Most of us will have been delighted to see the back of 2020 but after a rather tricky start to this year, we wouldn’t blame you if you were looking ahead to 2022 already!
But in difficult times, we’re here to bring you some light relief and some key things to consider to ensure your social media is at the top of its game in 2021. Check them out and let us know what you can’t wait to try this year!
😍 Instagram Reels – Whilst 2020 was a write-off for so many obvious reasons, the introduction of Reels was one shining light in a difficult year. To put it simply… we love them and so does the Instagram algorithm. So much so that you can now head straight to Reels from your Instagram homepage! Not given them a try yet? Make sure you do and just look at those video view numbers compared to your news feed videos…
🎥 Speaking of video… from Reels and IGTV on Instagram to simple Facebook videos, make sure you’re creating relevant video that your audience can relate to in 2021. Don’t be scared to test what works and what doesn’t with your loyal followers, whether it’s a video behind-the-scenes working from home or an animation of tips and tricks, give them all a go and see which generates the best reach and engagement. Having a mix of still imagery, carousels and video is always great to have, variety is the spice of life right?! 😉
🛒 Instagram Shops – Love the idea that your customers could purchase your products directly from your posts? Been putting it off because you’re not sure how to set it up? Now is the time to do it. You don’t need us to tell you how much of an impact COVID-19 has had on small and large businesses alike and Instagram’s Shopping feature is everything you need and more! Your customers may not be able to enter your shop right now but one simple visit to your Instagram page and a new sale could be made. Still daunted about setting up your own shop? Drop us a DM and see how we can help.
💜 Instagram Carousel Posts – We touched on these little delights earlier but they certainly deserve a mention of their very own. Simply put, these are the posts you swipe for more info be it a recipe, meet the team or the down-low on the latest lockdown rules. Sharable and saveable content is growing in importance and significance every year and those very carousels provide your business with the perfect opportunity to get key and interesting information about what you do in front of your customers. Whether that is a method and ingredients for a recipe or facts and figures about a specific product, put all that information into a carousel and encourage your audience to save, save, save!
👌 Content Strategy – From memes and stories, to behind-the-scenes previews and beautiful looking imagery, 2021 is your chance to create a winning strategy for your different social channels. Whilst Instagram gives you the chance to focus on “sexy looking” content, reels, lives and stories, think about what works well on your other channels. If you’re on Twitter, focus on the benefits of your product and service, share threads and get involved in conversations, whilst on Facebook have a think about what you would share on your personal Facebook feed. Memes, behind-the-scenes footage, Facebook Live and personable content is the way forward!
Obviously try things, test them, see what your community would like to see from you and roll with it. Oh and don’t try to do all the above at once, if you’re WFH today and you actually got dressed then we salute you! Start with what you want social to do for your business and then work back from there. Let’s do this!
Adam Woodhouse
Huddle Social – Senior Account Manager
