While 2020 was a living embodiment of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, we’ll admit that we learned some pretty fascinating things along the way. People turned to the Internet and social media looking for ways to connect and to rekindle that sense of community that couldn’t be found in person. Honestly, it was a pleasant reminder that the people that get you are out there, all you have to do is look! ?
As we kick off this brand-spanking new year, we have a hunch that this idea of community isn’t going anywhere, so get ready to embrace it with open arms. Lucky for you, “Community” is literally our middle name! ? We did some sleuthing and found 5 trends to help build your social media presence into a harmonious hamlet in 2021:
1. Invite the World to Your Dinner Table
You’ve heard us say this many times, but social media is meant to be social! This year, it’s especially important to keep that in mind as you generate content. How can you spark a conversation with your followers, old and new? One of our favorite ways to do this is to pose a question that ties into a home or community.
Pro-tip: Once followers begin to comment on your posts, don’t forget to engage with them! Keep in mind when you respond, your comment should be at minimum 4 words in length so that Instagram recognizes the engagement. (This will help with how often the platform will show your posts to your followers!)
2. Let Us “Guide” You
Speaking of Instagram, the platform unveiled a new feature in mid-November: Guides! This brand-new tool is a great way to organize content you’ve already posted into an easy-to-digest format. Here’s how Buzzfeed used this feature to curate their posts.
Do you have a series of home tours for your communities? Organize them here by neighborhood! This way your followers can find everything they’re looking for in one place.
3. Video Reigns Supreme
Video has been on the rise for a while, and with the growing popularity of TikTok, Instagram Reels, and going live, it doesn’t look like video is going to give up its throne anytime soon. If you haven’t started incorporating video into your social media strategy, now’s the time! Your videos can be a simple walkthrough of your model homes, or you can even create a slideshow of model photography.
4. Snackable Content
When you’re creating your content, be sure to keep it short! Try to avoid long-form style videos and copy as your followers have a shorter attention span when it comes to social media. Identify the key point you’d like to share in your post and refine your content to match. The good thing about this trend is that you can take longer content you already have (a blog or a longer video), and slice, dice, and spice it into numerous, snackable posts that your followers will love!
5. A Stylish Life
Lastly, let’s talk about lifestyle trends. Some trends come out of left field (remember whipped coffee?), and some are actually easier to predict. Pinterest released their top 2021 trend predictions based on the increases in certain terms being searched on their website. You can check out the full list here, but here’s our favorites and some ideas on how you can incorporate them into your strategy:
- Nomad Normal: Are there super cool day trips that homeowners can take near your community? Share them! You can also highlight local gems such as farmer markets, nearby restaurants, and entertainment.
- Wellbeing: Self care is fundamental! Take the time to highlight your master bathrooms and how someone can relax and recharge after a crazy day.
- Kitchens are the new Michelins: From gourmet charcuterie boards, to trying out bold new recipes, Pinners are getting fancy in the kitchen! Showcase how your homes can bring these culinary fantasies to reality.
We’re curious to see what new social trends will appear in the new year, but we’re also ready to give them a go! Be sure to keep an eye on our website and our blog as we share our expertise and tips. As always, if you need assistance in formulating your strategy for the new year, we’re just a DM or phone call away!