Today I’m coming at you with my top 3 social media predictions for 2019!

It’s a changing landscape – and ever evolving.

But there are some key themes we are seeing happening now that will stick around into the year ahead.

So let’s take a look at what they are and what they mean for us. 

1. Less organic engagement on posts

Yes – it’s what none of us want to hear! But with MORE and more brands and people starting social media accounts, the space is getting more crowded. This means there is more competition for space in the newsfeed.

Where once it was “easier” to get lots of views on our posts, which (providing we were sharing the right content) would lead to engagement, it’s going to be tougher to achieve this going forward.

But, this is ALSO because the way we are consuming content on Instagram is changing, which leads me to…

2. Attention moving to Instagram Stories

Did you know that 1 out of 3 of the most viewed Instagram Stories are from businesses?

And 1 in 5 Instagram Stories results in a direct message?

Research shows that Instagram users watch Instagram Stories to:

1. Connect with brands they like

2. Discover new products

3. Access tutorials

4. And find deals or special offers on brands they like.

But only about half of businesses on Instagram create a Story in a typical month.

NOW is the time to create your Instagram Story Strategy and make it part of your weekly marketing mix.

3. Polished content no longer the best performing

If you are posting stock photos that could belong to any business (which you might have heard me banging on about before!) – it really is time to stop.

In the past, “beautiful” Instagram accounts got a lot of attention. Now, consumers are craving “real”, personal, less polished content that they can really connect with.

We see this in the way that brands in times gone by used to partner with supermodels or the most famous celebrities. 

Now, they are embracing the popular yet lesser known influencers who have a stronger connection and loyalty with their niche audience.

What I’m NOT saying is to make your content messy or less attractive. But the focus needs to be on connection over perfection.

The first step is to actually have a purpose behind what you are sharing that serves your audience beyond it just being company news. My new catch cry: Company news? Snoooooze!

So there you have it – my top 3 predictions for 2019. I can’t wait to see what plays out in the year ahead!