Marketing Updates September: 5 Game-Changing Social Media Updates
Written by Hannah O’Toole
The marketing landscape moves fast, and staying ahead means knowing what’s working right now. We’ve compiled the latest updates that can transform your marketing strategy today. Let’s dive into what’s happening across Instagram, LinkedIn, and the behaviours that could boost growth.
- Instagram Growth
- LinkedIn Creator Analytics
- Loyalty Programmes
- Instagram DM Management Tools
- Reviews Vs. Influencers
- Your Marketing Strategy
1: Instagram Growth: The Simple Formula That Actually Works
Instagram has shared the inside track on growing your following, and the advice is refreshingly straightforward. No hacks or algorithms, just proven strategies that work.
Post consistently, and carousels are your friend. Multiple slides give you more opportunities to catch attention and engage your audience. Think of each slide as another chance to hook viewers and keep them scrolling through your content. For example, on Instagram can review your analytics at what point in a carousel the viewer likes a post which can be really helpful for future posts.
Engagement still rules everything. Likes and comments aren’t vanity metrics, they’re your ticket to wider reach. Instagram’s algorithm pushes content that sparks interaction, so focus on creating posts that make people want to respond.
Master the hook. You have seconds to grab attention before someone scrolls past. Make them count with relatable, human and humorous content that people actually want to share and discuss in DMs.
Reels frequency matters more than you think. Creators seeing the biggest follower growth post 10 or more reels monthly. That’s roughly 2-3 per week, totally manageable when you plan ahead and put content pillars in place.
Here’s something most people don’t know: Instagram uses different recommendation systems for Explore versus Reels. Your content gets ranked differently depending on where people discover it. This means diversifying your content strategy across Instagram’s features isn’t just smart, it’s essential.
Key Takeaway
Consistency beats perfection every time. Regular posting with engaging content will outperform sporadic “perfect” & polished posts, the more true to your brand and authentic, the better.
Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-shares-growth-tips-infographic/758585/
2: LinkedIn Gets Serious About Creator Analytics
LinkedIn is doubling down on creators, and their latest analytics update proves it. The platform now provides rolling updates on how your posts drive views, follower growth, and impressions, that are now visible directly in your notifications.
This builds on LinkedIn’s May analytics refresh, which already gave deeper insights into profile activity and link engagement. Now you get real time feedback on what content resonates with your professional network.
Why this matters for your business: LinkedIn wants more exclusive content flowing through its network. They’re making it easier for creators to understand what works, which means more opportunities for businesses that commit to consistent LinkedIn marketing.
Tip: Use these enhanced analytics to identify your top performing content, then create more of what your audience values.
Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/linkedin-adds-more-post-level-analytics-updates/757854/
3: Loyalty Programmes: The New Competitive Advantage
Brand loyalty has evolved far beyond a points system. In 2025, loyalty schemes have become what experts call an “extra layer of differentiation” in crowded markets.
The numbers speak volumes: 97% of shoppers belong to at least one loyalty programme, with average savings ranging from 17% to 25%. Here’s what’s really interesting, shoppers will often pay slightly more if they can earn points convertible to perks.
The psychology behind modern loyalty: People hate feeling like they’ve wasted progress. Once customers start earning points or climbing tiers, they’re psychologically invested in continuing the journey.
This principle works across sectors, from grocery and retail to energy companies. When customers feel the cost of living, loyalty programmes provide that “little bit extra” that justifies their purchase.
“Once you feel like you’ve started on a journey, you don’t want to waste that progress. So, give people this illusionary start.”
– Richard Shotton, Astroten
Loyalty Strategy Essentials
- Make early wins easy to achieve
- Offer genuinely valuable rewards
- Create clear progress indicators
- Ensure redemption is simple and satisfying
Source: https://www.marketingweek.com/loyalty-2025-brand-differentiation/
4: Instagram Creators Get Better DM Management Tools
Managing Instagram (DM’s) direct messages just became much easier for content creators and businesses. New filtering options let you sort DMs by story replies, unread messages, unanswered queries, followers, and verified users.
You can now create custom DM folders and rearrange shortcut pills at the top of your inbox. For businesses using Instagram for customer service or sales, this update streamlines communication significantly.
Business impact: Better organisation means faster response times and improved customer experience. Quick, helpful responses in DMs often convert casual followers into loyal customers.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DN8eCTQEXDE/?img_index=2
5: Consumer Trust: Reviews Vs. Influencers
The influencer marketing landscape is shifting, and smart businesses are paying attention. Recent research reveals that 65% of UK consumers make purchases based on fellow shopper reviews, compared to 58% influenced by social media endorsements.
Where peer reviews matter most:
- Sports and leisure equipment (63%)
- Decorative homewares (58%)
- Luxury goods (56%)
- Cultural events (55%)
Influencer-driven purchases have dropped slightly since 2023, from 54% to 50%. Meanwhile, accurate product information has become crucial, 66% of shoppers leave negative reviews when products don’t match their descriptions or images.
Building Review-Worthy Experiences
Focus on product accuracy and clear descriptions. When customers receive exactly what you promised, positive reviews follow organically. Authentic reviews can drive more sales than influencer partnerships, dependent on the business type or industry.
Source: https://www.marketingweek.com/reviews-business-confidence-ethical-ai-interesting-stats/
What This Means for Your Marketing Strategy
These updates point to clear trends: authenticity beats aspiration, consistency trumps perfection, and customer experience drives growth more than flashy campaigns.
Action steps for your business:
- Increase your Instagram posting frequency – aim for 10+ reels monthly
- Invest in LinkedIn analytics – understand your professional audience better
- Develop a simple loyalty programme – reward consistent customers
- Prioritise accurate product descriptions – earn positive reviews naturally
- Organise your social media communications – faster customer response times
The marketing world continuously evolves, the fundamentals remain the same: know your audience, provide genuine value, and stay consistent with your efforts.
Need help implementing these strategies for your business? We’re here to guide you through building marketing that works. Get in touch with the team to discuss how these updates can boost your growth.
At We Do Marketing, we help businesses navigate the ever-changing digital landscape with strategies that deliver results. Our team combines marketing expertise with straightforward advice you can actually use.
