Social Media in 2015

I'm sure you've already seen hundreds of articles identifying thousands of different social media trends for 2015... I know I have!  Trying to identify which trends will actually help your business can seem daunting.

It's actually very simple, social media success in 2015 will come down to two things: Transparency and Engagement.

I know what you're thinking and I hear you loud and clear- Jason, shouldn't we already be transparent and engaging with people?  The answer is clearly yes but with two small caveats.  First, if you're actually 100% transparent and engage all your followers and friends then high five because you're definitely in the minority.  Simply put, I'm sure if you take a hard look at your current social media plan and execution you will be able to improve in both these categories.

Second, with the direction social media is heading transparency and engagement are becoming more important.  Transparency is important because nothing is private in the technological world we live in.  If you attempt to mislead people you will get caught and it will not look pretty.  Google has turned every one of your followers and friends into fact checkers looking for an opportunity to call you out! Engagement will be important because contrary to popular belief business is personal. People buy from brands they know, like and trust.  Social media engagement (and transparency) helps turn a lead into a client and a casual client into an advocate.

So there you have it.  Social media in 2015 will come down to transparency and engagement.  Now get to work and start planning your 2015 marketing and social media goals!