2023 Social media trends indie musicians should know
With the new year comes new social media trends! Don’t get left behind, the world is constantly changing with us. To make sure you’re on top of what’s new, here are some upcoming social media trends you definitely won’t want to ignore in 2023…
by Randi Zimmerman of Symphonic Blog
Less Google Search and More Social Media Keyword Research
According to Business Insider, nearly half of GenZs use TikTok and Instagram for Google search. Seeing someone’s personal perspective on an experience or product has become more desirable than relying solely on what the brand has to say for itself via a Google search. That being said, using proper keywords and SEO best practices in your content is essential for discoverability.
If you’re currently planning your Instagram or TikTok social strategy for the year, it’s a good idea to create a list of popular keywords that also relate to your upcoming shows, albums, products, or whatever. you have in store. This year. Then you can stick to those keywords as you post throughout the year to ensure not only greater reach, but more meaningful engagement.
Exclusive content
There are tons of platforms that allow you to offer exclusive content and perks to your most engaged subscribers for a monthly fee. These subscribers not only get exclusive content, but also the ability to connect with you on a deeper level through a plethora of unique features such as personal shoutouts, exclusive products, early access to ticket sales, DMs , gifts and more.
Consider trying things like Instagram followers, Facebook fan subscriptions, Patreon, or even offers on your website. Revenue from subscription-based services like these is a great way to consistently rack up extra money as an artist, and it’s got fans going for it.
TikTok and short form content are #1
Did you know that in 2021 there was a time when TikTok was the most visited website on the internet compared to Google? Although they no longer hold that title currently, it still says a lot about the popularity it had back then and continues to have over the years. In the same vein as people using TikTok as a search engine, people have also embraced the short form content format so much that almost every other platform has wasted no time in jumping on this bandwagon, like Instagram with their Reels feature, Facebook with Stories and more.
With this trend in mind, it doesn’t hurt to implement more short form content into your social media strategy if you haven’t already. Also, those of you who are STILL die-hard TikTok haters… I recommend you get over it. It is an undeniably useful platform for those looking to break through and get noticed by thousands, if not millions, of willing people with open arms. What have you got to lose?
Original / intentional content
Although so many platforms had already rushed to copy each other’s features, what they didn’t realize at the time was how important their differences were to users. Now we clearly understand that we all use different platforms for different things. Some people use TikTok for music and DIY tips while frequenting Instagram for fashion/follow influencers and Twitter only for news and humor. Each platform works better for different things. Well, we all agree on that.
With this realization in mind, there is an increase in unique and original content reserved for each platform. (Unlike before where you’d see recycled TikTok videos in Reels, elsewhere, and vice versa.) This year, be specific with what you want to share on each platform. What works on one may not work on the other. The days of posting the same thing on all platforms hoping for equal results are coming to an end.
In the meantime, keep these best practices in mind: check your analytics to see which posts/videos are working and which aren’t. Use this information to adjust your strategy in the future. Use hashtags wisely, not randomly. Be specific to your content. If you want to stay up to date, follow people who have content similar to yours. They can do better than you because of a simple difference. Take note. The secret is out, the transparency is here
These days, what really sells are the deep relationships between fan and artist. One-to-one interaction through DMs, exclusive content for a few dedicated people, user-generated content, these are all open lines of almost direct communication. This connection is deeper and harder to break. Fans are much more likely to support someone who cares and supports you right away.
Ultimately, music marketing becomes more intimate, authentic, and more personal than ever. No more impenetrable disconnection between the masses and the artist. Social media has brought us all closer than ever, with no signs of an impending slowdown.
Alana Bonilla on 02/02/2023 in DIY | Permalink | Comments (0)