Latest Social Media Trends, Tips & Tricks to Stay on Top (May 2024 Update)

Social media: it’s a constant stream of connection, entertainment, and maybe a little FOMO. This guide dives into the latest social media pitfalls and hidden gems, tailored to help you become a social media pro.

Why “One Size Fits All” Doesn’t Work

Treat each platform like a unique party. Sure, there’s socializing, but the vibe is different everywhere. 

YouTube is the energetic club with music videos, while Instagram is the trendy photo booth. Twitter keeps it short and sweet with news and commentary, and LinkedIn is the professional networking event. Understanding these nuances is key to reaching the right audience.

Pro Tip: Don’t spread yourself too thin! Focus on mastering one or two platforms initially, where your target audience is most likely to be hanging out – Figure that out first.

Are You Here to Party or Get Down to Business?

Before you start posting, figure out your “why.” 

Here are some common goals to consider:

• Drive traffic to your website: Link to your blog posts, product pages, or landing pages in your social media content.
• Build brand awareness: Increase brand recognition and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry.
• Generate leads and sales: Use social media to connect with potential customers and nurture them through the sales funnel.
• Provide customer service: Offer real-time support and address customer concerns directly through social media.
• Build a community: Foster a space for like-minded people to connect and engage with your brand.

It can be anything – Figure that out.

Quality over Quantity (But Consistency is Key)

Don’t feel pressured to constantly churn out fresh content. Here are some valuable strategies:

• Repurpose evergreen blog posts: Don’t let great content gather dust! Repurpose your blog articles into social media posts with teasers and links back to your website.
• Share thought-leadership articles: Establish yourself as an industry expert by sharing curated content from other credible sources.
• Create bite-sized visual content: Eye-catching infographics, short videos, and creative images can grab attention and boost engagement.
• Experiment with formats: Try live videos, Instagram stories, or polls to keep your content fresh and interactive.

The key is to post consistently and find what resonates with your followers. Track your results and adjust your strategy based on what’s working best – That’s it.

Your profile is your digital storefront. Here are some key elements to optimize:

• High-quality visuals
• Clear bio
• Consistent brand identity 

Sell, But Don’t Be Sales-y

Social media is about building relationships, not just pushing products. Focus on creating valuable content that informs, entertains, or inspires your audience. The 80/20 rule is a good guideline: 80% non-promotional content and 20% with a call to action. 

Here are some non-promotional content ideas:

• Share your expertise and insights on relevant industry trends and topics.
• Give your audience a peek into your company culture and team.
• Showcase positive customer experiences to build trust and credibility.
• Encourage your audience to share photos or videos using your product or service.

“Social media marketing provides a tremendous opportunity to drive traffic to your B2B website. You can optimize your profiles with a detailed description of your company and a link that directs back to your site,” – advises Emily Ahlbum of online marketing company Emagine.com.

Gen Z: The Social Media Chameleons

• Challenge Culture: Social media challenges can be fun, but prioritize safety over chasing trends. Remember, a broken arm from a silly challenge isn’t worth the internet clout. There are plenty of safe and creative challenges out there; focus on those!

• The Like Game: Don’t get caught up in the numbers game. Likes and follower counts can be addictive, but they don’t tell the whole story. Focus on creating content you’re passionate about, and the genuine connections will follow.
• Story Overload: Ephemeral content (like Stories) can create pressure to constantly document your life. It’s okay to have private moments! Don’t feel obligated to share every single thing you do.

Learning from Social Media Mishaps

Remember the United Airlines tweet about a passenger being dragged off a plane? Social media blunders can be disastrous. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Think Before You Post: Double-check everything before hitting publish. Rushing can lead to typos, misinformation, or offensive content. Proofread carefully and take a moment to consider how your post might be perceived by others.
• Stay on Brand: Maintain a consistent voice and message across all platforms. 
• Be Wary of Crisis Situations: Have a plan in place for how to handle negative feedback or online crises. Respond promptly, apologize sincerely, and take steps to address the issue.

Hidden Secrets from the Pros:

• Posting consistently and using relevant hashtags can help you reach a wider audience. However, quality content trumps quantity! Focus on creating valuable and engaging posts that people will want to share and comment on.
• Respond to comments, answer questions, and participate in discussions. Show your audience you care and value their input.- Telling you, not that simple, you have to give at least 1 hour for each platform you are in.
• Most social media platforms offer built-in analytics tools that can help you track your performance and see what’s working (and what’s not) – Use this data and better everything on your page accordingly.

Refer below for the best posting times.. Thank us later!

The Takeaway: Be Strategic, Be Social, Be You

Social media is a powerful tool for connection and brand building. Remember, authenticity is key. Let your unique voice shine through, and build meaningful connections with your audience. 

Now go forth and conquer the social media world!

Brownie Tip: For different industries, the best platforms can vary. 

Here’s a quick guide (Thank us later!)

B2B Businesses: LinkedIn, Twitter, and industry-specific platforms.

E-commerce Brands: Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.

Local Businesses: Facebook, Nextdoor, and community forums.

No matter your industry, the core principles of social media success remain the same: 

be strategic, be social, and be you!