Global pandemic was a tough hit for businesses and individuals. At the same time, people started using the internet and social network more. We see new trends like TikTok and other platforms.  Social media platforms are growing every year. 2020 was indeed the most successful for social networks like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. People were mostly at home due to pandemic and economic issues, so they spent more time at their social media apps. With the series called “social media marketing predictions in 2021” we will make sure that you get the latest tips from the pros to succeed this year. Let’s get straight to the first few predictions that can change your view on marketing channels in 2021. Experts predict that the same growth can happen with the same platform in 2021. That’s why we created an in-depth series for marketing predictions. We have been doing marketing for the last few years and here are our top predictions for 2021

SEO for Instagram? Mind blowing

At the end of 2020, Instagram officials announced that Instagram will become more SEO friendly. What does it mean? If you use IG application and search in the bar without a hashtag, then you’ll get very relevant results - posts, videos, reels, stories, etc. (see picture N1 below)

Instagram is a big machine and you should know that the SEO thing will be big. Instagram representatives noted from 2021, the organic search algorithm of instagram will be different. What do you have to do to succeed with this update? You don’t need hash-tags anymore? Well, the hash-tag trends stay at the top of the search still but there is a room for improvement. Instagram has more than a billion active users every month and organic search is going to take a big space. As you see on the above image, when we search fitness - that particular accounts come up as the top influencers. Let's check the posts of top first result (@Jeremyscottfitness) (see gif below)

Focus more on good content and descriptions. Start posting more posts including images and video content. Also, don’t forget the main stuff - you should write long and detailed descriptions. All the big accounts in different niches already hopped into the bandwagon of organic search. For instance, you can see that big fitness influencers already started posting posts with very detailed and in-depth guidelines. Instagram management wants to make sure that you stay engaged with the posts of influencers longer than possible. We believe that bigger engagement and long, detailed descriptions for each post will be working like a charm regarding Instagram’s organic search in 2021.

Instagram reels can steal the show

Instagram REELS were a perfect edition in 2020. As you may know, TikTok has seen a massive growth, so Instagram management decided to offer REELS. TikTok became bigger than anyone expected. Even the president of the US was involved in a scandal of the application. The big media coverage gave TikTok a chance TikTok to become more powerful. Instagram has offered exactly the same stuff - music, functions, features, etc. You have exactly the same thing as TikTok but implemented in the Instagram application. At the same time, the Instagram explore page will be dedicated mostly to REELS. The management wants to promote REELS, so they will give more power to REELS content. You’ve to use this as an advantage and start creating content for reels. (check the REELs function image below)

Facebook Ads is more about the authority and trust

If you want to step into the black hat strategy for Facebook Ads, then we have bad news for you. Facebook becomes more focused on white-stuff and it’s getting tougher every day to start with black-hat strategies. There are many products/services that you can’t sell on Facebook. That’s why some marketers or businesses try to play with the algorithm of Facebook and test the limits. In most cases (99%) your account will be banned sooner (or later). So, focus more on white-har offers. It would be our million-dollar advice - it’s getting easier for people who focus on long-term white advertising strategy. (Facebook has a new interface for business manager (BM) - see image below)