Looking back on 2020
In order to get a better understanding of what’s to come in 2021, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on some of the developments from last year.
To say that 2020 was a bit of a tumultuous year, would definitely be an understatement. As the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in many lockdowns and strict measures, people suddenly found themselves stuck at home more often, and numerous businesses were compelled to (temporarily) shut down or reshape their usual way of working.
Not only did this considerably affect people’s day-to-day lives and the ways they sought out for human connections, but it also had a huge impact on consumers’ interests, needs and behaviour, which in turn influenced businesses’ operations.
The role of social media during the COVID-19 outbreak
During the outbreak, several researches reported significant increases in the use of social media platforms in countries all over the world.
According to a research by , July 2020 saw a growth of 10.5% in social media usage, compared to the year before. Around 43% of people even stated they’ve been spending more time on social media during the pandemic than usual.
Apart from spending more time on social media, consumers also started moving onto new channels as well. One of the platforms that made its mark on 2020, was TikTok. The app’s success even pushed the development of Instagram’s latest feature Reels, with which users are also able to record and edit short multi-clip videos with audio and many effects.
While consumers massively turned to various social media platforms to stay in touch with their friends and families, lots of companies were actually forced to cut their advertising spending, resulting in a loss of online visibilty for many.
The surge of eCommerce and Social Commerce
One of the biggest changing factors for businesses in 2020, was the abrupt need for a strong online presence and effective digital marketing, as foot traffic and in-store visits were at an all-time low. This meant that many had to find a fast and cost-effective way to sell their products and services online.
Some businesses rushed to create their own online store, some took advantage of Facebook & Instagram’s shopping features, while others decided on a combination of the both. The ability to be creative, flexible and digital was, without a doubt, essential for getting through 2020.
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