How do you find new social media platforms and trends to stay ahead of your competitors?

1 Follow the influencers

One of the easiest ways to find new platforms and trends is to follow the influencers in your niche. Influencers are usually the first to adopt and promote new social media channels, features, and content formats. They also have a large and engaged audience that can give you insights into what works and what doesn't. By following the influencers, you can learn from their strategies, mistakes, and feedback, and decide if a new platform or trend is worth trying for your own business.

2 Use social media listening tools

Another way to find new platforms and trends is to use social media listening tools. These are tools that monitor and analyze online conversations across various social media platforms and websites. They can help you identify emerging topics, hashtags, keywords, and sentiments that are relevant to your niche and audience. You can also use them to spy on your competitors and see what platforms and trends they are using, how they are performing, and what gaps they are leaving. Social media listening tools can help you spot opportunities and threats before they become mainstream.

3 Experiment with different platforms and formats

A third way to find new platforms and trends is to experiment with different platforms and formats. You don't have to commit to every new platform or trend that comes along, but you should be willing to test them out and see how they fit your business objectives and audience preferences. You can use tools like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, and Twitter Analytics to measure the results of your experiments and compare them with your existing platforms and formats. You can also ask your audience for feedback and suggestions on what they like and what they want to see more of.

4 Keep an eye on the industry news and events

A fourth way to find new platforms and trends is to keep an eye on the industry news and events. You should follow the official blogs, newsletters, podcasts, and social media accounts of the major social media platforms, as well as the industry publications, influencers, and experts. They can keep you updated on the latest developments, features, updates, and best practices of the social media landscape. You should also attend industry events, webinars, workshops, and conferences, where you can network with other professionals, learn from the experts, and discover new trends and opportunities.

5 Be creative and original

A fifth way to find new platforms and trends is to be creative and original. You don't have to follow the crowd or copy your competitors. You can create your own platforms and trends by offering something unique, valuable, and engaging to your audience. You can use your own data, insights, stories, and personality to craft your own content and style. You can also collaborate with other brands, influencers, or customers to create something new and exciting. By being creative and original, you can stand out from the competition and attract more attention and loyalty from your audience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?