Social Snapshot: Start with practical

Focus on what works, skip what doesn’t

Social media can be overwhelming, with endless tools, trends, and promises of quick wins. But this year doesn’t have to be about doing more. It’s about doing what works.

By focusing on strategies that deliver real results, you’ll save time, energy, and maybe even a bit of sanity. Here are the shifts that matter most and how to use them to your advantage.

Expect all the Ai Updates this year in social

Ai is making social media marketing easier in some ways but also trickier. It’s a great shortcut, but it’s not a substitute for ideas that actually resonate with people.

  • Instagram’s new AI video tools.

Meta’s “Movie Gen engine” lets you create videos showing yourself in different settings or as avatars.

Use these tools for quick, engaging content but don’t let them overtake your brand’s personality. source

  • TikTok’s Smart+ ad automation

TikTok now automates ad creation and targeting. This is handy for saving time, but always check the outputs. Ai can miss the nuance that makes your brand relatable. source

The best campaigns will still come from creative thinking and understanding your audience so don’t skimp on that this year.

Social shopping is taking over

Shopping through social platforms isn’t just a gimmick anymore, it’s becoming second nature for consumers. The platforms making it easy for people to buy while they scroll are seeing big wins, and you can too.

  • Meta’s expanded affiliate links

Creators can now use affiliate links more prominently in Reels, posts, and photos.

Could be a good idea to partner with creators who align with your brand’s values and can sell authentically. source

  • TikTok’s live shopping focus

 TikTok is running live shopping events and seasonal deals. Not a new thing but worth experimenting with live product demos or sales events to see what gets your audience excited. source

Social shopping is exploding, but it’s not just about slapping a “buy now” button on every post. Consumers can spot inauthentic sales tactics a mile away.

Community beats broadcasting

People are looking for brands that feel approachable, interactive, and maybe even a little human. This year, focus on creating genuine engagement.

  • Hyper-personalisation

Tools are now making it easier to tailor ads and content to specific interests. source

  • Community-focused strategies

Build spaces for real conversations, whether it’s niche LinkedIn groups, Instagram Close Friends Stories, or even just replying more thoughtfully to comments. source

Building a community takes time and effort, but it’s one of the few strategies that delivers long-term value.

Focus on impact, not trends

The year ahead isn’t about jumping on every shiny new feature. It’s about deciding what truly moves the needle for your business.

Take time to prioritise what matters most to your strategy instead of getting distracted by what’s new. Social media is evolving, yes, but it’s still about connecting with people in meaningful ways. Let’s make that connection count.


Oh, and this year, we’re giving you more than the news

In 2025, this newsletter won’t just keep you updated on platform changes and industry trends. We’ll go further, offering advice on where to focus your efforts, what tactics deliver results, and how to keep ahead of the competition without wasting time.

Social media is complicated, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Stick with us, and we’ll help you turn these trends into real growth.

Let’s plan your 2025 strategy together. We have a lot of data on what works and what doesn’t, and we know how to refine audiences so you can get the best impact.

Book a consultation and see how we can make these trends work for you.

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