Keeping up with trends on social media can seem like an uphill battle. We’ve been monitoring trends since we last provided a general update in January 2024. While previous predictions are still relevant, here are a few new insights that can help your social media strategies.
The continued rise of artificial intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay. From automated content generation to audience targeting and analytics, AI is revolutionizing the way we engage online. At a time when more engagement and support is expected than ever before, it’s the right time to familiarize yourself with how AI can help you.
Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, can help you generate post ideas to engage your audience and maintain a consistent brand voice. AI powered algorithms can analyze user behaviour and preferences, enabling you to tailor your content more effectively and understand what resonates. For targeted advertising, AI can help optimize your ad campaigns by analyzing data to reach your ideal clients more efficiently. Social media management tools, like Hootsuite, are now offering AI powered features to make integrating AI into your social media strategy easier.
As AI continues to become a part of our daily lives, audiences are becoming increasingly interested in authenticity and transparency. Platforms such as Meta and TikTok have implemented new AI disclosure labels which either automatically disclose or allow users to self-disclose whether their video, audio and image content is made with AI. This will most likely lead to authentic, hyper-personalized content grabbing more attention (and engagement).
What REALTORS® can do:
- Use AI as an assistant: Leverage AI tools to assist with content creation, such as generating engaging captions, and strategic insights, and audience analytics to help refine your targeting and improve engagement.
- Maintain transparency: Be open about using AI tools for your video, audio, or image content.
- Combine AI with personal input: Use AI to handle repetitive tasks, but always add your personal experiences, opinions, and insights.
The power of entertainment
Hootsuite’s 2024 Social Media Consumer Report states the trifecta of entertainment is:
- something funny;
- something new; and
- something inspiring.
It turns out silly jokes are welcome on social media, with 94% of marketers rating meme-filled posts as having average or high return on investment (ROI). Instagram is testing out a new ‘Memes’ feature on Reels, which could boost interaction for those utilizing this strategy.
Entertaining content can include short (or long-form) informative video storytelling, the use of interactive features such as Instagram’s ‘Reveal’ sticker, or behind-the-scenes content of your day-to-day.
While funny content might be trendy, it’s important to ensure it remains professional and aligns with your personal brand. If you need inspiration, we’ve compiled a list of sources where REALTORS® can find quality content.
Meet your audience where they’re at
What platforms are your audience using? Following your ideal client to the platform(s) they spend the most time on is crucial to crafting a great social media strategy. Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have emerged as the leaders in social media, but that doesn’t mean you have to be on each one.
Here’s a breakdown of current trends per platform:
- Facebook: Meta AI has launched to help spark your inspiration, text posts are seeing big engagement, and Facebook has become one of the top social platforms to find local business’; meaning it might be a good time to promote your business through Facebook Advertising.
- YouTube: Shorts are dominating the platform.
- Instagram: The focus is shifting to building communities over just gaining followers. Utilize broadcast channels, interactive stories, and Reels to foster engagement.
- TikTok: Authentic, unfiltered interactions resonate most with users. Emphasize storytelling and real-life experiences to connect with your audience on a deeper level.
- X (Formerly Twitter): Real-time engagement is key to seeing success on X. Participate in trending discussions relevant to the real estate industry.
Make sure you focus your efforts to where your audience is most active, making it easier to tailor your content to fit the platform’s strengths and user preferences. This can result in higher engagement and more impactful marketing outcomes. If a platform doesn’t align with your goals, it’s better to use your resources elsewhere.
Looking for content that’s tailored to consumers, and ready to share? Check out REALTOR.ca’s Living Room blog.
