We are leaving behind a year that was focused on rebuilding but have a big year ahead of us—full of possibilities. There are several things that people should look forward to in the New Year. Such as potentially saying goodbye (again) to COVID-19 (let’s pray), the growth of International travel, and more Marvel movies! But what should an influencer look forward to and what should your mantra be for the New Year?

Let’s first look at trends that we can expect to see this year.

Social Media Trends for the New Year

Social media trends indicate a change in the way influencer mantras are devised this year—and for the rest of the decade. Predictably, these will be the leading trends:

• Connection With the Community: Your relationship with the customers in your influencer community will matter just as much as the products you’re selling to them.
• Authentic Social Media Influencers: Search Engine Journal predicts that a crystal clear influencer strategy will be an essential part of every business’s overall marketing strategy next year. There’s also the fact that authentic micro-influencers will matter more than “power influencers” (like Kylie Jenner).
• Greater Range of Social Media: Move over Facebook and Instagram. There are new social media beasts in town. The most popular one by far is TikTok. Early mover advertisers know that the smart thing to do is to tap into every potential avenue. So while Quora may look like a forum for nerds and Snapchat may look like an app for a few leftover teens, there’s good business that can come from everywhere.
• Measurement and Analytics: Businesses had better start working on their mission statements and organizational goals for the long term. The use of analytics tools is always helpful in helping find out if your choices are sitting well with your audience.

More Than a Shop

The previous year leaves behind the singular dominance and significance of quality products and professional service. Of course, we don’t mean that sub-par products and services are acceptable now. This isn’t the decade of mediocrity. Far from it—this is the decade of heightened collective moral consciousness.

People are waking up to more pressing issues—and one of these is capitalism. So if you were thinking you’d stick to the standard CTAs, hoping to trick people into buying your product, it won’t work.

This year, your mantra should show that you’re more than just a business but rather an influencer passionate about your beliefs. You’re an advocate. And you must stand for all the right things.

The Priorities of Millennial Consumers

If we had to make a list of what matters most to current shoppers, it all boils down to this: sustainability, inclusiveness, and world peace. Millennials are embracing the zero-waste lifestyle. It is also millennials who are driving massive growth in products that carry a sustainability tag. Younger shoppers are more interested in the ethics of the products they’re buying—remember the backlash Beyoncé received for her exploitative ventures and parallel women empowerment mantra?  

It’s important, therefore, to be more mindful of what matters to your target demographic. Jeff Bezos’ Amazon and the world’s tech darling Apple have both received flak for their unethical business practices. If Amazon and Apple (and Beyoncé!) can be canceled, you can too.

Making a Business Mantra for the New Year

As an influencer who has partnered with a business, you’re the perfect candidate to act as an ethical, politically correct, inclusive, peaceful advocate. It’s important to show your audiences that you care about the same things as them.

If the business you’re partnering with has a green building or doesn’t use plastic packaging, cash in on that. If not, spend time and energy on creating content that shows that you condone all that’s considered right. Be the influencer with a mantra or a mission statement that supports these ethics. Work with your business partner to make it more authentic.

It’s what is good for business—and what’s good for the times to come.

About Afluencer

Afluencer is an online platform that brings dedicated social media influencers and businesses together, helping them work together. Interested influencers and businesses can sign up here or get in touch with us for more information.