Social media has come a long way. In fact, it has evolved greatly, starting with the telegraph in the 1840s to the present-day social networking sites in the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and a lot more.
From that information alone, you’d probably understand how difficult it is to realize and track the changes that have come so far. So, instead of discussing the evolution of social media, we have put together this article to impart some valuable lessons that we have learned from social media not so long ago.
Here are ten important social media lessons from 2019 we can all ponder on and incorporate into our campaigns:
Lesson #1: Quality is more important than quality
This one is probably very obvious. However, many social media campaign managers disregarded the importance of quality.
There is actually such a thing as “over-posting”. This happens when you flood the feed of your audience with too much content that isn’t relevant at all to the point that it’s pushing them away.
When you come up with a social media marketing strategy, always make sure your content is relevant and useful. Posts that get more engagements are those that provide value for your target audience.
Lesson #2: Use your data
Before you even start a social media campaign, do your research first. Get to know your target audience. Who are you looking to target? What age group do they belong to? What is their common gender?
To get data for your social media campaign, use the free analytics tool provided by social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Once you know who you are targeting, it will be easier for you to create content pieces that are angled towards them.
Lesson #3: Be yourself
Organic social media posts aren’t the best avenue to sell and sell and sell. At the same time, paid ads should be used alongside a feasible strategy. So, which of the two should you use?
Paid ads have long been proven to be successful, especially if coupled with the right strategies. However, organic posts may also contribute to success, only if they are meant to build a social community that your audience can interact with.
What this means is that you should try to connect with your target audience and inspire them by sharing engaging content. You don’t have to sound sales-y at all times. Show them that your business is being operated by a real person who goes to the office on a day to day basis and attends special gatherings.
The key here is to accept imperfections. Constantly remind your customers that you are also human beings, and that there is nothing wrong with transacting with you.
Lesson #4: Put up a feasible strategy
Before you post anything on the social media page of your business, make sure you have a strategy in mind, one that allows you to achieve your goals.
But how do you make a solid strategy? First, have a clear list of your brand’s goals and objectives. And then, analyze what your competitors are doing. Next, audit your current social media presence. From there, think of post ideas that allow you to hit 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, landing pages, news and announcements, videos, photos, infographics, and customer reviews.
Lesson #5: Be consistent
Many businesses failed in 2019 due to inconsistency. Why? This is simply because they didn’t use the same tone and voice.
Remember, you attracted your target audience because of the tone and voice you used on your posts. For instance, if you used a happy tone in the beginning to market the PC cleaning software you are selling, don’t leave your audience hanging by posting sad news. Do not overload them with content that will make them feel down. They followed you for a reason. Don’t make them leave because of inconsistency.
Also, it would be great if you schedule your posts frequently. This will inform your target audience and site visitors that your business still exists.
Lesson #6: Take advantage of visual content and storytelling
People on social media nowadays are becoming more and more visual. This means they find graphic posts and imagery more enticing. However, do you think pure visuals are enough? How about if you add the element of storytelling? Wouldn’t it be more interesting?
Colors, pictures, and fonts are more captivating than mere words. With these elements combined into one post, the desire to click on a link increases. Among the types of content that use both visual content and storytelling are videos, memes, and infographics.
Lesson #7: Prepare a unique strategy for each social media platform
In case you don’t know yet, each social media platform has a different purpose. For instance, Facebook focuses more on building communities. Instagram, on the other hand, promotes videos and photos. Twitter spreads ideas and thoughts, while Pinterest provokes imaginations and creates visions.
If you have a unique strategy for each platform, you can easily reach your audience and expand your reach. Be sure you build content targeted for the purpose of each site, but do not forget about staying consistent.
Lesson #8: Popular influencers aren’t always the most influential
Given the chance to choose an influencer who will promote your products and services, who would you pick: a popular name with millions of followers or a budding micro-influencer with only thousands of subscribers? We’d say you pick the latter option.
Working with a micro-influencer with only a few thousands of followers is the best marketing strategy today. Yes, influencers with millions of followers may promote your products effectively, but they might not really reach your target audience.
Micro-influencers, in contrast, can offer a more targeted experience. They know who your audience is, so it will be easier for them to convince or influence people to make a purchase.
Lesson #9: User-generated content is important
As we start a 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, businesses will have social proof that their products and services work. Ratings, reviews, and testimonials from micro-influencers are popular ways to generate this content type.
Don’t worry because it is easy to share user-generated content. Simply repost what your customers have to say about your products and services, and that’s it. By doing this, you can demonstrate your brand’s integrity to your target audience.
Lesson #10: Engage with your target audience
Finally, don’t ever forget about the “social” on social media. Your brand exists not only for the purpose of generating sales. Your business exists because you have an online following that is thirsty for information.
Having said that, make sure you respond to messages and comments. If customers give you reviews, repost them. If they have questions about a certain Mac error code, answer them. If you have something cooking, give hints. Inform your followers what you are doing behind the scene. Make your content appear like it’s posted by a real person.
Wrapping Up
Don’t worry if you are struggling with using social media to market your products and services. That is fine and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. What you can do is turn all the lessons above into gold by doing what is being suggested. If you apply them onto your social media marketing campaigns, you’ll reap the benefits in no time.
Author Bio:
A Computer Engineer by degree and a writer by profession, Cathy Trimidal writes for Software Tested. For years now, she has contributed articles focusing on the trends in IT, VPN, web apps, SEO, and digital marketing. Although she spends most of her days living in a virtual realm, she still finds time to satisfy her infinite list of interests.
