1851

Social media is a fundamental tool for franchisors to establish meaningful customer connections, enhance brand recognition and promote offerings. However, the landscape is ever-changing and the trends of yesterday aren’t necessarily the ones of today. Here are 10 trends to watch as 2023 continues to unfold.&nbsp;<h3>Video Remains King</h3>Video content will remain a cornerstone of social media marketing. Franchise businesses will increasingly leverage live streaming, short-form videos, and interactive content to create immersive brand experiences and foster deeper connections with their audience. 1851 Franchise’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uksnsO4xAB0&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Meet the Zor</a> series, for example, is a great way for brands to use video to tell their story.&nbsp;<h3>Micro-Moments Optimization&nbsp;</h3>Brands will focus on delivering quick, relevant and localized content to users during their "micro-moments.” These moments “occur when people turn to their devices for information, inspiration, or to take action on something they want or need,” says&nbsp;<a href="https://aicontentfy.com/en/blog/tapping-into-power-of-micro-moments-in-strategy?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352#:~:text=Micro%2Dmoments%20occur%20when%20people,time%20and%20influence%20their%20behavior." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AIContentfy</a>. Micro-moments provide businesses with opportunities to reach customers at the right place and time and influence their behavior.<h3>Ephemeral Content Rising</h3><a href="https://sproutsocial.com/insights/ephemeral-content/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ephemeral content</a>, such as Stories on Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat, will continue to gain traction. These fleeting moments can be used by franchises to showcase behind-the-scenes glimpses, limited-time offers and time-sensitive promotions.<h3>Social Commerce Expansion</h3>Social media platforms are increasingly integrating shopping features, allowing users to make purchases without leaving the app. Retail franchises, in particular, can capitalize on this trend by optimizing their social media profiles for a seamless shopping experience while boosting online sales.<h3>AI-Driven Personalization</h3>Artificial Intelligence (AI) will play a pivotal role in tailoring social media content to individual users. Franchisors can utilize AI algorithms to analyze user data and serve personalized content, ensuring a more relevant and engaging experience.&nbsp;<a href="https://get.grubhub.com/blog/ai-in-restaurants/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Grubhub also notes</a> that AI can help brands create content, write captions and understand trends.&nbsp;<h3>Authentic Content</h3>Consumers are demanding authenticity from brands. For example, Shawn Lalehzarian, co-founder and CEO of The Red Chickz, a Nashville hot chicken-style franchise, said that authenticity is “all about painting a realistic picture of what the customer can expect instead of spending time creating stylized photos.”&nbsp;<a href="https://get.doordash.com/en-us/blog/how-to-build-authentic-brand-social-media?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">At DoorDash’s at Main Street Summit: LA</a>, he shared that, while presentation matters, fancy lighting and elaborate photoshoots don’t necessarily equate to building a loyal restaurant social media.&nbsp;<h3>Social Listening for Customer Insights</h3>Franchises will increasingly use social listening tools to gain insights into customer sentiments, preferences and pain points. Social listening is “the practice of monitoring social media channels for mentions of your brand, competitor brands, and related keywords,” according to&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-listening-business/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Hootsuite</a>. This can inform marketing strategies and help franchises address customer needs effectively.<h3>Employee Advocacy Programs</h3>Encouraging employees at franchise locations to become brand advocates on social media will gain momentum. Employee-generated content can humanize the brand, enhance credibility and expand reach. One example of a franchise brand using this technique is Texas Roadhouse. Within just 12 months of starting their program, the brand was able to hire 400K employees through social recruiting and employee advocacy,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.careerarc.com/blog/successful-employee-advocacy-programs/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Careerarc</a> reported.&nbsp;<h3>TikTok Continues to Dominate</h3>TikTok continues to prove itself as a powerful social media platform. In fact, it has over 1.677 billion users globally out of which 1.1 billion are its monthly active users as of 2023, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.demandsage.com/tiktok-user-statistics/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352#:~:text=TikTok%20has%20over%201.677%20billion,active%20users%20as%20of%202023." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DemandSage</a>. The platform gives brands the opportunity to engage with younger audiences through user-generated content and influencer partnerships, as well as to create buzz around offerings. For example, Taco Bell launched the Grilled Cheese Dipping Taco in August. It&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@tacobell/video/7262036776997424427?_t=8ehfDMdSPoR&amp%3B_r=1&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=10-social-media-marketing-trends-for-franchisors-to-watch-in-2023-2723352" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">used TikTok to show the development process</a> of the new menu item and garnered over 560K views.&nbsp;Social media marketing in the franchising sector continues to be characterized by innovation, authenticity and user-centric strategies. Franchises that embrace these trends will be well-positioned to connect with their audience.&nbsp;

10 Social Media Marketing Trends for Franchisors To Watch In 2023

1851 Franchise

By using engaging videos, artificial intelligence, ephemeral content and employee advocacy, brands can leave a lasting impression on social media users. 

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Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

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Right at Home

Right at Home® Named a 2025 Top Franchise Brand for Multi-Unit Owners by Entrepreneur Magazine

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Dog Training Elite

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Dog Training Elite Shares Tips To Ease Dog Anxiety for 4th of July

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Melting Pot

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Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

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Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

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