In today’s digital world, social media isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a crucial tool for businesses, including insurance agents. If you’re an agent looking to dive into the world of digital marketing, understanding and riding the wave of the latest social media trends can truly transform your game.
In this blog, we’re diving into the freshest trends in social media. These are the trends you can actually use to connect better with your audience, boost your business, and make your mark in the digital realm. Let’s get started!
1. Social Media is Becoming a Stronger Shopping Platform
Since the beginning of the pandemic, social media has gone from a minor shopping platform to an economic powerhouse. Customers are much more willing to trust a business online and engage in shopping activities directly through social media channels. From exploring products through shoppable Instagram posts to seamlessly navigating social ads for purchases, social media platforms have become hubs for consumer transactions.
HOW TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA AS A SHOPPING PLATFORM:
Social media can be a place for insurance agents to capture the attention of potential customers and amplify their agency growth. Utilize social platforms to make yourself known as a trusted and valuable part of your industry. Use SEO best practices to optimize your online listings. Be professional on all platforms. Many customers will choose who to do business with based on interactions through things like your social media presence, customer reviews and how easy you make it to do business with your agency.
2. Continued Domination of Video Content
The dominance of video content on social media shows no signs of slowing down. Video is an engaging and powerful format that captures users’ attention, making it an ideal tool for businesses to connect with their audience. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube have propelled short-form video content, allowing brands to creatively convey their message and connect emotionally with viewers. It’s absolutely vital to integrate video into marketing strategies to reach and resonate with customers.
HOW TO USE VIDEO CONTENT:
Video content offers a golden opportunity to create a strong brand presence on social media. Make informative videos about insurance policies, explain complex terms in simple language, and offer tips on choosing the right coverage. Ideas for video content could also include testimonials from satisfied clients, showcasing real-life examples of the benefits of insurance. Host a live Q&A session, where you address common concerns and answer questions in real time.
3. Increased Calls for Brand Accountability
People care about brand integrity. Ignoring social issues is no longer acceptable in the eyes of consumers. People have the ability to hold brands accountable for their stances on various societal concerns. Inappropriately sharing your personal beliefs in a professional setting can result in brand backlash or even being “canceled.” It can be tricky to stay “politically correct” in this social climate, but it’s good to make note of the changing times and terms. An example might include the terminology around the celebration of Columbus Day vs Indigenous People’s Day.
HOW TO NAVIGATE BRAND ACCOUNTABILITY:
Educate yourself on what’s appropriate terminology when you’re using social media platforms. Try to stay neutral and within any company policies on social issues. Keep your content non-biased, light hearted and educational. Your brand social media is not the place to share your personal opinions or political views.
4. Creating Personalized Connections with Your Audience
Over time, companies have realized that customers are more likely to buy from brands they feel a personal connection to. Think of the newer “which ad do you prefer” prompt you may receive on video streaming services. This is an example of companies catching on to this trend. You can see personalization in marketing messaging and personalized ads.
HOW TO CREATE PERSONALIZED CONNECTIONS:
Utilize this trend to your advantage. Invest in paid retargeting ads- where a customer may visit your website and then receive ads for your agency on social platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The power of personalized, targeted ads is invaluable in building brand awareness for your agency.
5. Embrace the “Smaller" Platforms such as Pinterest, LinkedIn & Snapchat
We talk a lot about big name social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. But don’t forget about smaller platforms. They still hold incredible power and offer customers a unique audience experience.
HOW TO LEVERAGE SMALLER SOCIAL PLATFORMS:
Use smaller platforms to engage with customers in unique ways. Snapchat, for example, offers a much different way to engage with your customers and share content than a platform like Facebook. Organic engagement on LinkedIn seems to be alive and well when compared to Facebook. Take note of these differences and adjust your marketing strategy for each platform.
6. "Meme" Marketing
Memes are becoming increasingly popular in digital marketing. Everyone enjoys laughing. Entertaining content is more memorable. Memes are engaging and funny. Memes often comment on current events or cultural differences. And, in an age when most of us need a good laugh, memes deliver.
HOW TO USE MEMES:
Use memes to deliver entertaining and educational content. Make your customers laugh with relatable content. Memes create an opportunity to be shared by potential customers with other potential customers. Remember- try to have fun with it!
