The Current Trends in Social Media Marketing during the period of COVID-19

Social isolation is one of the most remarkable changes we can see during the period of COVID-19.  Social distancing and Quarantine have changed the workplaces into comfy couches and classrooms into bedrooms. With this change, people are changing their lifestyles and routines. Since so much has changed overnight, Social Media became a necessary source for connection.

 Consequently, businesses and consumer trends are making their path to meet the safe adaptation and new customer needs. Brands and agencies are trying hard to keep observing the changing consumer behaviours and effect on individual industries, making sure that they are prepared for upcoming outcomes and discover new opportunities.

During this crisis, more and more people are adapting to online content and therefore, Social Media Marketing is reaching new heights. During this period of COVID-19, Social media marketing may be the best comeback.

Following are a handful of the current trends in social media marketing during the period of COVID-19.

   Consumption of Digital Content Increased

Digital content

During this period of COVID-19 pandemic, increased “work from home” practices are leading to an increase in the time spent online for professional use as well as personal use.

Now the normal lifestyle under lockdown includes video conferencing, live movie streaming, online gaming, Social media, etc. Media companies are one of the key areas of online content consumption. Vicissitudes of financial markets within the “Business News” category have shown increased interest. Consumers have shown interest in knowing content from the “Government” sites, which usually serves the knowledge about new positive corona cases and the several new decisions taken by the government. Healthcare retail sites have given great attention from the consumers as the spread of the virus increases.

Creating a social impact

Lifestyle, consumption and communication have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online content about living, consumption and communication are now attracting more and more followers, and it is a great opportunity for the influencers to attract more consumers and market goods to their content. The retail sectors need to generate more new ways to cope up with the impacts that are the results of COVID-19 pandemic, just promoting brands is not enough. More, authentic and tasteful content is needed that make a positive impact on the consumers going through social instability. Influencers are eagerly creating content to make a positive impact in this global pandemic to earn trust and loyalty from the consumer side. Many influencers are serving their part by making a worldwide platform as chat groups on Youtube, Instagram, WeChat, etc. to keep their followers up-to-date about the concerns and needs, government guidelines and warnings, health updates and also making sure that they don’t get trapped into the fake news. Influencers are engaging their audience to be the part of the solution, instead of being the part of the problem. 

 User-Generated Content (UGC)

                                    User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-Generated Content includes content that has been created by unpaid contributors. It can refer to pictures, videos, testimonials, blogs, etc. It is the act of users promoting a brand that they like and trust. In this pandemic period, people are living online, shopping and entertainment have shifted to digital channels and social activity has moved to social media platforms. The lockdown has caused the consumers to shift towards the eCommerce like never before.

Even though pandemic has brought challenges and unexpectable shifts in the market dynamics, it has brought huge opportunities too. People are creating and sharing videos, pictures and other content across the social media platforms, promoting a brand with their personal brand experience. Such user-generated content can make anyone a content creator. User-generated learning content is created by the people who are intended to share their knowledge and enhance others learning. This concept is a great alternative to long training programs, with a low-cost solution. People are creating content sharing their knowledge and different ways to cope up with this pandemic period. Some fashion and beauty bloggers are creating innovative styling tutorials, tech- live streamers are creating content based on their health and data knowledge. This is a period when consumers need trustworthy influencers who symbolize a sense of normalcy from a time before this global COVID-19 pandemic.

Post-Pandemic world

The corona virus crisis has initially created a threat to businesses, jobs and health; digital marketing can be a great comeback. That means even though traditional marketing is at their hard times, but social media marketing will be even greater after the COVID-19 pandemic. People seeking ways to kill time and turning to online content as much as possible, even though when restrictions will not be there anymore, they will jump offline for visiting friends and relatives, worship, gyms, restaurants, etc.
Marketers are required to find out innovative ways to transform their business which can help them save money also. It is important to keep a close eye on changing consumer habits and demands. The lifestyle and earnings have changed with the growth of ecommerce and use of internet but this pandemic period can serve to accelerate this growth.  The world is increasingly moving digital followed by marketing and focusing on the post-pandemic world.