“What do you think the future of social media marketing looks like?”

These twelve words make up the question I am asked most often as an Account Manager. And while I’d like to give a succinct, definitive answer such as short-form video content or artificial intelligence, I think the answer is something far more vague and vastly more important — people.

Every change in our digital landscape was made by people for people. Facebook added Messenger in 2011 so people like me could connect with old summer camp friends across the country. TikTok blew up in 2020 amidst a pandemic when people were desperately searching for entertainment and personal connection. And while ChatGPT may lend a helping hand to today’s marketers, even artificial intelligence based technologies are made to emulate our own thought processes. 

As we look to the future, it is people who will determine what we need digitally, and ultimately it is people who will make those wants a reality through innovation. Generation Z (Gen Z) is just the beginning of influential, young demographics reimagining our online environment. 

For this month’s blog, I thought it would be fun to sit down with our incredibly talented Social Media Intern, Amelia Benesky, to hear her thoughts about the future of our social media and the power of Gen Z. After all, the future of social media marketing rests in the capable hands of individuals like her!

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Question: Amelia, will you please introduce yourself?

Answer: Hello! My name is Amelia Benesky. I graduated from high school back in December and started at Chair 8 this Spring as the Social Media Intern. I plan to attend NC State this Fall studying Communications with a concentration in Public Relations. I hope to relocate to Charleston or a surrounding area post graduation and work full time in the marketing or public relations space.

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Question: What made you want to work in social media?

Answer: As a teen growing up in a very digital age, I have been a social media user since middle school. When I realized people were making careers out of these platforms I looked into it more and became fascinated with the way ads and campaigns were changing. I became interested in influencer marketing and took any opportunity to immerse myself into the marketing space starting out via social media. In my opinion, if anyone is interested in marketing, social media is the best place to learn the basics and get started as you can gain invaluable experience on your own. 

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Question: What do you think the future of social media and social media marketing looks like? 

Answer: I think that we will see more companies turn to user-generated content (UGC) and authentic influencer campaigns opposed to traditional advertisements as consumers are more likely to purchase if they can relate to the people promoting the product.

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Question: Do you think Generation Z interacts with social media differently than previous generations? If so, how?

Answer: I do believe that Gen Z interacts with social media differently than previous generations. Due to growing up in a time where social media is so prevalent during the developmental years I think my generation has developed such a reliance on it and look to social media for validation. Gen Z posts every aspect of their lives to social media whereas I feel previous generations were not as obsessed with it. Now, it truly is the only way we feel connected to some family members or friends. 

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Question: What advice would you give to a business owner who wants to reach Generation Z via social media?

Answer: My advice to a business owner who wants to attract a Gen Z audience via social media would be to adhere to current trends and style. Especially if it was a clothing brand, making sure you style your items according to teen fashion trends is an important aspect of your campaign to consider. Creating more UGC opposed to heavily saturated shoots is another way you are more likely to obtain Gen Z interaction on your page as teens feel they can relate when they see users like them promoting products. 

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Question: What is your favorite brand to follow on social media?

Answer: One of my favorite brands to follow on social media is Tuckernuck. I am a huge fashion lover and their brand resonates with my personal style. I also appreciate how they stage their pictures in a very coastal setting which is appealing to me. Their color palette is also bright yet still muted which brings a classy feel to their page. I also love Love Shack Fancy as they have participated in some exciting and creative collabs this year. They always do fun styled shoots that they highlight via social media. 

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Question: Finally, what is the greatest skill or lesson you’ve learned so far as an intern at Chair 8?

Answer: The greatest skill I have learned so far during my time interning here at Chair 8 has been how to work and collaborate with others. In my previous experiences, I have traditionally worked on my own. I really appreciate being a part of a team and even communicating with those who are not on the social team. It has brought to my attention that one day when looking to work full-time, I should seek opportunities that allow me to work and collaborate with a team of people. This helps me to enhance creativity and be more accountable.