The Social Media Trends Every Franchise Needs to Jump On in 2024

In a world where trends evolve faster than a TikTok dance routine, staying relevant can feel like a never-ending challenge.

As a franchise owner, you've probably experienced the pressure of keeping up with the latest buzz, wondering if your brand is truly resonating with the ever-shifting tastes of your audience.

The question on every business owner's mind: How do you not just stay afloat but ride the wave of social media trends effectively?

Imagine this: your potential customers scrolling through their feeds, encountering a post from your franchise that not only captures their attention but also prompts them to engage, share, and ultimately convert into loyal patrons. It's not just about trends; it's about harnessing the power of social media trends to elevate your brand to new heights.

Why Does it Matter?

Digital interactions influence purchasing decisions more than ever, and being on the pulse of social media is not just beneficial. It's imperative.

Your competitors might already harness the latest features on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn to connect with their audience innovatively. Meanwhile, your brand risks becoming a digital relic, lost in the archives of outdated content.

By staying attuned to the latest trends in social media for franchises, you're doing more than just keeping up with the cool kids. You're strategically positioning your franchise to capture the attention of your target audience.

So, scroll up as we unveil the key trends for social media that you need to jump on in 2024. Your journey to social media success begins here.

Social Media Trends to Jump On in 2024

1. Capitalize on Video Content

According to Wyzowl, 22% of marketers used video as a marketing tool for the first time in 2022, and 89% of people say watching a video has convinced them to buy a product or service.

With attention spans dwindling, franchises must convey their message swiftly and engagingly. 

Embrace Short-Form Creativity

• Create short, visually captivating videos that convey your message concisely.
• Platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok are ideal for reaching audiences with shorter attention spans.

Tell Compelling Stories

• Craft narrative-driven videos that resonate with your audience emotionally. Use storytelling to connect with viewers personally, creating a memorable and shareable experience.
• Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your franchise, introducing the faces behind the brand, as McDonald's did with their diverse employee stories campaign.

Use Interactive Video Elements

• Incorporate interactive elements within your videos, such as clickable buttons or polls, to boost engagement. Encourage viewers to participate actively and share their opinions.
• Interactive elements like Instagram polls involve customers in menu decisions, enhancing viewer interaction.

2. Inclusivity and Diversity Make People Feel Included

Consumers want more realistic representations of themselves and their communities in internet advertising.

Approximately 59% of respondents said they are more devoted to companies that support diversity and inclusion in online advertising, and 59% further stated that they would instead purchase from companies that support these causes.

To resonate authentically with diverse audiences on social media for franchises, you should embody these principles in your marketing strategies and content to connect with your audience more deeply.

Authentic Representation in Content

• Ensure that your social media content authentically represents diversity and inclusivity.
• Showcase a variety of voices and stories that resonate with different segments of your audience.
• Feature diverse employee stories highlighting the real experiences of their workforce, fostering a sense of inclusivity.

Initiate Community Engagement Activities

• Engage in initiatives that support and celebrate diversity within your community.
• Collaborate with local organizations or participate in events that promote diversity and inclusivity, and share these experiences on social media.

Have Interactive Conversations

• Encourage open and interactive conversations about inclusivity. Use features like polls, Q&A sessions, or discussion threads to involve your audience in discussions about diversity.
• Host live Q&A sessions where your audience can ask questions or share their perspectives on inclusivity within your franchise.

3. Embrace Ephemeral Content

Stories on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat have become a staple. The temporary nature of this content creates a sense of urgency, prompting followers to check in regularly.

Timely and Limited Promotions

• Use ephemeral content for time-sensitive promotions and offers. This creates a sense of urgency, compelling followers to take immediate action.
• Leverage Instagram Stories to strategically showcase limited-time promotions, creating a fear of missing out (FOMO) and driving engagement—this is a crucial tactic in mastering social media for franchises.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses

• Share behind-the-scenes content that provides an exclusive look into your franchise.
• Showcase the making of a popular product, introduce team members, or share day-in-the-life snippets to humanize your franchise.

Event Coverage and Highlights

• Cover live events or share highlights. This gives followers a real-time experience and encourages them to tune in regularly for updates.
• If your franchise participates in community events, live-stream the activities on Instagram or Facebook to involve followers in the experience.

4. Employee Advocacy

Your employees can be your most powerful brand advocates. Encourage and empower them to share their experiences on social media. This humanizes your franchise, making it more relatable.

Customers are concerned about how businesses treat their workers as much as how much they are treated. 

Nearly half of consumers (47%) said they would trust a brand more if they cared for their employees, which was just behind taking care of customers (66%).

Training and Empowerment

• Provide training and resources to empower employees to become effective advocates on social media. Ensure they understand the brand's values and guidelines for sharing their experiences.
• Run an employee advocacy program where staff share their day-to-day experiences, fostering a connection with customers.

Highlight Employee Stories

• Regularly feature employee stories on social media for franchises, showcasing your franchise's diverse roles and experiences. This adds a personal touch to your brand and builds trust.
• Share success stories, milestones, or even behind-the-scenes moments to humanize your franchise and create relatable content.

Recognition and Rewards

• Recognize and reward employees who actively engage in social media advocacy. This can include shout-outs, employee spotlights, or incentive programs to encourage participation.

• Implement a recognition system where employees who contribute positively to the franchise's social media presence are acknowledged publicly, creating a sense of pride and motivation.

5. Personalized Customer Experiences

Tailoring content to individual preferences is no longer optional. AI-driven personalization can help franchises deliver content that resonates with specific audience segments.

Data-Driven Insights

• Utilize data analytics to gather insights into customer preferences, behaviors, and demographics. Use this information to tailor your social media content to specific segments.
• Leverage AI to suggest personalized product recommendations based on individual preferences, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Personalized Offers and Rewards

• Implement personalized offers and rewards for your social media followers—tailor promotions based on individual preferences to make customers feel valued.
• Launch targeted promotions or loyalty programs that offer personalized discounts or exclusive perks to customers who engage with your franchise on social media.

Interactive Customer Feedback

• Actively seek customer feedback through interactive elements like polls or surveys. Use this feedback to refine and personalize your products, services, and social media strategies.
• Create polls asking customers about their favorite products or preferences for future offerings, demonstrating that your franchise values their opinions.

Ready to Transform Your Franchise's Social Media Presence?

In the whirlwind of social media trends for franchises in 2024, one thing is abundantly clear: adaptation is the key to thriving in this dynamic landscape.

Each trend we've outlined here allows your franchise to keep up, innovate, and lead.

Embrace these trends, experiment, and, most importantly, engage with your audience authentically.

Ready to elevate your franchise's social media presence to unprecedented heights? We at Digital Resource are here to help you stay ahead of the curve and set new standards. Contact us today for personalized consultations tailored to your franchise's unique needs.