7 out of 10 people use social media to connect with friends. Pretty high, right? If you’re running a business, this is an important statistic to keep in mind. But keeping track of all the changes and updates in the world of apps can be overwhelming. What are the trends you need to be aware of? What age group is on what apps? What do I need to be posting to make sure I’m producing engaging content? It can be a lot to think about.

At the end of the day, good content is what resonates most with an audience — however, it’s always beneficial to keep an eye on the trends going on in social media. If you're unsure of what these social trends are, here's a guide for what you should be on the lookout for. 

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1. Social media is about meaningful conversations

Most brands in 2021 are prioritizing creating content that will get audiences talking and partaking in meaningful conversations on their pages. Creating discussions can lead to word of mouth promotion, which in turn can lead to conversions for your services. 

Creating a community of engaged followers can prove to have a better return than pushing a product. Positioning yourself as an authority and expert in a space can build trust and validation among your audience.

For example, if you were to start a cooking business, you might try creating content that asks people to discuss their favorite seasonal vegetable or the best summer recipes. In the long run, if you’re able to create a social presence that is built on community, you’ll put your business in a position to retain trust from your audience.

2. Social Change in Social Media 

More than ever, brands and accounts have personalities. Businesses are showcasing their values publicly. The collective views of employees are being showcased through social media. Whether it’s highlighting that you support certain social movements or your disapproval of a policy, it’s common for business accounts to highlight their stances on social issues. 

While you might believe this creates unnecessary noise from your account, many consumers respond well to a brand or company with values. Showing support for societal issues can build trust among your followers, and even help you attract a new audience that also aligns with your beliefs. 

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3. Nostalgia marketing 

The final social trend to keep in mind is nostalgia marketing. Which, in a nutshell, is a form of marketing that can help you transport someone back to a simpler time. For example, if you’re promoting a summer camp, maybe it’s posting content that makes parents remember about their experiences as a child at camp. When you tap into a positive cultural memory from previous decades, you can drive energy into your modern campaigns, while building trust for new ideas! When you tie something from the past into the present, you're able to express sentimental value. 

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Now you know some social trends! 

Knowing the best social trends is critical for any business. It's critical if you want to stay on top of what's going on and connect with a new audience. 

Trends change fast, so don’t sweat it if you feel like you’re missing out on the progression! Always remember that creating content that feels honest to your brand is the most important part of building trust and an audience.