Social media has come a long way. In fact, it has evolved dramatically, starting with the telegraph in the 1840s to today's social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many more.
With this information alone, you probably understand how difficult it is to make and keep track of the changes that have occurred so far. So instead of discussing the evolution of social media, we've put together this article to impart some valuable lessons we learned from social media not too long ago.
Here are ten important social media lessons from 2019 that we can all reflect on and incorporate into our campaigns:
Lesson 1: Quality Takes Precedence Over Quality
This is probably very obvious. However, many social media campaign managers have ignored the importance of quality.
In fact, there is such a thing as "overposting". This happens when you flood your audience's feed with too much content that isn't relevant at all to the point of driving them away.
When designing a social media marketing strategy, always make sure your content is relevant and useful. The posts that get the most engagement are the ones that provide value to your target audience.
Lesson 2: Use Your Data
Before even starting a social media campaign, do your research first. Know your target audience. Whom are you trying to target? What age group do they belong to? What is your common gender?
Use the free analytics tools given by social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to gather data for your social media strategy.
Once you know whom you are targeting, it will be easier to create content that targets them.
Lesson 3: Be Yourself
Organic social media posts are not the best way to sell, sell, sell. At the same time, paid ads must be used in conjunction with a viable strategy. So which one should you use?
Paid ads have long proven successful, especially when combined with the right strategies. However, even organic posts can contribute to success, only if they are intended to build a social community that your audience can interact with.
This means that you should try to connect with your target audience and inspire them by sharing engaging content. You don't always have to sound like a salesperson. Show them that your business is run by a real person who comes into the office every day and attends special meetings.
The key here is to accept the imperfections. Constantly remind your customers that you are human too and that there is nothing wrong with transacting with you.
Lesson 4: Develop A Workable Strategy
Before you post anything on your company's social media page, make sure you have a strategy in mind that will help you achieve your goals.
But how do you create a solid strategy? Make a list of your brand's aims and objectives first. Then look at what your competitors are up to. So, check your current social media presence. From there, brainstorm post ideas that will help you achieve your goals and give you an edge over your competitors.
Some of the common types of content you can share on social media channels are blog posts, PC tips and tricks, website pages, home pages, news and announcements, videos, photos, infographics, and customer reviews.
Lesson 5: Be Consistent
Many companies failed in 2019 due to inconsistency. Why? This is simply because they weren't using the same tone and voice.
Remember, you have attracted your target audience by the tone and voice you used in your posts. For example, if you used a happy tone at the beginning to market the PC cleaning software you're selling, don't leave your audience hanging by posting sad news. Don't overload them with content that makes them feel down. They followed you for a reason. Don't force them to quit due to inconsistency.
Also, it would be great if you scheduled your posts frequently. This will let your target audience and site visitors know that your business still exists.
Lesson 6: Use Visual Content And Storytelling To Your Advantage
People on social media these days are becoming more and more visual. This means they find graphic posts and images more engaging. However, do you think that pure graphics is enough? How about adding the narrative element? Wouldn't that be more interesting?
Colors, images, and fonts are more captivating than just words. With these elements combined in a single post, the desire to click on a link increases. Content types that use both visual content and storytelling include videos, memes, and infographics.
Lesson 7: Create a Distinct Social Media Strategy For Each Platform
In case you don't already know, each social media platform has a different purpose. For example, Facebook focuses more on building communities. In contrast, Instagram promotes videos and images. Twitter spreads ideas and thoughts, while Pinterest sparks imagination and creates visions.
You can simply reach your audience and grow your reach if you have a distinct strategy for each platform. Make sure to create content that is geared toward the purpose of each site, but doesn't forget to stay consistent.
Lesson 8: Popular Influencers Are Not Always The Most Influential
Given the choice of an influencer who will promote your products and services, who would you choose: a popular name with millions of followers, or a budding micro-influencer with only thousands of subscribers? Let's say you choose with the second option.
Working with a micro-influencer with a few thousand followers is the best marketing strategy today. Yes, influencers with millions of followers can promote their products effectively, but they may not really reach their target audience.
Micro-influencers, on the other hand, can offer a more targeted experience. They know who your audience is, so it will be easier for them to persuade or influence people to make a purchase.
Lesson 9: User Generated Content Matters
With the start of the new year, user-generated content has become the backbone of trust and authenticity, two factors that make or break a business.
With user-generated content, companies will have social proof that their products and services work. Micro-influencer ratings, reviews, and testimonials are popular ways to generate this type of content.
Don't worry, it's easy to share user-generated content. Simply republish what your customers have to say about your products and services, and that's it. In this way, you can demonstrate the integrity of your brand to your target audience.
Lesson 10: Interact With Your Target Audience
Finally, never forget the "social" in social networks. Your brand exists for more than just producing sales. Your business exists because you have an online following hungry for information.
That said, be sure to reply to messages and comments. If customers give you feedback, repost it. If they have questions about a certain Mac error code, answer them. If you have something to cook, make suggestions. Tell your followers what you are doing behind the scenes. Make your content look like it was posted by a real person.
Wrapping Up
Don't worry if you're having a hard time using social media to market your products and services. That's OK, and you have nothing to be embarrassed about. What you can do is turn all the previous lessons into gold by doing what is suggested. If you apply them to your social media marketing campaigns, you will benefit from them in no time.
0 Comments