Are you struggling to make social media work for you with all these new changes week to week with technology? Wondering how your marketing needs to change? Let’s dive into how marketers can embrace the chaotic nature of social media today and come out on top.
The Social Media Jungle
Social media is like a wild, unpredictable jungle. The rules change constantly, algorithms evolve, and what worked yesterday might not work today. But don’t worry, embracing this chaos can be your ticket to social media success.
The Evolving Challenges of Social Media Marketing
Marketers like us face numerous challenges with their social media presence today. The game has changed significantly, and strategies that worked a few years ago may no longer cut it. One of the biggest struggles is getting your content seen by your own followers. In the past, building a large following was enough to ensure wide reach, but not anymore.
With complex algorithms and increasing competition, this is no longer the case. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X prioritize content they deem most relevant to users, even from accounts they don’t follow, *sigh*. This means that having a substantial following doesn’t guarantee your content will reach them.
Another challenge is the platforms’ desire to keep users engaged within their ecosystems. Linking to your website or blog used to be common, but now platforms favor content that keeps users on-site longer. This shift leaves many marketers wondering how to drive traffic and conversions effectively if they can’t easily send people off-platform.
How to Adapt Your Social Media Marketing Strategy
Embracing change in social media marketing means adapting your strategy to stay relevant and here are some key tips to navigate this ever-changing landscape:
- Choose a Primary Content Type
Content is the backbone of marketing, driving connection and building brand loyalty. Focus on one content channel that aligns with your strengths—written content, video, podcasts, or images—and master it. Pour your energy into creating top-notch content for that channel before branching out. If reels are your sweet spot, stick with it. Finetune your strategy, your videography, and the possibilities become endless.
- Publish to Your Content Hub First
Relying solely on social media to connect with your audience is risky. Build your own audience through channels you control, like email lists, blogs, podcasts, or video series. Encourage your social media followers to subscribe, creating a direct line of communication that isn’t subject to algorithm whims.
At V3, we have a monthly newsletter and are now leveraging the “newsletter” and “article” function of LinkedIn to further engage with those who follow us already. We’ve seen an increase in activity on our website from these channels specifically.
- Create Better Social Media Content Than Your Competitors
Stand out by creating superior social content. Infuse unique perspectives and insights, embrace storytelling, and deliver value. Remember, people relate to people at the end of the day. Experiment with different formats, styles, and angles to keep your content fresh and engaging. People crave revelations and unique perspectives, not just facts and statistics.
- Maintain Consistency
Consistency is crucial for building an audience and establishing your brand. Deliver valuable content on a predictable schedule. Whether it’s a weekly blog post, daily Instagram Story, or monthly podcast episode, your audience should know when to expect new content. Create content in advance when possible and have a backlog of evergreen content ready for unexpected delays. We all create habits and routines. Do the same thing for your audience: no surprises.
- Embrace AI to Enhance Your Efforts
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many industries, including marketing. Leverage AI to enhance your core competency and amplify your efforts. For example, writers can use AI tools like Grammarly to write more efficiently and improve clarity. AI tools like ChatGPT can help structure and clarify thoughts, unlocking new levels of creativity and confidence.
Disclaimer: use them to help you but remember to humanize the content that’s being written. It’s your personality and voice that will speak to your audience.
Chaos Is Your Ally
In the world of social media, chaos is your ally. Embrace the unpredictable nature of social media, adapt your strategies, and stay ahead of the curve. By focusing on creating high-quality content, maintaining consistency, and leveraging AI, you can navigate the social media jungle and thrive in the digital world.
So, forget everything you know about social media and embrace the chaos. It’s time to make your mark and turn the unpredictable into an opportunity for success. Happy marketing!