Month: November 2019

Always keeping business owners and digital marketers on their toes, it’s never a dull period when it comes to Facebook updates and trends. We’re diving into some of Facebook’s latest announced changes, and what you need to know when it comes to best practices.

Changing Image Ratios

When it comes to organic posts and advertising, generally a square (1:1) image ratio has been best when it comes to reaching audiences and capturing a large chunk of the news feed. Now, that’s changed.

To follow closely with what Instagram has done, the maximum image ratio that will now be accepted (without being cut off by the preview) is a 4:5 ratio. This is important for businesses to note, as it means captivating content will take up more of the news feed and, in turn, could garner more impressions.

Trim That Text

For years, Facebook has been trending toward a “less text, more content” approach when it comes to ads and organic posts. In October, Facebook took another step toward this shift, by trimming the amount of text seeing before a “read more” badge is displayed. What used to be four lines of text before getting cut-off will now be three lines, and not a single word more.

Moving to “Creator Studio”

In the past, scheduling posts or updates was as easy as going to your company’s page and beginning to type. Alas, that is no more — although, if you’re looking to just make a quick post, this will still work.

Scheduling future posts or ads now requires page administrators to utilize Facebook’s new “creator studio.” To learn more about the creator studio, click here.

Algorithm Updates

As always, Facebook is toying with the news feed algorithm — and it usually means bad news for business pages. The latest algorithm update was no exception.

The algorithm changes go closely in-hand with the aforementioned “less text, more content” approach. More emphasis will be placed on engagement, such as reactions, comments and shares (although, not likes, as Facebook looks to do away with those). The best way to ensure engagement, such as comments? Organic content, with little text.

Testing New Photo Layouts

Always experimenting with different formats, layouts and styles with their news feed, Facebook is apparently testing new image-formatting options for multiple images that have been posted in the feed.

 

Need help with your Facebook marketing strategy? At SmartSolutions, we are passionate about utilizing the power of communication to bring people and businesses together — and we are equally as passionate about your story. Our team of expert marketers bring their unique perspectives and diverse experiences together to provide a one-stop, full-service marketing solution to help your business thrive. Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!

It’s finally November — which means if they haven’t already, it’s time for small business owners to begin thinking about their holiday season marketing strategies.

Nearly 20% of annual retail sales come during the holiday season — with hobby, toy and gift stores reporting the highest share at roughly 30%. And whether it be utilizing your company’s social media or offering deals and hosting in-store events, the holidays can be some of the most profitable times for small business owners.

Organic social media posts

When it comes to social media content, not only do users engage more with organic content such as images and videos, but it’s also useful for “cracking the code” that is Facebook and Instagram’s news feed algorithms. More organic content drives more engagement, which means more prominent features in the news feed, which in turn drives more engagement — you get the picture.

Proper email marketing

With a proper email marketing strategy, not only are you reaching customers where they already are — over 99% of users are opening their inbox at least once every day, according to HubSpot — but you’re also creating an opportunity to personalize your interactions with them. (Of course, be careful not to spam your customers’ inbox!)

Hosting in-store events

Utilizing some of the marketing methods mentioned above, promoting and hosting in-store events can be an excellent way to not only drive people into your business’ storefront, but it can also be a great way to connect with customers on a personal level, putting a face to your store.

Different in-store events that could be used as loyalty-building opportunities could include seasonal events featuring in-store specials with food and drinks, or even a holiday sip ‘n’ shop with a creative giftwrapping demo and class — all supplies included for those who shop that night. Regardless of the event, using social media and email marketing to drive customers and potential customers into the store to meet and greet with your staff, while receiving exclusive deals, can go a long way toward building a loyal customer for years to come.

DEALS!

Finally, one final way you can work to build a loyal customer base is perhaps the simplest, tried-and-true way: promotions, deals and coupons.

Everybody likes to feel like they’re getting the best deal possible, right? Utilizing the aforementioned tactics of social media and email to offer your customers exclusive coupons, deals and promotions not only creates a brand awareness, it creates further shopping opportunities for your customers where they otherwise might not have been looking. You’re creating sales by reaching them when they’re not expecting it, and you’re creating a loyal customer by offering them incentives to shop with you, whether that be for the very first time or as a returning customer.

 

Think you know your social media marketing stuff? Take our SmartSolutions Social Media Quiz to get your official score today!

Need help with your holiday marketing strategy? At SmartSolutions, we are passionate about utilizing the power of communication to bring people and businesses together — and we are equally as passionate about your story. Our team of expert marketers bring their unique perspectives and diverse experiences together to provide a one-stop, full-service marketing solution to help your business thrive. Click below or call us today to get your free consultation!