

Speaking of which, those classy chaps at Specsavers have only gone and pulled off the marketing ad of the tournament. They think it’s all over? It is now… 

You’ve got to see it to believe it…#ENG #ItsComingHome pic.twitter.com/Y8Tfc4so70

— Specsavers (@Specsavers) June 29, 2021

The bad

The Euro 2020 tournament saw fans return to Wembley for the first time since, ooooh, anyone can remember. Of course they were over the moon to be able to support Gareth Southgate’s men in the flesh, but it turns out they were less happy to see – or rather hear – the England Band. 

Their appearance on the Beeb, playing The Great Escape theme tune, sparked a backlash on Twitter, with some even claiming they would rather see vuvzelas back in the stands than hear the band. We’re not sure we’d go THAT far, but it’s a reminder that we should all listen to our customers… 

It is 100% about time that we banned them. Absolutely terrible. The worst thing about England football. Worse than the hope that kills you. Worse than the negative football. Worse than Dier and Henderson.

— Ban the England Band (@Banenglandband) June 29, 2021

The not-so ugly 

Not every sports fan is as athletic as the heroes they follow, so you can understand them not being up to speed with the latest tech and kit. But even we had to chuckle at the social media response to Ukraine’s Artem Dovbyk after he scored the winner against Sweden. 

He stripped off his shirt to reveal a snazzy GPS tracking top, which are quite common in elite sports, as they gather data on the athlete’s movements and suchlike. Lots of fans were baffled by Dovbyk’s choice of undergarment and this was among our favourite reactions: 

Asked to comment on Artem Dovbyk’s sports bra, a @UEFA spokesperson said: “A number of male players wear G-strings too. What’s your point?” pic.twitter.com/ehab7p7Tvs

— ELLIS CASHMORE (@elliscashmore) June 30, 2021

As if all that wasn’t entertaining enough, the lead-up to tomorrow’s game against Ukraine will probably see a whole host of former football stars joining in the social media conversations on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, sharing memories of competitions past and their hopes for tomorrow night. 

Of course we at 24 fingers are crossing our fingers for the England win and will be glued to all our screens tomorrow night. “Sta tornando a casa” or, as we say in Essex: “it’s coming home…”

We’re 24 fingers, a digital marketing agency and a proud member of the 42 Club, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Excel Business Networking Group, the Trusted Business Community, the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and the Rotary Club of Brentwood à Becket. We help companies who are all fingers and thumbs with their social media grow their business and brand. Book your free strategy call here.

Last year was… how can we put it politely? Ah yes, a hot mess, what with all the disruption, stress and grief caused by the Covid-19 virus. 

Yet 2020 also saw some big changes in the social media world, whether it was LinkedIn getting with the 21st century programme and discovering video, to Facebook doing its level best to shove Instagram into everything. 

The new year has got off to an equally bumpy start but, like the US President’s desk, we are resolute when it comes to maintaining a positive outlook. With that in mind, here’s what we think will be the top social media trends for 2021: 

Instagram Reels and Searchability

Chances are if Alexa or Siri aren’t a part of your household (other smart speakers are available) then you’ll know someone who can’t remember how they managed without them. 

Voice search is tipped to be one of the biggest social media trends of 2021, so make sure it’s a solid part of your social media marketing strategy. 

Likewise, visual search is set for big things. Customers take a smartphone picture of a product and ask the internet:  “where can I buy this?” Pinterest is one place to be to get the most out of this trend, likewise Instagram, with its shiny shoppable features. 

Sustainability

It’s been a quietly growing trend for several years but sustainability – the business version of being environmentally friendly – will be more important than ever in 2021.

Supply chains were tested to their limits during the pandemic and some businesses turned to local alternatives, in some cases reducing their carbon footprint. As more customers call for eco-friendly items or demand to know more about the origins of products, being able to demonstrate your green credentials through marketing will be a boon to your business. Boom.

Brand Values, Diversity and Inclusivity

Any talk of sustainability is inevitably followed by that of diversity and inclusivity (and not before time!), and we think both will play a big role on LinkedIn.

The professional platform, which gave us Live, Events, Polls and Stories in 2020, will also become a place where business owners can approach, discuss and shed light on important political, social and economic issues.

