Whether you are a social media marketer offering your services to businesses or a business owner using social media to reach customers, it is imperative you understand that social media is about to go through a dramatic shift. For more than a decade, social networking has taken over the internet users’ lives, with social networking apps being the preferred entry point for content and engagement. Recent developments like blockchain technology are disrupting numerous industries. and social media is one of them. When most people think of blockchain technology, they only see the surface level of buying and selling cryptocurrencies, but its uses are far more wide-reaching than the financial world. You should be keeping a close watch on the following trends if you want to prepare yourself for the future of blockchain technology-enabled social media marketing:
Identity verification
There is growing interest in verified online identities. Huge bot problems on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter have been identified in the recent times. Therefore, business owners are increasingly looking for better platforms to reach out to their customers and increase their marketing ROI. The ability to connect with consumers who have had their identities verified via blockchain technology and smart contracts is grabbing the interest of business owners who don’t want to continue marketing on social media where fraudulent PPC (pay per click) ad impressions are prevalent.
Crypto-collectibles
Blockchain technology and cryptocurrency collectibles are also influencing the future of social media marketing. Though initially, crypto-collectibles were looked at as nothing more than mobile games, the truth is some of these crypto-collectible companies plan eventually to turn their games into platforms like iOS or Android. These players have even been able to raise millions in investment funding. This goes to show that the trend of crypto-collectibles is here to stay.
Content distribution
There is no shortage of fake content on online platforms. Today’s social media networks get flooded with everything from fake news to spam bots. But looks like this would be short-lived with blockchain technology in place. In the future, social media content distribution will be based on verified information and the traceable spread of data. The ability to block content and its contributors is an attractive option for brand builders.
Verified marketplaces
The verified marketplaces of like-minded individuals and companies will influence the future of blockchain-enabled social media. Marketplaces are currently increasingly addressing specific needs, and this will continue as blockchain technology becomes mainstream and business owners realize its potential. The ability to market to a verified group of individuals and companies you know are already interested in what you’re selling can reduce your marketing efforts while increasing your return on investment of time.