How to Leverage Trend Spotting for Social Content

So, you're determined to up your social media game?

Perfect timing!

I'm here to show you the ropes of trend spotting and reveal why it's the secret to supercharging your social media strategy.

In today's "blink and you'll miss it" digital landscape, trends come and go fast. As brand ambassadors, we're constantly searching for the next big thing, but how do we spot them before they blow up?

Predicting social media trends requires a special blend of art and science; however, with a sharp eye and solid digital analysis, trend spotting can become more skill than guesswork. And if you catch the wave early enough, you can create the content your audience wants to see.

So, how do you become a trend hunter who capitalizes on exciting trends?

Our team put together some practical strategies for detecting popular topics and tips for using trend spotting tools to stay ahead of the curve.

What Exactly Is Trend Spotting, and How Does It Work?

Do trend spotters sit in a room together and decide what the next relevant trends will be? Not exactly. Spotting a trend involves foreseeing and analyzing upcoming trends before they become mainstream. Social marketers immersed in data analysis and customer engagement are natural trend spotters. 

However, staying in sync with ever-evolving social media algorithms is challenging because they shape the content and ads users see in their feeds. But fear not! By posting high-quality, relevant content and keeping your finger on the pulse of what's trending, you can boost your visibility and beat those algorithms at their own game.

Why Is It Important to Keep Track of Social Content Trends?

Spotting industry trends before they explode is integral to staying relevant and competitive. Trend spotting positions your brand for massive growth and meaningful audience connections. 

Staying in the loop on upcoming trends can help you spot business ideas and market opportunities, pull ahead of your competition, and exude the "it factor" with your audience. Check out the benefits of social trend watching and its potential for your brand:

• Audience engagement: Proactive trend watching can help you forge deeper connections with followers, identify customer trends, discover product ideas, and accelerate the sales cycle through social selling.
• Strategic content planning: Using trend listing and trend-watching tools will allow you to craft content that grabs your audience’s attention, anticipates future trends, and aligns with consumer behavior.
• Algorithmic favorability: Social algorithms and search engines prioritize relevant content users want to see. The more you incorporate popular, exploding topics into your content strategy, the more visible your brand will be.
• Business trend alignment: A true trend finder seizes the opportunity to align with business trends before they become mainstream. This approach keeps your brand at the forefront of users’ minds and gives it a competitive edge.

How to Choose the Right Tools and Techniques for Identifying Trends

So, how do you actually spot these trends? Employing the best trend-spotting tools and techniques will make it easier to predict trend growth and consider hot trends in your content strategy.

I recommend looking for the following features when sizing up platforms to improve your trend spotting and overall marketing success:

Centralized Content Hub

• Seek tools that consolidate all company content in one place, streamlining the process of spotting trends.
• Look for simplicity and powerful automation features that facilitate content syndication from trusted sources.

Flexible Approval Mechanism

• Evaluate tools that offer flexibility in approving content feeds, allowing for automatic or manual approval.
• Ensure the capability to pull blog posts, job postings, and other internal content for a holistic approach to trend identification.
• Look for the ability to import content effortlessly from various social platforms for a comprehensive view of trends from diverse sources.

Efficient Social Media Campaign Management

• Choose platforms with campaign management features allowing teams to collaborate.
• Opt for platforms with user-friendly calendar and scheduling tools across platforms.

Performance Measurement and Analytic

• Prioritize robust analytics tools, measuring clicks, comments, likes, shares, and other metrics.
• Check for integration with core key performance indicators, allowing you to track the effectiveness of your trend-spotting efforts.

Integration Capabilities

• Choose tools that integrate with your existing tech stack to sustain a smooth workflow.
• Consider platforms that offer a wide range of integrations or the flexibility to customize integrations based on evolving needs.

How to Analyze Trends to Then Inform Content Strategy

When it comes to analyzing trends, it's more than just keeping up with popular content. You have to think long-term. That means identifying both enduring trends and short-term tactics that may be relevant to your brand

I've rounded up some examples of trends with longer and shorter lifespans that you can incorporate into your social media marketing strategy — whether sharing blog posts or hopping on trending topics.

Enduring Trends

• Long-form content: Editorial-style articles and posts allow you to give your two cents on industry trends and future forecasts.
• In-depth webinars: Hosting webinars that dive into complex topics helps establish thought leadership and build engagement with a professional audience.
• Expert interviews: Interviewing industry experts or participating in expert panels allows you to discuss emerging trends, best practices, and innovative strategies.
• Evergreen blog content: Blogs that provide timeless value and information to readers stand the test of time and enhance search engine rankings.

Short-Term Trends

• Timely commentary: Adding your thoughts to trending conversations within your network keeps you relevant among your audience.
• Trending topics: Is there a newsy event affecting your industry? Go live on social media (try LinkedIn Live or other live formats) to share quick thoughts or answer your audience’s pressing questions.
• Recent research: Sharing whitepapers, case studies, infographics, and data visualizations demonstrates expertise and fosters trust among your audience.

How to Create Content That Aligns With Current Trends

Once your trend-spotting mechanism is humming, the next step is to craft content that resonates with the current vibe. By considering your audience, making your content visually appealing, and infusing it with value and personality, you can create content that follows current trends and stops the scroll with your audience.

The tips below can help you flex your trend spotting muscles and produce compelling social media posts that ride the wave of popular trends.

Consider Your Audience

Before diving into content creation, understand your audience. What trends resonate with them? Tailor your content to speak to their interests and preferences, ensuring it feels authentic and engaging.

Be Visually Appealing

In the era of scrolling and swiping, visuals matter. Create eye-catching content that stands out on crowded feeds. Use striking images, vibrant colors, and compelling graphics to capture attention and convey your message impactfully.

Add Value and Personality

Don't just ride the trend; add value to it. Infuse your unique brand personality into the content. Whether it's through humor, informative insights, or a personal touch, convey the genuine value your brand brings to the table.

Leverage Our Expertise

Social media is indispensable for securing new customers. With 72% of buyers turning to social platforms for research, strategically building your social presence is crucial. It all begins with spotting trends that matter to your audience and brand.

For more insights on trend spotting and unlocking your executive communications potential, connect with SocialHP on LinkedIn. Share your journey, ask questions, and let us tailor our expertise to your success. You can learn more about SocialHP on our About page.