What do you do if you're struggling to keep up with social media trends during your internship?
Social media is constantly evolving, and keeping up with the latest trends can be challenging, especially if you're an intern who wants to impress your supervisor and learn new skills. However, you don't have to feel overwhelmed or left behind. Here are some tips on how to stay on top of social media trends during your internship.
One of the easiest ways to get familiar with the current social media landscape is to follow accounts that are relevant to your industry, niche, or target audience. You can use tools like Feedly, BuzzSumo, or Sprout Social to find and curate content from influencers, competitors, media outlets, or industry leaders. You can also use hashtags, keywords, or lists to filter and organize the content you want to see. By following relevant accounts, you can learn from their strategies, discover new trends, and get inspired by their content.
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- You can use apps like Feedly, Flipboard or Google News for monitoring mainstream and niched news websites. - SocialInsider, Hootsuite, Hubspot Buffer and Sprout offering multiple resources through their blogs: data, lists of people to follow, tips and stricks. -You can curate content by using the option „Save” for posts. - Also joining Reddit communities niched on social media platforms can keep an intern up-to-date with the latest features.
Another way to keep up with social media trends is to use analytics and tools to measure and optimize your own performance. You can use platforms like Google Analytics, Facebook Insights, Twitter Analytics, or Instagram Insights to track and analyze your social media metrics, such as reach, engagement, conversions, or sentiment. You can also use tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or CoSchedule to schedule and manage your social media posts, as well as monitor and respond to comments, mentions, or messages. By using analytics and tools, you can identify what works and what doesn't, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
A third way to keep up with social media trends is to join online communities where you can interact with other professionals, experts, or enthusiasts in your field. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, Quora, or Facebook Groups to find and join groups that are relevant to your industry, niche, or interest. You can also use platforms like Twitter Spaces, Clubhouse, or Discord to join or host live audio conversations on various topics. By joining online communities, you can network, learn, share, and get feedback from others who share your passion.
A fourth way to keep up with social media trends is to experiment and learn from your own experience. You can try new formats, platforms, or features that are popular or emerging, such as reels, stories, live videos, podcasts, or newsletters. You can also test different types of content, such as educational, entertaining, emotional, or promotional. You can also experiment with different tones, styles, or formats, such as humor, storytelling, or infographics. By experimenting and learning, you can find your own voice, style, and niche, and create original and engaging content.
A fifth way to keep up with social media trends is to ask for feedback and guidance from your supervisor, mentor, or peers. You can ask them for advice, tips, or resources on how to improve your social media skills, knowledge, or strategy. You can also ask them for feedback on your social media content, such as what they liked, what they didn't, and what they would change. You can also ask them for guidance on how to handle challenges, such as dealing with negative comments, coping with stress, or balancing your workload. By asking for feedback and guidance, you can learn from their experience, perspective, and expertise, and grow as a social media intern.
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Another thing you must do is to focus on insights, not Just trends. Don't just report every fleeting trend. Analyze the "why" behind the trend and translate it into actionable insights for your team. How can these trends be used to improve the company's social media strategy or content creation? Or how can the company benefit from this trend?
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Subscribe to newsletters/blogs from industry-leading sources to get curated content, expert insights, and learning opportunities delivered to your inbox. Key Examples: ➡ Social Media Examiner: Articles, podcasts, and videos on social media trends and strategies. ➡ HubSpot Blog: Marketing tips, how-tos, and platform updates. ➡ Buffer Blog: Social media management insights and platform-specific content. ➡ Hootsuite Blog: Social media marketing, platform news, and engagement strategies. ➡ MarketingProfs: A mix of marketing topics, including social media. ➡ Content Marketing Institute (CMI): Content marketing with social media insights. ➡ Sprout Social Insights: Social media trends, data analysis, and platform management best practices.
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