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Introduction:
Okay, so after sharing last week's blog discussing all things social media, I received a thought-provoking message from a friend. They questioned the wisdom of building a business solely relying on social media and wondered about the future of this ever-present platform.
"What will you do when social media disappears for good?" they asked.
It was a valid question, but I couldn't help but notice that my friend worked in retail—a physical store that relied solely on in-person customers. So, I playfully retorted, "Well, what if social media replaces physical shopping with online stores?". They were left speechless.
This week, let's address the elephant in the digital room and shed light on why social media is far from being a dying trend. This one's for those who share the scepticism and doubt the value of hiring a social media manager.
According to the Datareportal April 2023 global overview,
more than 60% of the world's population actively uses social media.
4.80 billion people currently use Social Media,
And 150 million new users have come online in the past 12 months!
Just think about it, with a growth rate like that, it is highly unlikely that Social Media is going anywhere!
Mobile Dominance:
Let's face it—almost everyone has a smartphone. In fact, you're probably reading this blog on one right now! (Let me know in the comments below if I am right, and if not, what device are you using?).
Nowadays, our smartphones are like mini computers in our pockets. Remember those teachers who said we wouldn't have calculators everywhere we go? Well, in your face, Mr Fudge! (Don't worry, I loved my primary school math teacher, but that's our little secret). Here's another eye-opening fact: 91% of internet users access the web through their smartphones. That's right, 91% of the population is glued to their screens like moths to a flame! So, for those of us who make a living on the internet, optimising content for mobile view is an absolute game-changer.
The Ever-Evolving Landscape:
Now, here's the exciting thing about social media—It is always changing.
Platforms are constantly evolving, updating their features (even though it can be frustrating at times—just when you get used to one interface, another one comes along). But it's all in the name of creating the best user experience to keep us engaged and hooked.
As a social media manager, I'm always learning, staying in the know, and adapting my strategies to ride the waves of change. Trust me when I say it's a thrilling ride, one which puts me in a position to ensure your business catches that social media wave too.
And speaking of evolving platforms, let's take a moment to talk about a new rendition in the social media realm—Threads.
This platform has a stripped-back approach to social media, focusing on valuable connections through text rather than elaborate content creation. It has a fresh, old-school feel that resonates with many users, including myself.
Threads is taking over!
If you're still debating on joining the app or not, here's a rundown of what I know so far:
You can use your Instagram account to log in and post things up to 500 characters long, including links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long.
The app is being designed to work with other social networks in the future, so you can connect with people on different apps and share things easily.
You can follow and connect with friends and people who have similar interests, both on Instagram and beyond.
The app has safety features to control who can interact with you, and you can filter out unwanted replies.
However, one downside of Threads is that currently, deleting the app requires deleting your Instagram account. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed soon.
Despite this, I haven't felt the need to delete it yet and have been using it to explore its potential.
While I haven't added any of my clients' accounts to Threads yet, I believe it has promise and I will continue to learn more about it before offering it as a service.
For now, I encourage my clients to use the app as I am, and I hope that it remains free from ads and spam bots, but only time will tell.
So, if you're still on the fence about joining Threads, consider its unique features that prioritise meaningful connections through text.
It's a refreshing departure from the content-heavy platforms we're accustomed to.
While there are some limitations to be aware of, Threads presents an exciting opportunity for building connections and engaging in public conversations.
Have you tried Threads yet? I would love to know your thoughts on this new social media experience.
So, my dear friend, it's time to accept the fact that while social media may change, it's highly unlikely to disappear. It will continue to evolve, as we've witnessed recently, and we must evolve with it or risk being left behind.
Let's conquer the social media realm together, one post at a time!
If you enjoyed this blog, I would love to hear your feedback. And if you have any ideas for future blog content, I'm all ears.
Until next week, take care.
Claire Louise
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