4 Rockin' Social Media Marketing Trends Of 2017, That You Will Want To Implement In Your Overall Marketing Strategy

2017 is right around the corner and social media marketing is bigger than ever and still growing.  Here are my
​Top 4 Social Media Marketing Trends of 2017

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Image & Text ~ GOOD

Video ~ BETTER

Going Live ~ BEST

​1. VISUALS ~ Adding visuals to your marketing has always been a good idea but in 2017, your engagement or lack thereof, will be determined by the type of visuals that you use.  As you see, In the three images above, I've listed in order how visual marketing will play out in 2017, though, it's happening right now.  Let me further explain.  

• First, we have Images and images are GOOD.  Images in my book have always been the right thing to add to your content, to catch your audience’s attention with their eyes and it will always be a good thing to do in 2017 and beyond.  
• Second, we have Video and in some instances, video is the BETTER choice over a plain image.  Now more than ever we are seeing our social feeds flooded with all types of video from personal video to video ads and let me tell you if you haven't jumped on the video band wagon yet, you may want to re-think that because it's here to stay and more popular than ever.     
• Third we have Live Streaming and live streaming is the BEST option.  Live Streaming is still a new commodity but with platforms like Periscope, Snapchat and Facebook Live, it is becoming the thing to do, especially for businesses trying to market their product or service, talk about really connecting with your audience and being on a personal level with them, Live Streaming is the way to go. 

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2. Personal ~ It’s time to get personal.  Long gone are the days when you could just talk about nothing but your business, product and service on social media and that would be ok but in 2017 and beyond, it's all about transparency, it's all about building that relationship by being real. Your audience doesn't just want to see the corporate, business owner, CEO part of you, they want to see the fishing on the weekend, BBQing with the family in the backyard, pajama wearing part of you as well.  
    Part of your social media marketing strategy should incorporate you getting down on a personal level with your audience, really letting your personality shine through in your content.  Don't be afraid to share your thoughts and feelings about something, let them see that you are human and this my friends is the best way to gain their trust in you and your business and who better to buy from than somebody you trust. 

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3.  Mobile ~ Mobile is already a big deal but for those that still have not embraced that fact that your business should have mobile accessibility, it's going to be a big issue for you.  There are "1.66B monthly active Facebook mobile users" 
(Source DMR Stats&Gadgets) If you are not using mobile to bring Awareness to your Brand, well, all I can say is good luck.  Getting your business mobile is easy, here are some tips to get you going in the right direction.  

• Ensure your Website, Ecommerce Store and Blog are all mobile friendly.  
• Start Live Streaming your business directly to your users.
• Create an App for your business and give your audience incentive to use the App versus your traditional site.  
• Create a QR Code offering special deals and saving coupons.  

These are just a few ideas and there is so much more you can do get your business mobile ready.  Just Imagine how many more eyes you can reach by having your business mobile.  Don't get left behind in 2017.  Get your business mobile today.  

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 4.  Platforms ~ There are over 500 Social Media platforms across the World and depending on your business and your target audience, knowing which ones are HOTT and knowing which ones are perfect for your business will be key to your social media marketing success in 2017.  Here are the top platforms I believe you should be on and know about.  ​​
  INSTAGRAM       FACEBOOK       TWITTER          SNAPCHAT        YOUTUBE

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Conclusion.  2017 in my opinion is going to defintely be a breakout year in the social media industry.  Be sure to stay tuned for my next blog, where I will be talking about Virtual Reality, Chatbots and more.  Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.  Please feel free to comment and share.  Take Care and I'll see you soon.  

Valarie Harris
Founder/President
VARRIS MARKETING