LinkedIn’s recently added features will be powerful marketing tools in 2021, as business owners, professionals and brands use the platform to demonstrate their values and stand up for important issues. Expect some fireworks – if you’re not already starting them.

Let your customers do the talking 

Remember the days when, if you were really impressed by a product you bought, you told the world and his or her wife? In the 21st century, social media has replaced the garden fence, and user-generated content (UGC) is the new gossip. 

It’s not to be sniffed at either. Ads including UGC have an impressive 400% higher click-through rate than those without, so it’s crucial to get your customers talking about your products and services. We can devise a social media marketing strategy to help make this happen. 

Video content is king 

You don’t have to be Kim Kardashian to woo consumers to your brand, but adding video to as many of your social media posts as possible will keep you bang on a big 2021 trend. 

There’s no shortage of platforms to choose from either: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok and, of course, YouTube – the video world’s your oyster, Rodney. The real trick is making sure you’re posting in places where your audience is watching… 

Let’s get interactive 

Any social media marketing strategy worth its salt includes some sort of interactive content. It’s a great way to engage customers and can be a neat way to find out what they’re thinking or looking for. 

This year didn’t get off to the best start, thanks to yet another lockdown, but it will fuel a need for less passive content. Rack your business brains and come up with quizzes, interactive infographics, or calculators, to entertain that captive audience. 

A sense of social media community 

The vast majority of small and medium business owners are part of at least one social media group. They’re the lockdown version of going to the pub: private places to share success stories, swap ideas and have a general grumble about the general state of the world. But have you ever thought of creating one for your brand? This type of social media community, set to be hugely popular in 2021, is a place where you can engage current and potential customers, launch products and get instant feedback that can help shape and drive your business. 

Check your metrics

Every social media marketing strategy will have results, and analysing that data can be a rollercoaster ride. But are you looking at the right metrics?

Having lots of followers might make you feel feel great, but it may not be a true measure of success. In 2021, a big social media trend will be stepping away from ‘vanity’ metrics and a shift toward a broader range of criteria, including awareness, engagement, conversion and consumer. If it leaves you baffled, drop us a line and we’ll make sense of the chaos. 

So that’s it – our top social media trends for 2021. There’s a lot to get your teeth into so if you don’t know where to start, give us a call and we’ll help you dive right in. 

We’re 24 fingers, a digital marketing agency and a proud member of the 42 Club, Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Excel Business Networking Group, the Trusted Business Community, the Organisation for Responsible Businesses and the Rotary Club of Brentwood à Becket. We help companies who are all fingers and thumbs with their social media grow their business and brand. Book your free strategy call here.

What do you get if you blend the glamour of Instagram with TikTok’s snappy video stylings and Snapchat’s ephemeral (content that disappears after a short time) nature? The answer is LinkedIn Stories.  

It’s a new feature that allows users to post less formal images with customisable stickers or 20-second videos that are viewable for 24 hours, and we reckon it’s a long-overdue breath of fresh air for the business-based platform.

It’s a great place for businesses and professionals to connect or spotlight their CVs and or show off their services, but it’s always lacked a bit of personality. The global roll-out of LinkedIn Stories could well put an end to that stuffed-shirt image. 

LinkedIn calls Stories content “lightweight conversations related to your work-life”, but we like to think of it as the businessman undoing his tie or a female entrepreneur kicking off those killer heels. Brands have been quick to try it out, too. 

Christian Dior Culture used Stories posts to offer a behind-the-scenes look at September’s Paris Fashion Week, while others have used it to reveal competition winners or host Q&As. Job seekers and experts can also use the feature to post temporary content. 

As with TikTok, the trick with LinkedIn Stories is to be true to yourself and your brand to increase your engagement. “We believe Stories can become an integral part of brands’ communication strategies,” said Tom Pepper, head of marketing solutions UK, Ireland and Israel at LinkedIn.

“My advice to any brands looking to experiment with Stories is just do it. The great thing about Stories is that they don’t have to be slick or overproduced, as long as they are authentic and match your brand and audience.”

We’re 24 fingers, a digital marketing agency and a proud member of the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce, Excel Business Networking Group, the Trusted Business Community and the Organisation for Responsible Businesses. If you’re feeling all fingers and thumbs with your online marketing, use our hands (and hearts and minds) to get extra digits on your bottom line. Book your free strategy call here.