Staying on top of digital trends

By Marianna Boguslavsky (http://www.boguslavskyandco.com/)

Some of the recent digital trends that I’ve noticed include virtual reality, decentralized social media networks, and the explosive growth of messaging platforms used for business purposes:

·         When it comes to VR and social media, I believe Facebook Spaces is going to be big, very big. The social VR app allows users to connect with their friends and new people in a deeper way which will make for more meaningful connections and experiences.

·         The rise of blockchain powered social media channels or ways of sharing content – just take a look at steemit. Blockchain protocols are decentralized, and offer a level of transparency and trust that might not be there with existing social media platforms. This offers an opportunity for startups and SMEs – they get to compete where previously they were dwarfed by corporates with bottomless budgets.

·         Instagram Stories are experiencing massive growth – a must for consumer brands and B2B brands alike (as long as backed up by a smart content strategy). From being able to live stream events to giving a look inside the brand, there’s so much opportunity when it comes to Insta Stories.

·         Messaging platforms will be utilized more and more heavily by businesses – take a look at the recent launch of WhatsApp Business. Simply put, it provides a platform for businesses to interact with their customers easily by using tools to automate, sort, and quickly respond to messages.