Your Social Media Crystal Ball - Hot Tips & Trends To Attract Clients
Do you, like many impactful coaches, trainers, consultants, and independent professionals, wonder if anyone even sees your brilliant posts?
Social media can feel like a confusing maze filled with empty promises and questionable tactics.
That’s why… staying on top of the latest social media trends for coaches is essential for attracting new clients and growing your business.
Fear not, fellow knowledge warriors! HubSpot and Mention have just released their Global Social Media Trends Report, a treasure trove of insights that act as your social media crystal ball.
This article will reveal the hottest social media trends for coaches, trainers, consultants and independent professionals decoded specifically for IMPACTFUL PROs like you.
Unlock the Power of YouTube for Coaches, Trainers, Consultants & Independent Professionals
YouTube has emerged as the undisputed queen of the game. Yes, Facebook and Instagram are still strong contenders, especially for B2C brands, but YouTube is now the reigning monarch, boasting a staggering 79% year-over-year growth rate. This rise to power is fueled by the growing desire for long-form content and engaging ongoing series that keep audiences coming back for more.
So, what does this social media trend exactly mean for coaches, trainers, consultants and independent professionals?
It's time to consider YouTube as a powerful social media tool in your belt. Think about creating your own channel where you can share valuable, in-depth content related to your area of expertise. This could be insightful interviews with industry leaders, captivating tutorials that showcase your skills, or even an educational series that keeps viewers glued to their screens and eager for the next episode.
By establishing yourself as a YouTube creator, you can achieve two key goals: attracting a wave of new clients hungry to learn from your expertise, and building a loyal following who trust your insights and value your guidance.
Master the Art of Timing Your Social Media Posts -When to Post on Social Media Like a Pro
Posting at the right moment can significantly boost your content's reach and engagement. Here's a social media trend cheat sheet to help as a guideline…
YouTube - Aim for prime viewing hours, between 6-9 PM.
Facebook - Lunchtime browsing reigns supreme! Target the window between 12-3 PM.
X/Twitter - The conversation is flowing between 12-3 PM.
Instagram - Engage your audience during their scroll sessions. Post between 12-3 PM when people are checking their feeds, or during the 6-9 PM window when they're winding down for the evening.
TikTok - The party starts at sunset! Aim for 6-9 PM when users are looking for a dose of entertainment after a long day.
LinkedIn - Network when professionals are networking! Post between 3-6 PM when people are wrapping up their workday and might be more receptive to industry-related content.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Consider your target audience and their specific habits to fine-tune your posting schedule.
Harness the Power of AI for Social Media Success
Feeling overwhelmed by the content creation beast? Well, fret no more, my fellow IMPACTFUL PRO! The future is here, and it's powered by artificial intelligence (AI). That's right, AI tools are no longer science fiction – they're fast becoming a social media marketer's best friend.
Why the sudden love affair?
Simple – AI helps us work smarter, not harder, freeing up precious time for that all-important ingredient: creativity. And the results speak for themselves. Marketers who report having an effective social media strategy last year are a whopping 185% more likely to leverage the power of AI content creation tools.
PRO TIP – Why not use the tool of your choice right now and give it a try? For example, you can try asking ChatGPT for a posting calendar for the platform of your choice for a week. See what ideas spark your own brilliance.
Remember that the most effective use of AI is not to write your content for you but to collaborate to put your own awesomeness in words. (Very few people will be attracted to stuff that repeats like a parrot what is already out there).
This is one of my favorite prompts... (You're welcome to borrow it immediately)
Act as an Instagram social media marketing expert and create a week Instagram content plan for my business. Put it in a table with the number of posts you recommend for my channel, including the types of posts, their topics and what day of the week and time of day they should be posted. My business helps [YOUR IDEAL CLIENT] to [VALUE YOU PROVIDE]. Many have [PAINS, FEARS, FRUSTRATIONS OF YOUR IDEAL CLIENT].
Where the Magic Happens - Social Media Platforms with the Highest ROI
Let's talk ROI – the holy grail of any social media marketing strategy. When it comes to social media, where can you invest your time and resources to get the biggest bang for your buck?
According to social media ninjas in the HubSpot and Mention Report, the most popular platforms are also the ones generating the highest return on investment. This year, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are the reigning champions, offering the best value for your precious time and marketing budget.
Why are these platforms such ROI powerhouses?
Simple – they're crawling with high-intent audiences. These are folks who are actively searching for solutions, products, or tips online. They're nearing a decision and want to compare their options before taking the plunge. This laser-focused audience makes these platforms a goldmine people like us.
Short & Sweet Success - The Power of Short-Form Video
While long-form content reigns supreme on YouTube, short-form video remains a social media darling, consistently delivering impressive ROI and engagement.
The HubSpot and Mention report reveals that short-form videos are a top pick for content consumers, ranking alongside images, live streams, and even long-form videos. This means a treasure trove of potential clients are actively seeking out the kind of content you can create.
Ditch the Facade, Embrace Authenticity - Your Key to Social Media Stardom
There's a magic potion that can transform your social media presence from bland to "brand with a bang!" – authenticity.
We all crave connection. We want to see the real people behind the brand, the ones who share their values and passions. This shift towards genuine connection is resonating with audiences in a big way.
FREE RESOURCE - To truly connect with your audience and communicate your unique value as a coach, check out our Value Communication Kit. Get yours here.
Time to Ditch the Sales Pitch and Embrace the Meme
Most social media users aren't there to be bombarded with sales pitches. They're seeking entertainment, inspiration, and a healthy dose of relatable content. There's a secret weapon that can turn this challenge into an opportunity – humor.
Turns out, those silly little jokes and meme-tastic moments are actually outperforming highly-produced, product-focused content in terms of engagement!
Don't be afraid to inject some humor into your social media strategy. Craft memes that resonate with your target audience, share funny anecdotes that showcase your personality, or even create lighthearted video content. By embracing humor and ditching the hard sell, you can connect with your audience on a deeper level, build trust, and ultimately attract those ideal clients you crave.
Gazing into Your Social Media Crystal Ball - A Glimpse into the Future
The Big Four Remain Queens - In the year ahead, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok will continue to reign supreme. Marketers plan to shower these platforms with the most attention, crafting content that's funny, relatable, and offers a peek behind the brand's curtain.
Social Reigns Supreme - Across industries, brands are recognizing the immense power of social media for driving business growth. The future is bright for social media marketing.
AI - Your Social Media Sidekick - Leveraging AI tools will become a game-changer.
Data-Driven Decisions - Data will be the compass guiding your social media strategy. Get Ahead: Build user-friendly dashboards that empower your team to make quick, data-driven decisions.
Be Ready to Pivot - The world throws curveballs, and your social media strategy needs to be adaptable.
Know Your Audience, Love Your Audience - Hyper-targeted content is key.
Values Matter- Let your brand's values shine through your content.
Audience Insights are Gold - Understanding your target audience is crucial.
Platform Personalities - Tailoring your content's tone to each platform is essential.
One Last Note
Before we sign off, a big round of applause for HubSpot and Mention for their invaluable Global Social Media Trends Report. Their research provides a treasure trove of insights that can illuminate your social media journey.
And, as promised, this article has been curated specifically with social media trends for you, the brilliant and resourceful coaches, trainers, consultants, and independent professionals who are making a difference in the world.
Till next time, remember… your brilliance is portable. You can take it with you anywhere and everywhere, including your social media expression.
With all my love,
Ana