23 Nov Social Media Trends and Buzzwords That Need to Quit
Last week we discussed the top social media predictions for 2016, buzzwords and their meanings, and hosted a webinar looking at trends for next year. This week, I’m setting aside the rosy outlook machine, and instead focusing on the social media trends and buzzwords that need to be gone, and you won’t believe what tops this list!
Clickbait
You know it best (or worst) as all the headlines you see on Facebook or Twitter claiming that there are an indiscriminate number of things that have occurred which will shake you to the very core of your being. Truth is, they almost never shock you, but you have given them anywhere between 1 and 30 page clicks as a result. As much as I enjoy following @SavedYouAClick, I wish that account’s existence weren’t needed.
Going Viral
When “virality” becomes troublesome is when that’s the only goal. So many factors that are out of anyone’s control play into what sort of content goes viral that despite what some may say, it’s nearly impossible to predict what will truly go viral. Focus more on making good content, and if something earns a tremendous amount of shares, fantastic.
Disclaimer: having a video or piece of content go viral (provided it’s putting your brand in a positive light) is not a bad thing.
Lack of Channel Respect
There’s a reason that people have separate accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, and even Google+. Each channel has its own set of features, audiences, and guidelines that need to be respected. Thankfully, more brands are mindful in their approach to multi-channel messages. However, too often Instagram posts feel like Facebook Ads; Tweets are obviously truncated pins, and so forth. In order to truly engage with your audience on each channel, it’s time to stop treating them all the same.
Google+
Is Google+ a trend? Sure, it was trending when it was invite-only, but since then? Despite tweak after tweak, including one this week (hey, I rhymed!), Google’s foray into social networking has fallen largely flat. Google+ lacks the true professional aspect that LinkedIn does so well, doesn’t have the differentiating factor like Instagram or Snapchat, and lacks the ubiquity of Facebook and Twitter. Perhaps it’s time for Alphabet to Wave goodbye to Google+.
Yes, there are plenty more buzzwords that need to go away forever. After giving my teammates a 40,000 foot view of my post with shareability in mind, they were all aligned with keeping this post as snackable content. If there’s any buzzwords or social media trends you feel I’ve missed out, circle back with me and I’ll be happy to take our conversation offline.
