My first experience at Social Media Week was in 2014. I was still a student and was just getting a hold on the essence of social media and its relevance to the future especially in this world with speedy development.
Fast-forward to 2017, I was back at the social media week, this time the 5th edition. The event held at the Landmark Event Centre Lekki from February 27th – March 3rd.
The truth is in 3 years, a lot has changed in the social media world.
Back in 2014, the most active platforms were Facebook, BBM and Twitter. Hardly did we all know what was about to hit us. A media evolution and revolution was just about to begin. For sure, we expected a growth and development in the social media industry; hardly did we know it was going to be this rapid.
In the year 2017, we do not just have Facebook, BBM and Twitter to connect with billions of people around the world; we have Instagram, Whatsapp, SnapChat. These platforms have brought with them, the good, the bad and the ugly. Social Media Week 2017, themed ‘Reimagining Human Connectivity’ was all about discussing how social media has influenced us, how it is affecting our career, our community, our businesses, our businesses and more. The question was asked during a session, is social media a curse or a blessing; I would say, it depends on perspective. How do you see the glass cup: half full or half empty?
Suss Productions, being a content creation/development and production company was at the #SMWLAGOS2017 to learn, interact and understand better, the relevance of social media to the future of content creation, management, pre-production, production, post production and more.
Here are our five picks from the social media week 2017.
- THE CONSUMER IS TOP PRIORITY:
Be it creating content or selling content; creating shows and films or selling products, it is never about your brand. The consumer is king. When creating your content or product, the first and most paramount thing to put into consideration is your consumer. What do they want? What do they like? What do they care about? What makes them tick? A lot of brands keep churning out content, spending heavily on marketing and PR, yet they do not see results. It is not just about approving huge budgets for PR. If you can get it right with the consumer/fan or follower, you are on your way to winning. The consumer has to be fully integrated into your creative process.
2. CONTENT IS KEY:
You know what the consumer want; it is time to spin your content around the needs of the consumer. Once your content resonates with your consumers, you have a high chance of more views, more likes, and most shares. This creates a ripple effect for your brand. Winning with the consumer, means your first PR & Marketing ambassadors are your consumers. They will spread the gospel of your brand to the world. They will pass your content to the next person. That is impact and that is the concept of virility. What you want is to make impact, go viral and make money!
3. ENGAGEMENT & INTERACTION:
Many a brand is more concerned about selling than engaging their followers. They always have something to sell. No! It doesn’t work that way. Your followers want to connect with you. Ever wonder why celebrities have more fans/followers than all the big brands combine? Their fans connect with them on an emotional level. There is engagement and interaction. While brands are busy over thinking creating the perfect content they want out there; the individual is sharing content as it is. Your consumers want to be treated as humans. They are not interested in your product if all you do is sell to them. People don’t care unless they know how much you care. People buy your product because they like you. They like you because you engage them and they can interact with you. The brand that wants to win will engage and interact with its fans/followers and consumers on an emotional level. So, whatever content you create; whatever story you tell, it has to be engaging and interactive. ‘’The Wedding Party’’ owes its success to engagement and interaction.
4. LIVE VIDEO:
In the next few years, Live Videos will change the way people interact. It will influence the way people accept a brand and consume content. We are beginning to live in real time experiences. People want it as it is hot…as it is happening. The brand that wins with Live Videos is definitely on its way to making a remarkable financial success. Great content + Quality video is the beginning of bigger accomplishments for brands that understand how to win with the consumer.
5 . PODCASTS:
This is another win for content creators. People want to consume content at their own will and convenience. Podcasts, give them that.
A big shout out to the organisers of Social Media Week Lagos for provide such a huge platform to learn about new media and connect with industry players. Cheers to a bigger future.
Check out photos from #SMWLagos2017
PHOTO CREDIT; Jide Oketonade Photography (@jideoketonadephotography)
