Social media changes never seem to end. There is always something changing and it can be a huge task to stay on top of everything. If you are a business owner, how are you expected to find the time to know if what you are doing is correct? After spending hours on social media, the last thing you want to do is to find out what you should have been doing all along but didn’t know any better.
Yes, social media changes can drive pretty much anyone insane, but there is a good side to all of the changes. Social media is evolving and getting better all of the time. By evolving and changing, social media can and will help with your business.
Let’s take a look at some of the most recent changes and how they pertain to your social media efforts.
Facebook 360 Video
Facebook is allowing you to see the world in any way that you please. Because there are special cameras used to record the scene. When the video is viewed while on Facebook, the user is able to view it from any angle chosen. Not too far in the future one could be watching a friend’s trip from the other side of the world. At the moment, large companies including GoPro, LeBron James and Saturday Night Live are producing videos.
So, what can this do for your business? The answer is a lot. Making a 360 video is really not as hard as many people think. Smartphone cameras and the place where you host the video actually take on the majority of the work.
What you need is a 360 camera (or the software) and time to make the video. With traditional video, you can have things outside of the frame. With a 360 video you have to remember that the video is actually 360 and that everything can be seen. There is no hiding props or anything else with the 360 camera.
Once your video is finished you need to preview it. If you would like to edit your video, most common video editing software or applications can be used. Once your video is completed you then post it up. Not bad for those who do not know much about producing videos, eh?
Social Shopping
Research has proven that 92% of women use social media websites to give reviews on products. The great thing? This number is growing by leaps and bounds. 2016 will also be the year when videos and anything visual will take off. Soon, we will be seeing emoji’s with brand names embedded into them. The use of hashtags and images (GIFs) is growing at an alarming rate.
Now is the time to get your product out there using the newest in social media trends. We are not all born with the knowledge of hashtags and GIFs, but with a bit of researching you will be right on top in the social media marketing world.
Slack for Work
With the help of the internet, growing companies can now bring their teams together with a click of a button. Team collaboration has never been easier and it’s because of programs like Slack. Using Slack, employees can chat, send messages to another and even share links. Gone are the days of having to call another employee or have to go tromping to their office to get an answer for something.
Customer Service gets Better
With real-time chat and video, customers are getting their answers and problems resolved, quickly. A customer has a question, they simply go to the Facebook company page or twitter and send a message. Employees are able to answer and help customers faster than ever before. Just be sure that your business’ social media accounts are being checked regularly. Customers who do not get prompt answers can get angry. Remember, happy customers means more sales. Giving the extra time to answer customers is well worth it in the end.
Team employees for Social Media
With the advent of programs for team collaboration, sharing the work load has never been easier. In 2016, team employees will be handling the social media accounts for the business. Employees who love social media can also add the spark that your social media may be lacking. More engagement means happier customers and employees all the way around. Have a social media policy for your company that employees are expected to follow and you are good to go.
Companies use social messaging
Companies are using social media messaging now more than ever before. These same companies are engaging with customers and because of it their sales are rising. Customers love the fact that they can get instant answers and love that they are being treated as valuable assets.
Social Media Advertising
Social media advertising is advertising that is put where the customers are-on social media. Advertising can be performed using special demographics and other variables. The nice thing about social media advertising is the fact that social media analytics make it easy to see what type of advertising works the best.
Facebook Launches App ‘At Work’
If your company uses Facebook for Work, there is now a messaging app that goes along with it. Facebook ‘At Work’ works like the other team collaboration applications out there. With it being relatively new to the scene, it is still a bit bare but changes are being added at a good rate. Be sure to try it from time to time and check out the newest changes.
Commercial Search Limit by LinkedIn
Search is improving all of the time and this includes searching on LinkedIn. Now, when you are viewing profiles you are able to see the full profiles of those in your extended network. To view the profiles, you no longer have to have a premium account. There is one drawback to this though – if you are performing a large number of searches it looks like you are using it for business purposes. What happens when you reach the limit put forth by LinkedIn is you will see less of the profiles. Want another way to have unlimited searches? You can upgrade your account on LinkedIn. There are several plans to choose from so read through them carefully.
Discover by Snapchat
Discover is a completely different way of viewing the world. In social media, it is the number of likes and views that determine what is important. With Discover by Snapchat, there is an editorial team that chooses what is important. Each channel is unique and will provide you a story from the very beginning to the end. Discover allows the artist to show their skills while giving the reader a whole new perspective.
Add Me URL’s by Snapchat
The newest from Snapchat in 2016 is the Add Me URL’s. Each user is given a URL and can use this to send to friends and family. When your URL is tapped using any mobile device it gives a quick snapshot of your profile. Now, it is easier than ever before to be able to share your Snapchat profile.
These are some changes in social media, which I believe are must know for everyone if you are willing to setup your business online. Also, if you are aware of any other ones, you can mention in the comment section below.
