10 Social Media Trends for 2021

Jun 14, 2021
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By
KLR Agency

Win at Social Media Marketing With These Timely Tips

COVID-19 had a transformational impact on marketing, forcing many brands to turn to digital and social media in a new way, and separating the winners and losers in a very obvious way.

The bad news is that social media marketing is a more competitive field than ever before, with brands going to greater lengths to stand out from the crowd. The good news is that social media marketing has never been more fun for those who choose to break down barriers in their messaging.

Here are 10 rules for social media marketers to live by in 2021 and beyond:

  1. Social media should be fun: There is lots of noise online, but information that entertains or informs has the best chance of cutting through to resonate with your target audience. Stay on brand, but don’t be boring.
  2. Build campaigns around brand values: Campaigns are more effective than one-off posts at telling a complex story. Especially if you’re just starting out or revamping your social media efforts, focus on conveying your brand differentiators to the world.
  3. Test the outer limits of your brand story: Once you’ve laid the foundation of brand values, find unique ways to tie your story into pop culture, the news of the day, or interesting historical situations. Even if it seems tangential, it can help your audience place your brand in context with their world.
  4. Compelling video (with captions!) is a must: Every social media platform from TikTok to LinkedIn has creative media or live video functionality in 2021. No matter where your audience might be, they expect to see video, and would prefer to see it with captions, in case they are watching with the sound off.
  5. Leverage influencers and partnerships: Credibility is hard to gain, especially coming from the official source of the brand. Better yet, find mutually beneficial partnerships to cross-promote products, or purchase low-level sponsorships with influencers who already have the attention of your target market.
  6. Track your competition and optimize: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but don’t be afraid to make it your own. If one of your competitors has a large market share, consider some guerilla tactics, spoofs and parody to help gain the attention of their audiences.
  7. Insert your message into trending topics: Every social media platform offers trending topics, which are opportunities to join the conversation and get seen by new clients. As long as the topic and message are on-brand with your values, this can be an effective way to build a following.
  8. Set a dedicated budget for advertising: Organic social media isn’t dead, per se, but it won’t do much to help your bottom line. Build your brand with organic messaging; build your business with advertising–and it helps to have a line in your budget for targeted social media advertising.
  9. Seek the niche instead of mass appeal: Disciplined marketing is the key to unlocking new clients, building brand appeal and scaling your business. Distracted marketing leads to lost time, confused prospects and wasted money. Start by identifying your customer, honing your message, choosing your channel and dedicating the resources to communicate effectively and consistently.
  10. Hire a marketing agency for dedicated support: Remember that you never have to go it alone! Whether you’re starting out, scaling or reimagining your social media presence, an outsider’s perspective can unlock insights that transform your marketing and business goals.

Our Connecticut Marketing Agency Can Help

Need a better understanding of who your audience is and what they need to see from you?

KLR is more than just a marketing agency. Whether you’re a local Westport business looking for some hands-on help, or are located in another state, we can help with branding, provide SEO services, consult on social media marketing, video production, creative services and more. Contact our team to help trigger your successful sales campaign today.