If it's one thing we know about social media it's that it moves fast! What are the trends that your businesses should look out for in 2015 - and which ones should you try out?

1. Twitter introducing curated feeds

As mentioned by Ogilvy’s prediction ‘Twitter Zero’, we will imminently be experiencing a Facebook-like algorithm that edits feeds based on interests and followers. This would see an enormous plummet in organic reach - a phenomenon now lovingly termed ‘reachapocalypse’.

What to do about it?

• Find friends, shift from talking to the ‘Twittersphere’ to making alliances and starting reciprocal relationships that you know will be maintained - the more friends you have to retweet your content the better!
• Find out your most successful tweets - look at Twitter analytics and start learning what type of posts go furthest (so if you do end up having to pay to promote some, you choose the right ones).

2. Buy-button revolution

As Twitter and Facebook roll out ‘buy now’ buttons we'll soon be able to make a purchase without leaving their site - but where next? Right now, Facebook and Twitter are not making money directly off the buy button. However, analysts say this could change if the test is successful.

What to do about it?

• If you’re a product brand try it, but don’t invest heavily unless you see results. It is a foolproof way of showing return on investment on your social media activity.
• We like Tumblr’s approach who now have ‘Buy,’ ‘Pledge,’ And ‘Get Involved’ Buttons From Etsy, Kickstarter, Artsy and Do Something - making it not just about payments, but shortcuts to other (more meaningful) actions like fundraising and recruiting for a cause.

3. Anonymous and temporary social media

In 2014 anonymous social media apps such as Whisper, Secret, and YikYak join Snapchat to become 'all the rage' with the younger set. In 2015, we will see the growth of these apps for anyone who feels they have been over visible (or have a cringeworthy history) on traditional social media. They will instead flock to the land of no login, no profile, or no trace. 

What to do about it?

• Mainly an opportunity for fast-moving brands, the entertainment industry, or anyone wanting to connect with a younger audience. But if that's you, make fast, fun disposable content and throw it at the networks (MTV announced the VMA award nominees via Snapchat!)

4. Video becomes a must-have

Even for the most camera shy of us it seems we need to embrace video in 2015, whether that’s Instagram or Vine in our existing networks, video blogs  (think Zoella) or simply YouTube. In 2014 Facebook matched YouTube for video views (helped by the ALS ice bucket challenge).

What to do about it?

• Work out your niche and create something achievable. Tiny budgets won’t create a blockbuster channel, but a monthly themed short video with a good cover frame (including a call to action) should be achievable by most. 

5. Niche networks emerging

With the launch of the doctors-only social network Doximity (claiming more than 50% of US doctors are already registered) we’re expecting either a diversification of the big platforms, or the rise of new specialist platforms that filter by hobby, interest or profession. For example NomadYOGI is a beta-phase social network (you guessed it) for a yoga-centred life.

What to do about it?

• A great opportunity if you have a specific sector you work within - have a hunt for niche platforms, alongside existing work to find niche groups (or rooms) on LinkedIn or Facebook. 
• Remember your business might be better served developing a base within its own relevant communities rather than adding to the babble of adverts on Facebook and Twitter.

6. Booming power of a real opinion

Just look to Mumsnet to see how online forums are appealing to businesses as opposed to more traditional platforms. We predict that real customer reviews, ratings and listings will be online gold for brands in 2015.

What to do about it?

• Start asking for reviews on Google and enable Facebook reviews (a scary step, but if you are confident in your product or service it will pay dividends).
• Reasses your brand's identity and tone online and put across an authentic message, because people, nowadays know instinctively when they're just being marketed to and they're fed up with it.

What do you think? We'd love to hear your predictions for 2015

Useful links

LinkedIn group: Straight-talking social media

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