We were recently invited to speak at F8. Whilst there, we managed to get the inside scoop on a number of upcoming developments that will affect the future of social marketing.
We recently published the key learnings you need to know about if you’re a Messenger marketing fanatic so be sure to check that piece out here.
But for now, let’s look at the more general developments that will affect your brand.
Groups Becoming More Prominent
As page reach has declined, Facebook groups have become the most engaging place for brands and consumers.
Facebook’s recognized the shift and are starting to roll out more features to increase engagement and interaction within these communities.
One that’s going to make a splash in the ecommerce world is the introduction of checkouts within groups used to buy and sell. Facebook is trialing a few new ways to allow buyers to purchase while watching Facebook video.
Payments and Shipping in Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace has been a great way for individuals to list and sell items, or buy from those in their community.
The problem has always been that payment has had to happen off the network. But no more.
Facebook is running tests in the US on a payment solution that will allow users to pay for their purchase directly on Facebook and get it shipped anywhere in the country.
Instagram Shopping Tags
Instagram is also seeing a push towards a more commerce focused business model. We’ve recently seen the rollout of Instagram Checkouts that allow brands to sell directly from their posts.
Well, Instagram is rolling out the shopping tags > checkout functionality a little more. Right now it’s only being expanded to include select influencers. However, this is the way these things always go.
A small group trials the product before it’s gradually rolled out to more and more people.
There’s a good list of influencers who are to receive the function including, Aimee Song; celebrities, including Kim Kardashian West; athletes, including Candace Parker; and publications, including Refinery29.
Right now it’s only available in the US, but keep your eyes open for more developments on this. It promises to be an interesting development.
Say Goodbye to Instagram Likes
One of the common criticisms of social media is how people are doing things specifically for more likes, comments, and shares, and the effect that has on mental health.
In an attempt to combat this, Instagram is trialing the removal of likes from the platform so you can “focus on the photos and videos you share, not how many likes they get.”
It’s being trialed in Canada and, if successful, we might see a greater release.
That’s the most important news from this year’s F8 regarding social commerce and ecommerce.
If there’s anything you think we missed, or there’s something specific you want more info on, leave a comment below.