As we close out 2014 and solidify business plans for 2015,
you may be considering how to improve your social media marketing in the new
year. In her recent Facebook 2015 webinar, Mari Smith, a leading expert and trainer on
Facebook best practices, revealed growing trends for Pages in the new year. Here's a summary of the trends she discussed:
1. Post More Video vs.
Static Photos
Videos are shared twelve times more often than photos or
links on Facebook. Show off your expertise,
products, services or just your personality! Consider how you can incorporate
educational, informational or entertaining videos into your social media
strategy.
2. Business Pages: Post
More Links
Not long ago, links were out of favor with Facebook. Now native links are being given priority!
Pasting a url into the Facebook status box will automatically create a post
that will grab that page's headline, photo and description. Post those links and drive more Facebook
traffic to your blog and web site pages!
3. Focus on Adding
Value
Smith suggests that the best use of Facebook is to engage a
small, targeted, engaged community. How can you add more value to a highly
focused audience?
4. More Personal and
Personalized Content
Consider how you can personalize your brand to make stronger
connections with clients and prospects. Smith suggests posting selfies, short
videos about employees or interesting 'behind the scenes' content. How can you
tell your story in order to add value for your target market?
5. Facebook
Advertising
Facebook's ad-related services provide a way to reach a
targeted segment with a customized message at a budget that you determine. Expand your audience by allocating funds for
Facebook's targeted advertising.
6. Better Ad
Targeting
Facebook will now use login data to allow marketers to track
users' activity on the Web. Facebook hasn't disclosed all the details but this
new ad platform will help marketers make ads relevant to the right people.
7. More Creative
Facebook Integration
While you probably have a Facebook icon on your web site
that links to your Facebook Page, have you considered embedding a 'Like Box' so
visitors can click and Like right from your Page?
8. Organic Reach
94% of your Facebook Fans don't see your content. Ouch!
Smith says that in order to increase your reach try mixing things up! Test
posting outside business hours, mix up post frequency (try posting less), test
post length, include @tags of other pages and repost your most popular posts.
9. Free Content
Smith notes that one of the biggest marketing trend is to capture
leads by giving away low end content
such as free webinars, white papers, reports, etc. on Facebook. Then create a campaign to turn those captured
leads into new customers!
So those are Mari Smith's Facebook Trends for 2015 in a
nutshell! Tune in for my next blog post on
Mari Smith's Facebook Mistakes to Avoid!
As always, if you need assistance with your Facebook or
other social media, please give me a shout or stop by www.marketing-er.com!
