PW Media | Apr 11, 2023

Predictions Turned Trends: Social Media Marketing Strategies in 2023

What does the world of social media have in store for the rest of 2023? We explore some of the hottest trends you need to know to take your marketing to the next level.

In this fast-paced digital world, social media is a vital tool for businesses of every size. From solopreneurs to global corporations, an online presence is crucial in helping to increase reach, boost brand awareness, and maximize sales. However, social media is constantly evolving, and what was popular 12 months ago might not work as effectively today. 

To ensure you can keep your business ahead of your competitors, this blog explores our top social media predictions turned trends for this year. 

1) Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more important 

One of the biggest predictions for social media in 2023 is the importance of Artificial Intelligence. AI has been rapidly growing in recent years and has been playing an increasingly more prominent role in how social media users see content. 

In 2023, that is going to become even more visible, with Instagram expected to double the amount of AI-recommended content by the end of the year. This means that businesses are going to have a greater chance of appearing in the newsfeeds of their potential audience. 

However, these AI models are based on engagement and user interaction. If you want to take full advantage of this 2023 social media trend, you must create content that entices users to like and comment on your posts. 

2) Focus on user-generated content 

Speaking of content, another social media prediction for this year is the rise of user-generated content. As timelines become increasingly swamped with brands vying for the attention of consumers, the slick, aspirational videos are quickly becoming tiresome, and users are engaging far more with content produced by real, everyday people. 

That is why the most successful brands are going to be those that blend more traditional content with user-generated content. This helps to give your brand a more personal touch and is a great way to showcase your existing customers and build social proof. 

For the best results, it is important that you work with partners related to your brand and industry. The content itself must also be organic and not like an advert; otherwise, users will quickly see through it and seek alternative brands. 

3) Short-form video remains king

Video has been the key to successful social media campaigns for years. However, while it was once those slick, feature-length adverts and videos that reigned supreme, social media in 2023 is a very different landscape. 

That is why another crucial social media prediction turned trend in 2023 is the use of short-form videos. TikTok, Instagram Reels, Instagram Stories, and YouTube Shorts are transforming the way users consume content. That is why you should be rethinking how you create content, focusing instead on quick, snappy content that has been shot in a vertical format. 

4) Be Authentic 

Social media is awash with people showcasing their ideal vision of their life, but users are quickly becoming tired of those perfect feeds which do not depict reality and can have damaging psychological effects, especially on youth. The rise of new platforms such as BeReal has further cemented the fact that people are looking for authentic and real content from their friends, family, and brands that they follow. 

One social media prediction for 2023 is that this need for authenticity is only going to grow more important over the next 12 months. This will be particularly true amongst younger generations, such as Gen Z, who have spent their entire lives online and are looking for more “touch grass” or real-life experiences.

That is why you should focus on generating unedited and unfiltered content, giving your followers an insight into your brand and products from a real-life perspective. 

5) Focus on Your Community 

Far too many brands have replaced the term “social networking” with “social media”, making their digital presence a one-way street where they feed followers with content but rarely interact with them. 

Your social platforms should be interactive and engaging. That is why another social media prediction for 2023 is that those brands which focus on building a community are the ones who will succeed. You want to ensure that you connect with your followers, respond to their questions, find customers who are talking about your brand, and engage in your community. 

Building that connection and developing a community helps build trust in your brand and showcases to potential customers that you care about your customers. This will help you to win more people over and maximize your sales. 

6) Think About the Hook 

While there is a range of new technology destined for social media, things such as Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse are still a long way from becoming mainstream. Long-term social media predictions anticipate that these will become part of the social media role eventually, but at the moment, the average user is still engaging with traditional formats such as images, video, and text. 

For 2023, your social strategy should focus on these core basics if you want to engage with your audience. However, when creating this content, you need to ensure that you are always focusing on the hook. You need to be able to grab the attention of your followers within the first few seconds if you want them to keep watching and engaging with your brand. 

A great example of someone who understands the importance of a hook is YouTube star, Mr. Beast. He’s established himself as the largest channel on the video platform by immediately drawing viewers into his videos within the first few seconds. 

7) Embracing TikTok

Many social media managers dismissed TikTok as a platform for silly dance trends, but many brands are now discovering that it is a valuable tool in their marketing campaigns. The algorithm rewards exciting content with a reach far beyond what Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram provide. 

The platform is also showing no signs of slowing down, with 2023 set to be its biggest-ever year in terms of growth. Its audience is primarily Gen Z, who are prioritizing the platform over the more traditional options such as Facebook. 

That is why if your brand is targeting younger customers, you need to make sure that you are focusing on growing your TikTok presence over the coming 12 months. 

Need Help Growing Your Digital Presence?

These are just seven social media predictions for 2023, but the world of digital is constantly evolving, and trying to stay on top of the latest trends can be a time-consuming and complex task. 

PW Media knows how difficult it can be trying to juggle social media and run your business. That is why our highly experienced team of marketers is on hand to help you develop a killer social media presence that keeps your audience engaged and using your brand. We know what it takes to stand out from the crowd, so if you want to learn more about how we can help you, get in touch with our team today!