In today's digital age, social media marketing has become a vital component of any successful business strategy. As the experts at Digital Eagles rightly point out, “not having a Facebook or Instagram page in today's world is like running a shop without a door to go in”. However, with so many myths and misconceptions floating around social media, it's easy to make mistakes that can harm your brand. That's why we've put together this must-read blog post! We're here to debunk some of the most common Social Media Marketing (SMM) myths and provide insider tips and tricks to optimise your social media strategy and skyrocket your success. Whether you're a social media newbie or a seasoned pro, this post is your ultimate guide to busting the myths and taking your social media presence to the next level. So, let's get started!
1. Making memorable content is key.
Are you ready for some eye-opening statistics? According to Sprout Social, a whopping 47% of followers believe that brands that dominate their industry offer top-notch customer support on social media, not memorable content. Memorable content creation is important, but it’s less significant than customer service, engaging with the audience and brand transparency.
But that's not all - in 2021, according to the Accenture study, almost 2 billion people worldwide made purchases through social networks. And guess what? This number is predicted to triple and result in the growth of the social commerce industry to mind-blowing $1.2 trillion by 2025, and XgenTech agency knows it for sure (see below). What does it mean? It shows that social media is becoming a hub for commerce, and customer support is an integral part of the experience, that’s why it’s so crucial for customers.
As a marketer, it's essential to understand the perspectives of both consumers and industry experts. These statistics should be a wake-up call for anyone looking to succeed on social media. The question is: are you ready to adapt your strategy?
2. A brand needs to be on all social platforms.
Are you using multiple social networks for your business? Expanding your reach is great, but only if it makes sense for your brand. If you cannot keep up with regular updates, your followers will lose interest and move on. This means all the time and resources spent on attracting them will be wasted.
And let's be real, in today's digital world, social media is a big part of a company's reputation. It won't look good if someone stumbles upon your social media profile and sees no activity for a year. Together with Launch agency, we think that it can create doubts about your business's credibility or, worse, make people think that your business was closed - an outcome no company wants.
Keep in mind that customers can easily see the engagement level of your social media accounts. So, if you're not responding to questions or ignoring negative reviews, it could harm your company's reputation. Don't let your hard-earned followers down. Staying engaged and responsive allows you to maintain a positive image for your brand, and it’s much easier with fewer social media profiles. Remember: quality is superior to quantity!
3. You should only try to gain followers that will potentially become customers.
A strong social reach is a powerful asset that should never be underestimated. By leveraging effective advertising strategies, you can reach new audiences beyond your sales territory, allowing you to tap into their followers and expand your reach. If you want to gain more followers and increase your social influence even further, connecting with influencers can be a game-changer. As the name implies, influencers can help transfer their influence and credibility to your brand through association. By having them share your products and website content, you can improve your SEO and gain even more followers. By implementing these simple tactics, your followers can become a valuable source of revenue for your company. And let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy seeing those follower numbers steadily climb? So, it's time to step up your social media game and watch your brand's reach soar! 😎
4. Being relatable on social media? Not a good look.
The content you post on your social media always has to be in line with your audience, but that doesn't mean it can't also have a bit of personality. A little glitter never hurt anyone, right? 🪩
Don't be afraid to show the people behind your company, your sense of humour, and your tastes, and find links to content that you find particularly entertaining, even if it's not related to your industry.
5. Only young people use social media.
Okay, we all know this is one of the biggest social media myths, right? Have you seen the number of viral TikToks made by people over the age of 50 discussing generational differences? Or every millennial (people over 30, yes, this moment has come) behaves in relation to GenZ?
Consider this, in the United States:
68% of people aged 50-64 use Facebook
47% of 30-49 year-olds use Instagram
It's more than likely that your audience, whoever it may be, is on social media. If you don't believe me, you can ask my grandmother, who is 75 years old and buys all her knitting threads on Instagram. The fact that even older generations like my grandmother are actively engaging with social media underscores its far-reaching impact and underscores the need for businesses to adapt to the changing times. To stay relevant in today's fast-paced digital landscape, companies must embrace social media and leverage it to connect with their audiences and build brand loyalty. The world is changing, and those who fail to evolve risk being left behind.
In conclusion
Social media is a must-have tool in any marketing strategy aimed at commercial success. Making the most of the power of social media for your brand is about more than just gaining followers. Avoiding falling into the trap set by common social media myths is an essential part of any business strategy. Excellent customer support should always be prioritised over engaging content. Remember quality over quantity: choose the platforms that are right for your brand, and post to engage and maintain success in these selective areas. Furthermore, aim for a reach wider than just paying customers; gaining influencer backing and brand awareness are integral to building credibility. In seeking to build your following, don’t forget that social media is a tool used by all ages! There are huge, often untapped, audiences just waiting to connect with your brand. With these tips and busted myths in mind, we hope you’re ready to watch your brand soar on social media!