4 Keys to Mastering Social Media Trends

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Given the rapidly changing nature of social media trends, it can be difficult to determine what is currently trending and what is fading in relevance. It is important to utilize social media effectively to raise brand awareness and foster genuine connections with consumers. A strong social media presence is crucial for maintaining a cohesive brand message within the online community. By following the four keys outlined below, companies can position themselves for success in social media.

1. Keeping Tabs on Trends

To authentically identify social media trends, spend time on social media multiple times throughout your day. Immerse yourself in platforms like TikTok, that offer a For You Page for greater visibility and engagement. Utilize TikTok’s Creative Search Insights, follow industry competitors, and stay updated on challenges and relevant hashtags. Engaging with your audience through comments is essential, and using social media analytics helps track performance and guide improvements. Remember, the sooner you hop onto a trend, the better!

2. Is the trend relevant?

When creating content, it’s necessary to assess whether a trend is relevant to your brand by determining if it aligns with your mission and values. If it doesn’t, brainstorm ways to incorporate elements of your company’s core principles into the trend to ensure authenticity and maintain a strong connection with your audience. Consider how the trend resonates with your target demographic by asking if it will engage them and spark conversation. If the trend seems fleeting, think about how you can adapt it into a longer-term strategy that keeps your brand relevant. By taking these steps, you can create content that is timely and reflective of your brand’s identity while fostering a deeper connection with your audience.

3. Mastering A Trend 

As mentioned above, one of the most important things you can do is post in a timely manner. Other key steps include ensuring high camera quality, selecting an aesthetically pleasing setting, and effectively using hashtags. If you incorporate text into your video or photo, double-check that it’s aligned properly and uses a noticeable size, font, and location. Avoid placing text over areas of the video that might block important visuals or actions. Don’t forget to consider the readability of your text—contrast is essential, so choose colors that stand out against the background. By following these tips, you can enhance the content quality to engage your audience more effectively.

4. Signs A Trend Is Over

As trends can rise and fall quickly, the last thing anyone wants to do is post about a trend weeks after it has faded out. Key factors to identify a declining trend include monitoring engagement on related posts, observing how often the trend is referenced on social media, and noting if other trends are gaining popularity. Another key is watching for a shift in tone regarding the trend. If comments frequently describe it as “overused” or “overdone,” it may be time to move on. For example, the “very demure, very mindful” trend on TikTok faded in less than a week this past summer. Another instance would be posting the Apple dance now would miss the mark, as it peaked from late July to early August.

Navigating social media in the workplace can be hard, but it’s not impossible. By keeping these tips and tricks in mind, we can enhance our social media content while driving engagement and fostering genuine relationships with our clients and consumers. 

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