Why Everyone Is a Social Media Entrepreneur Right Now — Trends You Need to Know

In an era where digital presence is everything, social media entrepreneurship is rapidly emerging as one of the most viable and rewarding business paths. From influencers to small business owners, individuals are leveraging social media platforms to build brands, market products, and generate income.

Shola West, a Gen Z career advocate, never envisioned herself as a full-time social media entrepreneur. She initially joined TikTok to share career advice, but over time, her content transformed into a thriving digital brand. Her journey exemplifies how social media marketing can turn a passion into a profitable business.

With the rise of the creator economy and constantly evolving social media trends, understanding the latest social media marketing trends is essential for anyone looking to succeed in this space. Let’s dive into the landscape of social media entrepreneurship, why it’s growing, and the key trends shaping the industry today.

What Is Social Media Entrepreneurship?

Social media entrepreneurship is the practice of building a business primarily through social media platforms. Entrepreneurs in this space use digital tools to create, distribute, and monetize content, products, or services. This form of business aligns with the growing creator economy, where individuals leverage online visibility to earn revenue through brand partnerships, paid ads, affiliate marketing, and digital products.

Many social media entrepreneurs work in ecommerce, consulting, personal branding, or content creation. Whether selling handmade crafts, offering business coaching, or growing an audience through engaging videos, social media marketing is at the core of this business model.

Why Is Social Media Entrepreneurship So Popular?

The rise of social media entrepreneurship is no coincidence. Several factors contribute to its popularity:

1. Widespread Business Adoption: Around 77% of small businesses in the U.S. use social media for marketing, sales, and customer service.
2. Shifting Consumer Behavior: One in four consumers now prefers searching for brands on social media platforms instead of search engines.
3. Influencer Impact on Buying Decisions: A staggering 49% of consumers make purchases based on influencer recommendations, highlighting the power of authentic content marketing.
4. Low-Cost, High-Reward Model: Unlike traditional businesses that require significant capital, social media entrepreneurship allows creative individuals to start with minimal investment and scale as they grow.

With these benefits in mind, let’s explore the most impactful social media entrepreneurship trends shaping the digital business landscape.

Top Social Media Entrepreneurship Trends

1. Short-Form Video Is Dominating

Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have made short-form video the most consumed content type online. Even LinkedIn, traditionally a professional networking site, has started testing vertical video feeds, signaling the format’s importance across industries.

Gigi Robinson, founder of Hosts of Influence, notes that video podcast interviews are gaining traction. “It allows audiences to better connect with a brand or a founder, making them more loyal customers.” Video content is not just about entertainment anymore; it’s a powerful tool for storytelling, marketing, and engagement.

2. People Want Behind-the-Scenes Content

Consumers crave authenticity. Brands and social media entrepreneurs are responding by sharing behind-the-scenes content, from production processes to daily work life.

Emma Sneddon, a freelance social media manager, points out brands like REFY and Free Soul as great examples. Their social media marketing strategies include giving audiences an inside look at their operations, making their brands more relatable and trustworthy.

3. Rise in Influencer Marketing

The days of needing millions of followers to land brand deals are over. Businesses are prioritizing micro-influencers (those with 10,000–99,999 followers) because they often have higher engagement rates and more loyal audiences.

As social media marketing trends shift towards authenticity, smaller influencers with strong niche communities are proving more effective than celebrities in influencing purchasing decisions. Sixty-four percent of marketers have collaborated with micro-influencers, and nearly half report the highest marketing success from these partnerships.

Tips for Social Media Entrepreneurs

1. Carve Out a Niche

The social media landscape is saturated, so standing out is crucial. Focus on your unique experiences and expertise to create a niche that resonates with a specific audience. Shola West built her brand by catering to young creatives navigating their careers. Similarly, niche communities foster deeper engagement and brand loyalty.

2. Be Adaptable

Social media trends evolve rapidly, and successful entrepreneurs stay ahead by diversifying their presence across platforms. Gigi Robinson highlights the importance of platform diversification. “You don’t have to rely on one platform. Experimenting with new social media platforms can unlock new audiences and revenue streams.”

For example, Substack launched the Creator Accelerator Fund to attract content creators, proving that there are always emerging opportunities for social media entrepreneurs willing to adapt.

3. Be Consistent but Intentional

Consistency is key in social media marketing, but posting frequently without a strategy can be counterproductive. “Quality over quantity,” advises Sneddon. “Your posts should always provide value to your audience rather than just filling up their feed.”

To maintain consistency, use scheduling tools like Vista Social or Buffer. Many social media platforms also have built-in scheduling options to help automate content posting.

4. Collect Your Own Data

Relying solely on social media platforms for audience insights can be risky. If a platform undergoes changes or gets banned in certain regions, you could lose valuable data overnight.

Build an email list and establish an independent database of customer information. This ensures you can maintain direct communication with your audience regardless of external factors.

5. Build a Community

There’s a difference between having an audience and building a community. An audience passively consumes your content, while a community actively engages, supports, and buys from you.

Robinson explains, “Successful social media entrepreneurs understand that engagement is central to conversions. It’s about creating an interactive space where people feel connected to you.”

Sneddon recommends regularly interacting with followers through comments, polls, and Q&A sessions. This fosters trust and keeps people coming back to your content.

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Self-Promote

Self-promotion is not about bragging; it’s about ensuring that your audience knows what you offer.

“Closed mouths don’t get fed,” says Robinson. By actively showcasing past work, sharing expertise, and promoting services, social media entrepreneurs can attract new opportunities. For instance, Robinson secured 15 gigs in early 2025 just by consistently sharing her achievements and skills across social media platforms.

Conclusion

The world of social media entrepreneurship is thriving, fueled by new social media trends and the growing influence of digital creators. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established brand, leveraging the latest social media marketing trends can help you stay ahead of the competition.

Success in this space comes down to authenticity, engagement, and adaptability. By focusing on niche content, experimenting with various social media platforms, and building strong communities, you can turn your social media presence into a sustainable business.

At Engage Coders, we help you leverage top social media marketing strategies to grow your brand, engage your audience, and drive real results. Start building your digital success story today!