2015 saw the emergence of many new techniques, channels and trends in social media. User generated content and authenticity and viral marketing via video feature high on the list. Social media is evolving for brands and to adopt the new media is very important.

1. Top 10 Social Media
Trends
for Brands in 2015
Michael Spencer, Sept, 2015.

2. 1- Branded Hashtags #
 Brands that create contests with popular
prizes via branded hashtags# and rank
user generated content will net themselves
decent possible ROI & have a chance to go
viral.
 Product reviews, video reviews (vlogs) with
tangible prizes is one model.

3. Branded Hashtag #
 These promotional events are also a good way to
connect:
 Facebook
 Twitter
 Instagram
 Email Marketing
And obtain user generated content that’s valuable
and reusable in your social media posts.

4. 2- Millennial Networks
 As the world is full of Millennials who will
soon be more and more influential, it’s
important to start to market for them.
 Instagram (international), Pinterest
(mothers), Snapchat (youth), Tumblr
(micro-blogging) are all important networks
to adopt.

5. 3-Optimize Social for Ecommerce
 Optimize your branded social media
profiles for the arrival of Ecommerce. Make
CTAs that drive sales.
 Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest & Twitter
especially.

6. 4-Optimize Content for Mobile
 Mobile content is shorter, more engaging,
more controversial and more entertaining
tending towards visual and video content.
 Mobile content is content you yourself
would consume on your mobile phone,
tablet or other wearable device.

7. 5- Social Media Search
 It is getting more common for social media
sites like YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook
and others to play the role of search
engines where your brand or company is
found.
 Don’t neglect to authentically display your
company on LinkedIn corporate site,
Instagram (show & celebrate your culture)

8. 6-Branded Story-Telling
 The best viral marketing is branded
storytelling that captures the imagination of
people around the world.
 Brands must become masters of video
content and do promotional videos that tell
a story. Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo,
Snapchat, Vine, etc.

9. 7-Social media for Seniors
 As baby boomers get older, and retired
seniors buy tablets, these are some of the
most neglected and prosperous audiences.
 Appeal to them on Facebook & LinkedIn
(using Pulse articles) to capture their
imagination. Do promotions for them, you
will find they appreciate the sentiment.

10. 8- Agile Video Product Launch
 The key to a successful product or brand
launch is more than ever agile video
campaigns.
 Growth hacking a new audience or getting
your customers on board a new product
requires disruptive viral marketing video
content. Video that is more humorous,
more provocative, altruistic and human.

11. 9- Geo Targeted Digital
 From local directories to #hashtags that are local
to your city, to IBeacons and IoT sensors that
recognize devices and people. It’s important you
bring the customer to you, attract them with
customized promotions.
 Think local, create campaigns the benefit your
community, that give your brand social authority.
Help the people, and they will come.

12. 10 – Meme Resonance
 This is a social media content technique
that listens to current trends, events,
trending social issues and responds in a
brand compliant way with compassionate
response.
 For example, when Gay Marriage become
legal in the US, brands that supported the
ruling, found new hearts that could
emotionally appreciate their vocal support.

13. Meme Resonance
 Meme resonance, mirroring your audience, talking
about issues important to your audience, these
are all emotional intelligent ways to reach out to
your customers and future customers.
 Emotional appeal, design and quality content will
set you apart form your competitors. This is a
dynamic function of a brand, that is an ongoing
24/ event.