Some social media trends you need to be aware of for 2024 and so much more.

Coming up in this edition:

• How to remove the cringe factor from introducing yourself on your social media channels
• How you can win a 2-hour clarity session with me worth ￡295
• How to join my new LinkedIn live Series: This week, we will be ditching the traditional notion of productivity and helping you focus on the things you really need to get done.

Hello,??

And welcome to the 17th edition of Social for Growth; I hope October is treating you well. We are hurtling towards 2024, and in the name of consistency and managing my workload, I've made Social for Growth a monthly newsletter rather than bi-weekly.

I do hope you find it useful...

Some (predicted) social media trends for 2024

1. Videos and disappearing content will continue to rise:

Video isn't going anywhere. We will likely see more video features introduced to make them much easier to create and edit on the platforms.?

The algorithms love video, and the bonus is that it makes you so much more personable and means you can quickly 'build the know, like and trust factor' with potential clients.?

The trend for stories and disappearing content that happens in the moment will continue to rise. It's a great way to build a connection with your community due to the ease of response and the direct messaging function - perfect for those of us with an audience of lurkers. Or if you are discussing a sensitive subject.

2. Showcasing your business values in your social media content:

As a society, we are becoming increasingly concerned with sustainability and whether businesses are truly ethical. People genuinely want to work with and buy from those whose values they feel aligned with.

Having a clear value proposition that you, your colleagues and clients all support will be essential. And showcasing those values, your people and your purpose must underpin your social media strategy.

3. Less will be more:

With ever-increasing choices in platforms and where to share your social media content, it will be important for businesses to have a primary focus in terms of platforms and producing less, more high-quality content will be important for small businesses and help you stand out from the crowd.

4. Collaboration will be key:

The power of collaboration and working with organisations and individuals whose values align with yours is vital to growth on and offline. We have in 2023 seen platforms offer increased opportunities for collaborating with others, and this is set to continue into 2024.

5. Make A.I. a friend:

AI will become more 'humanised' and more sophisticated: Love it or hate it, AI is not going anywhere. It can be a great prompt to help you develop ideas and write content. But don't ask it to write your posts for you and ensure you are clear on the strategies behind it and how to use it.

Of course, the social media channels you use and the content you put out there will be audience-dependent and need to align with your business objectives; after all, the best strategy is the one you will stick to!

How to introduce yourself online:

When was the last time you introduced yourself in a social media post? I would imagine it was some time ago!

You live and breathe your business, and it's easy to assume people know who you are, what you stand for and how you can help them!!

Sadly, around the same time, you start feeling you have talked the hind legs off a donkey and bored everyone to tears with what you do is probably around the same time they get the message.?

So, if you only do one thing on social media this week, introduce yourself to your audience.

I've shared some tips below on making this feel more you and losing the ick factor.

1. Use a photo you like, not one that makes you feel professional but one that lights you up inside.?
2. Tell people how to help them and why you love what you do.
3. Let them know how you can solve their problem.
4. Share something unique about you. - it doesn't need to be too personal. It might just be your passion, your values or even a silly anecdote.
5. Focus on one service you offer or want to promote.
6. Let people know how they can get in touch.

Remember, people have a choice about who they follow and engage with on social media, and you might feel you are selling, but you are also helping!

People love personal content, but don't share it if it makes you feel uncomfortable.

And if you really struggle to write authentically, try recording and transcribing what you want to say - or if you are feeling really brave - embrace that trend and record a video.

Your chance to win a Clarity Session worth ￡295

Thanks so much to those of you who took the time to complete my survey!! It takes under 5 minutes.

The survey aims to discover your social media habits, challenges and the services that would be most beneficial to you.

In return, you will have the option to be entered into a prize draw to win a 2-hour clarity session worth ￡295.

A Clarity session is a 2-hour laser-focused session to help hone your messaging and develop an actionable content plan that fits with the time, money and resources you have available.

It's an opportunity to get clear on your messaging, ditch the overwhelm and leave with an actionable plan.

The survey closes on Wednesday, 25th October, and the winner will be notified by email on the 31st October. Just click the link here to complete the survey.

My LinkedIn Lives series is back...

Lastly, I am pleased to announce the return of my LinkedIn live series on Thursday, 5th October, at 930 BST. I will be joined by Louise Miller - the genie for your genius.

Louise and I will be redefining the traditional definition of productivity and how a slower, more mindful approach can help you beat the overwhelm and be more efficient.

You can register to join us live by clicking here.

About Me...

I'm Mel, a Social media and email marketing strategist, consultant and trainer. I am passionate about helping businesses develop and implement social media strategies that fit with the time, money and resources available.

And that is realistic for them and relevant to their target audience.

I'm also a small business owner and mum to two gorgeous kids - so I know all to well the challenges we face!

If you would like to find out more about how I can help you navigate the murky world of social media, then do pop me a DM or email me at [email protected] and we can chat.

I hope you enjoyed the Newsletter.

Mel x