Chapter 14: Emerging Platforms
Chapter 14 of 15
Chapter 14: Emerging Platforms
14.1 New Platforms
Emerging platforms offer opportunities to reach new audiences and stay ahead of trends, but require strategic evaluation before investment.
Platform Evaluation:
- Audience Fit: Does your target audience use the platform?
- Content Fit: Does the platform support your content types?
- Growth Potential: Is the platform growing or declining?
- Resource Requirements: Can you maintain quality presence?
- ROI Potential: Likely return on time investment
Early Adoption Strategy:
- Test with small investment initially
- Learn platform norms and best practices
- Experiment with content formats
- Build presence before competition arrives
- Monitor performance and adjust
Platform Lifecycle:
- Emerging: New platform, early adopters, less competition
- Growing: Rapid user growth, opportunity for early advantage
- Mature: Established platform, more competition, proven ROI
- Declining: Decreasing users, consider exit strategy
14.2 Platform Trends
Staying current with platform trends helps you adapt strategy, leverage new features, and maintain relevance.
Trend Monitoring:
- Follow platform official blogs and updates
- Monitor industry news and publications
- Observe successful creators and brands
- Join social media marketing communities
- Attend conferences and webinars
Current Trends (Examples):
- Short-form video (Reels, TikTok, Shorts)
- Live streaming and interactive content
- Social commerce and shopping features
- Creator economy and influencer partnerships
- Authenticity and user-generated content
Adapting to Trends:
- Evaluate trend relevance to your brand
- Test trends with small experiments
- Adapt trends to fit brand voice
- Don't chase every trend blindly
- Focus on trends that serve your audience
14.3 Future of Social Media
Understanding potential future directions helps prepare for changes and opportunities.
Emerging Technologies:
- Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR)
- Artificial intelligence and automation
- Blockchain and Web3 social platforms
- Voice and audio social platforms
- Integration with e-commerce and shopping