We all know that social media is a game-changer for businesses, but sometimes even the bigwigs need a little help understanding the nitty-gritty of it all. From beginner interns to CEOs, we’ve got you covered with answers to the most common social media questions (including the infamous “How do I go viral?!”). Ready to impress and inform? Let’s dive in!
1. Isn’t social media marketing expensive?
Marketing is a lot like buying a car- you can invest a little or a lot, but that won’t always determine the speed of success for your business. What matters is having a solid strategy.
- Know your audience
- Set measurable goals
- Create engaging content
- Experiment with different tactics
- Track your ROI
Whether you hire an agency or manage everything in-house, consider the true cost of your time, tools, and advertising expenses. Invest wisely and drive towards profitable growth!
2. How do I get followers on my brand new account?
Attract and keep the attention of your target audience by consistently publishing high-quality and engaging content. Experiment with different types of content and topics to see what resonates with your audience. To help you stay on track, try following a well-planned editorial calendar and repurposing content regularly.
If you’re just starting out and need a boost, consider investing in paid ads to attract your first few hundred followers. Remember, growth takes time- don’t let a low follower count discourage you from reaching your goals!
3. How many hashtags should I be using, and for what?
DYK…using LESS hashtags actually proves to be MORE effective? Using fewer hashtags on Instagram can actually increase your reach by up to 15%! Despite allowing up to 30 hashtags per post, Instagram now recommends using only 3-5. Don’t miss out on potential views by overloading your post with tags.
Okay, great, less hashtags. Got it. But why should I use them? These versatile tools have endless possibilities, from raising awareness to keeping up with the latest trends and breaking news. Make hashtags a key part of your social media strategy to:
- Boost engagement with your followers
- Improve your brand recognition with branded hashtags #KreativElement #ShamelessPlug
- Stand up for social causes
- Help your target audience find you
- Add context to a specific post
4. How should I respond to Karens?
Navigating negative comments can be tricky for companies, but one rule always holds true- don’t feed the trolls! Balancing legitimate customer complaints with time-wasting trolls requires finesse. When in doubt, respond professionally and politely to protect your reputation with real customers who are paying attention.
5. Help- my graphics look wonky on IG but fine on FB! Do proper image sizes vary from platform to platform?
As platforms update their apps and feeds, image specifications have evolved. Although these specs seem to be everchanging, you can find the most up-to-date sizing here. Don’t make the mistake of thinking these size specifications don’t matter, either. Knowing what sizes for each platform and type of post is extremely important if you want to:
- Avoid awkward image stretching and pixelation
- Optimize your graphics for each platform’s feed, in return boosting engagement
- Guarantee your followers can see the whole image
6. How often should I post?
Keeping up with social media algorithms is a challenge. As a result, the “perfect” posting schedule is constantly changing. What works today may not work tomorrow. However, you don’t have to tweak your schedule every week. It’s recommended that you revise it once every three months to experiment with posting frequencies and see if it boosts engagement. Your audience’s habits and preferences play a significant role in determining your schedule’s success, as well, and everyone’s is different.
However often you decide to post, make sure your schedule is realistic and feasible for you by considering how much time you have to dedicate to it. AKA, don’t aim to create content 7 days/week knowing that you only have time for 3-4. Consistency is key here- think QUALITY over quantity.
7. How do I go viral?!?!?!
To put it bluntly, there is no magic button to push that can make you or your brand “go viral”. Stop striving to go viral! Instead, focus on building strong ties with a loyal social media audience. Quality over quantity is key, as views do not guarantee sales or loyalty. Engage with others’ content to deepen those connections and leave a lasting impression. We want to create meaningful relationships online, not just fleeting popularity.
Achieving success in social media entails more than just views and shares. It ultimately boils down to building a solid community of loyal followers who will stay for the long haul. If you need guidance in establishing your social media presence and cultivating a loyal following, KreativElement is your go-to partner. Our social media marketing strategies are tried and tested and have produced amazing results for our hundreds of clients across the nation.