Scrolling beyond Google: A Journey from Mom’s Advice to Social Media’s Pulse
Once upon a time, my go-to for everything from fashion advice to tech queries was, “Hey mom…got a minute?” My mom was my encyclopedia, my Google before Google. But as I grew, so did my sources of information. Google became my oracle, the answer to all my questions, until social media came along and changed the game again.
Fast forward to a couple of years…
While we still need to search, the platforms have expanded and gone beyond google. A self-confessed addict to social media, I spend hours scrolling the trends on Instagram and TikTok. The reels on TikTok and Instagram top the charts when it comes to finding out the latest trends or things I want to buy. So, when I was reading this article from CMSWIRE on 12 emerging social media trends in 2024, which was published on January 18, 2024, I wasn’t surprised when they mentioned that social media would be the biggest platform for all searches. It’s a call for action for brands still on the fence about diving into the digital trend wave.
Not just me, even Forbes says so…
As I am writing this article and talking about the vast landscape of social media which once a space for connection and nostalgia, has evolved into a commercial powerhouse. Like they say, move with the changing times, I think it is imperative that the brands reap the most out of these platforms and indulge the audience with the trends in vogue. This article from Forbes capturing the changing landscape of social media marketing in 2024 is a bonus to my thoughts as it builds on how brands and influencers alike wield the power to shape trends, influence decisions and drive conversations, making it an indispensable tool for marketing in the digital age.
Gen Z’s social media shift…
The preference for social media over conventional search engines, particularly among Gen Z tells a broader transformation. This transformation is not just about the platform but about how we, especially Gen Z, perceive and trust information. The authentic, raw storytelling found on these platforms resonates more deeply than traditional advertisements, making every swipe a potential discovery. Social media’s ability to blend storytelling with marketing, transforming advertisements into narratives that captivate and engage, marks a new frontier in digital engagement.
In my opinion, TikTok has the latest trends and with influencers sharing their experiences, its a lot easier to rely on suggestions and plan itinerary for my next travel or peruse through the list of restaurants that I would like to experiment with.
Tell me honestly…was it just me or did you also feel the urge to be a part of #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt movement? One that served as a catalyst where brands showcased their products and TikTok acted as a boon to connect them with their desired customers in a manner that they couldn’t resist and therefore, the hashtag had a massive following.
Another question- are you an impulse shopper like me???
This article from The CMO Club validates my thoughts by mentioning that approximately 68.75% of the consumers admit that they make a purchase based on something they see on social media (phew!!! At least it’s not just me)
Storytelling is what it is…
Ask me and I’ll say it’s the consumer experience through images and videos which are compact and engaging and hits the nail at the right place. To build further, it’s the way these “social media platforms weave storytelling into creating content that appeals to the audience in the most authentic way possible”. In dynamic times like these, quick, rich, and authentic are the three essentials that make these social media platforms stand out and might I say, be more competitive than the other search engines.
The power of social media as a search tool became strikingly clear as I planned for my brother’s wedding. A simple hashtag search on Instagram offered a treasure trove of ideas, making the preparation seamless and exciting. It’s a testament to how integrated social media has become in our decision-making process, blurring the lines between search engines and social platforms.
As we stand on the brink of this digital evolution, it’s evident that the future of search lies within the realms of social media. The question isn’t if but when the shift will be complete, challenging traditional giants like Google to innovate or be left behind on the risk of being sidelined in favor of platforms that offer a more immersive, personalized, and visually engaging experience.
On that note, I am curious to know what’s your go-to for search???
