It’s been interesting to see the evolution of social media trends over the past several years. Social media has taken a number of curious twists and turns as it tries to find itself. All mediums undergo this process and I think that social media still has a few more ups and downs before were it all settles.
The infographic below surveys social media trends that are shaping this year, and while this infographic focuses on business marketing, the trends can still be used with a church, ministry and nonprofit lens.
Let’s take a look at the trends and what it means for your church:
2014 Social Media Trends
[Click for Larger]
Here are some things to consider:
- Social Listening
I think this is huge. There’s so much noise in all the social media streams right now, the number one way you can stand-out is to start listening to real people! - Data-Based Marketing
It’s time that churches start seriously considering a good ChCMS (church membership management system). While this isn’t exactly what this infographic is referring to, the idea of collecting membership data is one that any church serious about growth should consider (here’s more on this idea). As for nonprofits and ministries, shaping a sales engine or donor database will help you build stronger, longer lasting relationships with those interested in investing in your cause. This is a simple case of working smarter, not harder. It also ties into the concept of listening more, talking less, and adding greater value to what you are saying depending on who you’re talking to. - Pictures
People like pictures. Make’em, share’em, do it (here is something to consider, too). - Online Meets Offline
This is a huge concept that’s going to take some time to explore, but I think this is ultimately going to be the “next level” of social marketing. While online actions are great, it’s that real life offline engagement that makes the connection complete.
What do you think?
What trends are you seeing in social media for 2014?
[via Media Mosaic | Image via khalid Albaih via Compfight cc]
[…] Smith and KC Proctor join me as we talk about the next step in social media. As we look at the trends of 2014, we see that being “real” is really important with the amount of online ‘noise’ has […]