Social media: The new Wild, wild west

How video is converting to sales

In an instant, social media morphed from a “nice to have” tool to the cornerstone of an essential marketing strategy and—no newsflash here—it will continue to grow exponentially. How, you ask? By 2021, the number of people worldwide will reach 3.2 billion across all popular platforms. That’s more than half of everybody, everywhere!

Social media has changed the way we communicate, engage and do business. Its literally the Wild, Wild West—few laws, lots of  room to grow and endless opportunities. Just like the advent of television, the web, (or electricity!) this is the next frontier.

3 Strategies for 2019:

MAKE YOUR OWN RULES
With fewer rules, brands have the freedom to create their personal voice and identity by developing original content and sharing with a wide audience. One example, the fashion retailer Everlane, does this with its #transparencytuesday hashtag, allowing the brand to share its bold philosophy on ethical, sustainable and honest business practices.

FREEDOM TO THE CONTENT
Story-based content not only provides an in-depth experience but also creates a space for brands to share their journies in an authentic way. Organic, “sticky" content like behind-the-scenes and new product launches help connect on a deeper level and build affinity. Its not what you sell anymore, its why you sell it.

BRIGHT, SHINY OBJECTS 
93% of businesses reported landing new customers through their videos posted on social media platforms. Let that sink in. Video is the new killer app—the language everyone speaks now. Cover an event, a live interview, brand highlights and more…the blend of images and audio stays in customers' minds and deepens brand loyalty because they can be experienced anywhere, any time and full frontal action. That’s something that you, apparently, take to the bank.