Living in the age of social media, businesses need to have a strong social media presence in order to reach more consumers. Businesses can also use social media for branding and new product and campaign promotions.
Instagram has become a huge social media platform for not only posting image content, but also marketing and advertising.
There is a variety of ways a business can advertise on Instagram- photo ads, video ads, carousel ads, and stories ads. In these various ads you can tap on it or swipe up and the ad will link you to a company’s website. Or left and right for more information on new products and offerings.
Companies can choose for their sponsored ads to pop up to certain area codes, or to a whole target audience based on things such as age, gender, interests, etc. This is perfect for a variety of establishments, whether you are a small, local company, or a big, corporate company.
- Snapchat
Many millennials use Snapchat as a way to communicate and connect with friends. However, many businesses have evolved Snapchat into a way to advertise to young consumers.
Not only can you advertise on Snapchat through stories like Instagram, many businesses create their own interactive features.
Geofilters, which uses geo-tagging, may be designed and purchases by businesses. This can create a more personal connection with consumers based on location. Lenses use facial recognition to create fun filters and content.
Businesses can also have their own channels on Snapchat. These channels are updated daily with new themes, and content to keep up with current events, holidays, pop-culture, etc. happening. They can also put links to their website.
Similar to the way Instagram advertises, Facebook also does sponsored ads based on consumer insight such as gender, age, interests, etc.
Although Facebook is another outlet for advertising, many businesses use Facebook as a platform to post their own content. Facebook reaches to a larger audience because, I mean, come on, who doesn’t have Facebook?
Posting your own content on Facebook is much cheaper than paying for a spot on Instagram on Snapchat. It is also easier on Facebook because your posts will show up on other newsfeeds if their friend comments or likes your contemt. You don’t have to spend a dime, unless you decide to “boost” your page or post.
Businesses can also make the most from Facebook by messaging and commenting to interact and communicate with consumers. Responding to consumers’ inquiries and comments can create a stronger presence on social media, but also improve customer service.
Twitter doesn’t seem as popular or wide spread as the other social media platforms due to the limit in the number of characters and such you can use in a post. However, don’t underestimate Twitter’s power.
Twitter also has promoted tweets, promoted accounts, or promoted trends. Businesses can choose whether they want to promote a certain tweet, or their account, or be placed on one of the trending hashtags.
Aside from promotions, businesses can also post shorted video clips and images. Twitter also has the ability to link followers to your website. Although there’s a limit on characters, it forces businesses and companies to be short, witty, and straight-forward with their posts. This optimizes the virality of posts and replies.
For example, Denny’s and Wendy’s twitter responses have gone viral due to the sarcastic and humorous replies they’ve had to both consumers and other competitors. This has created a huge social media presence, but also improved customer service through quick communication.
No matter what platform a business decides to use, they have to be proactive about both posting content and interacting with consumers in order to build a strong social media presence.