What’s up, 2018?
Projecting new digital trends is your favorite thing to do, right? Well, it’s definitely not my favorite because everyone has different ideas about what’s going to be successful in the future. Sometimes they get it right but sometimes it’s really just a guessing game. However, there ARE some good ideas on digital trends that are in the weeds, ready to take over, so the best we can do is prepare for them.
- Video remains king.
No big surprise here. I’ve been told that our attention spans are dwindling as humans – some may even compare it to a goldfish (seven seconds… really?). So we need to do our best to capture that attention in the most visually appealing way possible – with motion: video, gifs, stop motion… whatever you need to do to capture eyeballs. Even the big wigs like Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter are all investing in video to help generate engagement and build followers. If there is anyone to take clues from, it’s those guys.
- Short lived, but loved.
New vocab word to learn here: ephemeral content. This is content that disappears, such as the content we are familiar with on Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook stories. This type of content truly creates that FOMO (fear of missing out) experience that resonates with users. And we all know that FOMO creates a unique experience with more desirable content.
- Influence me!
Influencers aren’t going away anytime soon. This authentically created content has really changed native advertising. Influencers big or small have some kind of an effect on purchasing power – and that… is priceless. You can start small, but definitely consider some social brand ambassadors next year.
- Let’s go live, baby.
Live streaming video content is popping up EVERYwhere. The ability to hone in on a live moment is a fantastic user experience and one that continues to gain popularity. According to Mediakix, Facebook Live videos are watched 3x longer than regular videos. Consider adding these into the mix and you will find yourself with an audience that craves more content.
- Kids these days…
Millenial who? The True Digital Natives, they say, is Generation Z. Adweek says they will account for 40% of consumers by 2020. Yes, my jaw dropped too. It’s time to start figuring out how to appeal to our younger generations.
What 2018 trend are you looking forward to most?
