Looking Into the Social Media Crystal Ball

There are many ways to look into the future. Tea leafs, tarot cards or a carny fortune teller are just a few. When it comes to looking into the future of social media, look no further. 2014 was a year of change and 2015 is going to bring even greater changes.
We all know that video reigns as the content of choice. Heidi Cohen , marketing extraordinaire out of New York, told Social Media Examiner that video will continue to dominate in 2015. She explains that marketing agencies should consider regular video segments. This means that podcast and blog posts will be helpful in driving social engagement.

In 2014, video posting and viewing began to move from YouTube to Facebook. YouTube is still ahead in the viewing game, but the moving trend is favoring Facebook.
 2015 is bound to be the year of visuals. Images and video should be taken to the next level this year. Aside from Facebook and YouTube, Instagram is booming and Pinterest is becoming a hot contender.

It is important to use quality images. Using poor images or not using them at all can be taken as unprofessional which will reflect negatively on business.

 When it comes to video, audiences tend to prefer a less produced video. These kinds of videos are more relatable. Barkbox has had great success sharing engaging videos on its many social networks.
Marketing agencies should expect to implement a more connected social media strategy. In the past social media was misused greatly and caused a disconnect between brands and consumers. In 2015, brands and their agencies will need to recognize that social media is about relationship building rather than blasting an audience with information.
Think of this strategy as having a conversation with someone rather then telling them something. Personal interaction is something fans and followers need and want. Consumers love to get to know the real people, more than just a logo.

Hashtags have taken social media by storm. This trend is going to continue growth well into 2015. Hashtags allow consumers and marketing agencies alike to join the conversation even when they can't physically be in the conversation. Any one hashtag allows users to connect with others across many social platforms.
Marketing agencies will be in the know when it comes to the latest social media trends as well as what's to come. Leave it to the pros when looking to bring you social media game to the next level.

fusion360agency Katie Alvarez is a writer at Fusion 360, an advertising agency in Utah.  (Bio)