With just a few weeks until we turn over a new leaf and welcome in the new year, it's come to that time where you start to see more and more articles and blogs about preparing for 2017.

This isn't a piece about what you should be doing with your social media in 2017. I'm writing this to illustrate the things you should have been doing this year and haven't managed to, so should start a move on.

There are over 2.5 billion active social media users worldwide and the number is growing at a rate of 9% a year. The advertising spend is rising even faster. According to Advertising Age, social media spend grew 55% to $10.9 billion, up from the previous year's $7 billion. The figures don't lie, social media has established itself as a marketing powerhouse.

Messaging Apps
There are now tools which provide businesses with the opportunity to have more valuable, private conversations with consumers. Messaging apps can give you the ability to engage with your consumers and learn about them. These apps can help humanise your brand and allow you to provide a more personal customer service. Did you know that, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp combined see 3 times more messages than SMS.

Live Video
Live video is getting a lot more exposure than images and even standard videos. You will now see businesses and brands hiring for Live Social Media Video Co-ordinator, which highlights how seriously companies are taking live video. Even Facebook now gives priority to live video, pushing it ahead of user's other content. Instagram introduced stories earlier this year, this is another reason to put a live video strategy in place and by doing so now, it might just give you the edge over your competitors.

Evolution
As social media channels, trends and consumers evolve it will become even more important to find your niche. It will be necessary to analyse your current social media channels and focus on distributing your message where your audience spends their time. Don't spread yourself to thinly, find out what works for you and put your energy in to implementing a strategy for those specific platforms.

Did you know 3 in 4 adults use social media. It's become a part of everyday life for people and businesses. Don't fall behind, get your channels and strategy in place and start engaging with your consumers.