Posted by With over 3.8 billion users active on social media, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., seem like the perfect place to promote your company.
However, trends are constantly changing, and thus, to make the most out of your social media strategy, your marketing tactics might also need some adjustments.
With that said, in this article, we are going to talk about a few social media tips for upgrading your strategy in 2021.
1. Focus More on Content
People have gotten used to having their feeds bombarded with flashy ads. And as a result, they have learned to ignore them.
In other words, if you’ve been using social media primarily for its advertising features, it might be time to focus more on content instead.
You see, one of the main advantages that social media platforms bring is that it allows a business to interact directly with their audiences, keeping them engaged for longer periods.
You will need to post relevant and informative content to engage your audiences, something that will intrigue and offer value to your users, like articles regarding industry news, how-to guides, etc.
This way, people will stop seeing you as “that salesman.” Instead, you can become a friend. Therefore, they will get to trust you more, becoming more likely to buy from you as a result.
Keep in mind to be consistent and come up with new content ideas from time to time. Also, make sure to plan your posts ahead of time.
2. Evaluate Other Platforms
New social media platforms have been coming out over the last few years. Consequently, some users might have become more active on these platforms as opposed to the other ones.
For example, if you target a younger audience between 18 and 24, Facebook might not be your go-to platform anymore.
In fact, as of January 2021, only 14.2% of users within this demographic use Facebook. Most of this audience has moved over to TikTok, where around 26% of its user base is made out of young adults.
3. Work with Micro-Influencers
Although working with major public figures like celebrities or popular influencers might bring you a significant boost in sales, you should rather target people with a smaller follower base, also known as micro-influencers.
By definition, micro-influencers are social media figures with a following of 1,000 to 100,000 people. They focus on a specific niche and are generally viewed as industry experts. So, why should you work with micro-influencers?
First and foremost, micro-influencers usually have stronger relationships with their audiences because of the smaller number of followers.
Furthermore, as opposed to a macro-influencer’s audience, a micro-influencer’s follower base will likely share more interest regarding a certain type of industry.
As a consequence, a micro-influencer’s audience will most likely be more receptive to advertisements.
And finally, small influencers can be much cheaper. Besides having lower fees, some of them will even work on a gifting basis. In other words, micro-influencers will offer you the most value for money.
4. Focus on Short Video Advertisements
Although we previously mentioned that due to advertisements’ excessive presence throughout social media, users have learned to ignore them. Still, that doesn’t mean they are completely ineffective.
Yes, ads presented in an image format might not work as well as they used to. However, video ads, specifically short form, are still good at grabbing the users’ attention.
That’s because their dynamic nature will make these types of ads stand out from the rest of the crowd. As a result, users are more likely to stop scrolling.
Keep in mind that these videos need to be short, no longer than 15 seconds. Otherwise, users are very likely to quit watching them once they see how lengthy they are.
Consequently, your ad will be rendered ineffective, and not to mention that the money spent on filming and editing will be basically thrown out the window.
Also, find a way to spark the users’ interest right from the beginning. Studies have shown that 65% of users who watch the first three seconds of a video will likely watch it for up to 10 seconds.
5. Make Social Media Shoppable
Shoppable posts are a must when it comes to social media for e-commerce stores. That’s because it dramatically shortens the customer journey.
Usually, potential customers find your store on social media. If they happen to share an interest in what you are selling, they will enter your website, browse your products, and make a purchase.
Well, shoppable posts cut out the part where users enter your website and browse your products. And that is crucial because it gives users less time to think before making a purchase, therefore increasing the chances of generating sales.
6. Use Hashtags Accordingly
Hashtags are great for increasing the visibility and discoverability of your brand. However, to make that happen, don’t plaster them on each one of your posts just for the sake of it.
Hashtags are effective only when used wisely. You can always consider hiring a branding agency to help you out. Remember that hashtags need to be short and sweet. Find something that’s specific and relevant to your brand.
7. Go Live
Live videos produce six times as many interactions as any other type of video content. Not only that, but 82% of users will prefer watching a live video from a brand over regular advertisements, articles, blog posts, etc.
In other words, going live is a great way to engage with your audience. Besides, as these types of videos are raw and uncut, followers will see who is really behind the brand and connect better with your business. Therefore, they will most likely get to trust you more, allowing you to build a loyal customer base.
With that said, make sure to go live from time to time. You could do anything, like hosting AMA sessions, the occasional press conference, or a launch event.
8. Post User Generated Content
Posting User Generated Content (UGC) is an important aspect of your social media strategy.
Firstly, it will allow you to build a stronger relationship with your audience, as you are basically putting your customers in the spotlight.
Secondly, UGC provides you with social proof. 83% of consumers will take recommendations from their peers into consideration when making a purchase. As a result, UGC will influence potential customers to buy from you.
With that said, make sure to encourage your audience to share the experience they had with you. For example, you could host a contest or giveaway where users would participate by posting photos of them using your products.
9. Timing Matters
Users’ social media feeds are very busy. Hundreds, if not thousands of posts are sent out every hour, making it all the more difficult to attract your audience’s attention.
That’s why you need to time your posts correctly. So when should you post, and how often should you do it? Well, it depends on the type of audience you are targeting.
You’ll have to do a thorough analysis of your audience’s behaviour, in which case, you should talk to an online digital marketing agency.
You’ll need to post content when your audience is most likely to enter their social media accounts when taking a break from work, for example.
Final Words
These have been some tips for upgrading your social media strategy in 2021.
Consider working with micro-influencers because they have a much more engaged follower base and are usually cheaper than more popular influencers.
Also, don’t forget to focus more on content. Post something relevant for your audience, which will bring value to them, like articles, how-to guides, etc.
Cover image source: Unsplash
With Crowdfire, you can find curated content, schedule your posts, engage with your audience, deep-dive into analytics and create custom reports. Now introducing Social listening. Try it for free.
4 comments