8 Data-Backed Recommendations for Social Media Marketers in 2023 [Insights from 1,000+ Professionals]

Download Now: Social Media Trends in 2022 [Free Report]

Social media trends change fast.

Consider, for instance, how a few years ago, influencer marketing was a new and intimidating concept for many marketers.

Fast-forward to 2023, and 81% of social media marketers say most companies will have an influencer as the face of their brand this year.

A few other major trend-shifts: Building an active online community is now a critical component of a strong social strategy; social media is becoming the preferred channel for customer service; and funny and relatable content wins over more polished posts.

Here, let’s explore the 8 top data-backed recommendations for social media marketers to leverage in 2023 to continue to grow their audiences, increase customer loyalty and engagement, and achieve higher ROI.

*The following data comes from HubSpot Blog Research’s forthcoming State of Social Media Trends report, as well as HubSpot Blog Research’s State of Consumer Trends.

8 Data-Backed Recommendations for Social Media Marketers in 2023

1. Create a strong social media community.

A whopping 90% of social media marketers say building an active online community is crucial to a successful social media strategy in 2023.

Online communities can help you cultivate stronger relationships with your prospects and customers, and ultimately deliver more value. They enable your audience members to connect with each other and share tips related to your industry, and helps showcase your brand as a leader in the space.

Social media communities are on the rise: Over the past three months alone, 20% of social media users joined an online community, while 22% actively participated in one.

If you’re interested in creating a strong community in 2023, consider leveraging either Facebook or Instagram, which are tied at #1 for the most effective platform for building a social media community.

Additionally, check out Why the HubSpot Social Team Developed a Private Facebook Group for more step-by-step instructions on how to successfully launch a Facebook Group.

[COMING FEBRUARY 6] The State of Social Media in 2023: Click Here to Set a Google Calendar Reminder

2. Leverage social media as an e-commerce platform.

Social media is quickly becoming an e-commerce platform with all the capabilities to purchase products or services directly in-app.

For instance, 25% of social media users age 18-44 have bought a product on a social app in the past three months — and social is the preferred product discovery channel for consumers age 18-44.

This trend isn’t going anywhere, and will likely become increasingly popular in the new year. Roughly 80% of social media marketers even predict consumers will buy products directly in social apps more often than on brands’ websites or third-party websites like Amazon in 2023.

The biggest inhibitor to social selling is a lack of trust. Only 21% of social media users rate products sold …read more

Source:: HubSpot Blog