What Consumers Expect from Brands on Social Media Now
Social media isn’t just about keeping up with friends anymore. It’s where millions of people connect with brands, shop for products, and find great deals. Now people are going to expect even more from brands online, especially when it comes to exclusive offers and tailored promotions. Will businesses step up to meet these rising expectations? And how can they start laying the groundwork today?
People Want More Than Just Content
By 2025, people won’t follow brands just to stay informed. They want something in return, like deals that feel made just for them. And it’s not just a nice-to-have anymore; it’s becoming a dealbreaker. A study from PwC found that 56% of consumers are more likely to engage with brands offering personalized promotions directly on their favorite platforms. Forget generic discount codes. Shoppers want offers that speak to who they are and what they want.
For example, a food delivery service used AI to analyze customer behavior and roll out discounts based on what people were ordering. The result? Orders jumped by 30% in certain areas. It proves a simple point—people stick around when brands make them feel seen and valued.
Why Social Commerce Is Booming
You’ve probably noticed ads and shopping directly on apps like TikTok or Instagram. This trend, called social commerce, isn’t slowing down. By 2026, it’s expected to hit a whopping $2.9 trillion globally. And that seamless mix of scrolling and shopping is where the magic happens.
Here’s an interesting takeaway from a recent survey. Over half (53%) of shoppers said they’re more likely to buy when they see a great deal in a shoppable post. Why? Because it’s easy. They’re already browsing, and the deal is right there. No extra steps, no searches. Just click, buy, and move on.
Real-Time Engagement Will Be Key
By 2025, it won’t be enough to post a “50% off!” coupon and call it a day. People will want brands to respond quickly and make those offers as relevant as possible. It’s all about personalization in the moment.
Imagine a chatbot that doesn’t just answer questions but can suggest deals based on what someone viewed on the website. A McKinsey report found that 78% of people are more likely to stick with brands that deliver quick, interactive support like this. It’s not about shouting discounts into the void. It’s about creating moments that feel personal and thoughtful.
Look at a fitness brand that recently had a big flash sale. Instead of blasting the same deals to everyone, they adjusted their offers in real time. If inventory was running low or demand shifted, they made changes on the fly. Customers felt like they were getting something special, and it showed in the company’s numbers.
But What About Privacy?
Sure, personalized deals are great, but there’s a fine line. People are more aware than ever about their data. And some get uneasy when brands collect too much information without explaining why. Pew Research found that 79% of social media users worry about where their data goes. And who can blame them?
For brands, this means one thing: Be transparent. Tell customers what you’re collecting and why it’s worth it for them. If you’re upfront, they’re more likely to trust you.
What Brands Should Start Doing Now
2025 might feel far away, but it’s not. And waiting to adapt is a risky move. Here’s how brands can start preparing today:
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Use Tools That Personalize Offers
AI can take what feels complex and turn it into something simple. No more guessing games about what people want. -
Get Comfortable with Social Commerce
Experiment with shoppable posts, Instagram Shops, or whatever tools make sense for your audience. The sooner you figure out what clicks with your customers, the better. -
Engage in Real Time
Chatbots aren’t just for answering FAQs anymore. They can share useful promotions and build loyalty, all while talking directly to customers. -
Be Honest About Privacy
Speak to customers in plain language. Show them how their data helps improve their experience, and don’t bury privacy policies under a mountain of jargon.
Wrapping It Up
By 2025, people will expect social media to be more than just entertaining. They’ll want brands to step up with personalized deals, smarter tools, and real-time engagement. The businesses that figure this out now? They’ll be the ones leading the pack in the next couple of years.
If you’re running a brand, the takeaway is simple. Start today. Experiment. Be transparent. And most importantly, put your customers first. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about staying ahead.