5 Proven Ways to Improve Your Brand’s Social Media Marketing Strategy

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5 Proven Ways to Improve Your Brand’s Social Media Marketing Strategy

Are you frustrated by low engagement on social media despite consistently posting across platforms? Then you’re not alone!

The harsh truth is that social media marketing is a complex game, and simply posting isn’t enough to captivate your audience or build a strong brand presence. To truly succeed, you need to implement well-organized social media marketing strategies

If you’re wondering if all this effort is really worth it, the answer is absolutely!

Take a look at these eye-opening social media statistics: 92% of marketers agree that social media is crucial to their marketing strategy, over 85% have seen increased business visibility, and 78% report a significant uptick in traffic thanks to their social media efforts.

So, it’s time to level up your social media marketing game! Let’s begin with our 5 proven ways to improve your social media strategies.

1.      Choosing the Right Social Media Channels

With the sea of social media platforms that brands can market on, it can get very overwhelming. The key is to focus on where your target audience spends most of their time. This approach requires research and understanding of each platform’s user base.

A study by Pew Research Center reveals that Facebook is a powerful player with a diverse user base across all age groups, boasting nearly 2.85 billion monthly active users. This makes Facebook an excellent starting point for most brands, especially if your goal is to increase brand awareness or generate leads.

However, if you’re looking to connect with influencers and professionals, Twitter and LinkedIn might be your best bet. On the other hand, to capture the attention of a younger audience, platforms like TikTok and Instagram are ideal. Choosing the right platform is the first step in crafting a successful social media marketing strategy. Check these statistics of most popular social networks worldwide in 2024:

Most Used Social Networks 2024 (in millions)

Facebook leads the pack with 3,065 million monthly active users, reflecting its enduring popularity across a broad demographic spectrum. YouTube follows closely with 2,504 million users, underscoring its dominance as the go-to platform for video content. Instagram and WhatsApp each attract 2,000 million users, demonstrating their critical roles in visual storytelling and instant messaging, respectively.

TikTok, known for its short-form video content, has amassed 1,582 million users, highlighting its appeal, particularly among younger audiences. WeChat, a multi-functional platform popular in China, has 1,343 million users. Facebook Messenger also remains a major player in the messaging space, with 1,010 million users.

2.      Harness the Power of Live Videos

Live videos are rapidly becoming a favorite tool for brands looking to engage their audiences in real-time. According to a Livestream survey, 80% of viewers would rather watch live videos from a brand than read their blogs.

Even more compelling, 67% of those who watch live videos are more likely to purchase tickets to an event after seeing a live stream or similar content.

Clearly, if you’re serious about boosting your social media marketing efforts, incorporating live videos into your social media marketing strategy is a must. Whether it’s streaming brand events, hosting interviews, or sharing behind-the-scenes moments, live videos can significantly increase audience engagement.

3.      Craft a Compelling Brand Story

People will perceive your brand however you present our brand’s story.

That’s why a well-crafted story helps create an emotional connection between your brand and your audience, making it more memorable and relatable. But it’s not just about what you say—it’s also about how and where you say it.

For example, Intel has effectively utilized Instagram to share inspirational stories about their company and customers.

By consistently posting stories, videos, testimonials, interviews, and fun facts, they’ve managed to maintain a high engagement rate, proving that a compelling brand story can resonate deeply with your audience and keep them coming back for more.

4.      Optimizing Visual Content for Social Media

The days of relying on generic stock images are fading fast. But what if you lack the design expertise to create captivating visuals?

For startups or small businesses, hiring a professional designer might not be feasible. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools available to bridge this gap. Platforms like Placeit, Canva, Cello, and Venngage offer a wealth of templates that can help you create stunning graphics tailored to your specific social media channels and post themes.

5.      Utilizing Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags are a powerful tool for boosting your brand’s visibility, but using them effectively requires some strategic research. To maximize the impact of your hashtags, start by identifying those that are most relevant to your brand and audience.

The more specific the hashtag, the more likely it is to attract the right audience, leading to better visibility and higher engagement rates.

It’s also a good idea to mix generic hashtags with unique, brand-specific ones. This combination helps you reach a broader audience while still connecting with those most interested in your content.

For example, if you’re a fitness brand launching a new line of eco-friendly workout gear, you might use a mix of generic hashtags like #Fitness and #Workout, along with more specific, brand-focused ones like #EcoFitGear or #GreenWorkoutRevolution.

5 Common Social Media Marketing Mistakes Businesses Make

If your social media marketing results aren’t hitting the mark, chances are you’re making some common but costly social media mistakes. These blunders can cause you to miss out on valuable sales opportunities.

The good news is we’ve identified some of the biggest mistakes brands make when trying to cultivate an audience, sell online, or expand their reach on social media. Don’t worry we will also show how you can stop making them for good with practical, actionable solutions.

1. Not Responding to Customer DMs (Right Away!)

One of the quickest ways to lose a potential customer is by not responding to their direct messages promptly. In today’s fast-paced digital world, people expect near-instant responses, especially when they reach out to a brand they’re interested in. If you’re slow to respond, you risk coming across as uninterested or unprofessional, which can push potential customers away.

How to Fix It: Implement a system where customer DMs are prioritized. Set up notifications for new messages, and if possible, dedicate a team member to handle inquiries during business hours. For times when you’re unavailable, consider setting up an automated response that acknowledges the message and informs the customer when they can expect a reply.

2. Ignoring Story Mentions

When your customers take the time to mention your brand in their Instagram Stories, it’s a clear sign that they’re engaged and excited about your products. Ignoring these mentions is a missed opportunity to foster a deeper connection with your audience.

How to Fix It: Make it a habit to acknowledge every Story mention. A simple thank you, a repost, or even a shoutout can go a long way in building brand loyalty. This small gesture shows your audience that you value their support and are paying attention to their interactions with your brand.

3. Inconsistency in Postings

Inconsistency is one of the biggest pitfalls in social media marketing. If you’re not posting regularly, your audience might forget about you, and your engagement rates can suffer as a result. An erratic posting schedule can also make your brand appear disorganized or unreliable.

How to Fix It: Develop a content calendar that outlines when and what you’ll post each week. Consistency is key, so make sure you’re posting at optimal times when your audience is most active. Tools like Buffer or Hootsuite can help you schedule posts in advance, ensuring that your social media presence remains steady and reliable.

4. Not Paying Attention to Social Media Analytics

Flying blind without understanding how your content is performing is a sure way to waste time and resources. Social media analytics offer valuable insights into what’s working and what’s not, allowing you to refine your strategy for better results.

How to Fix It: Regularly check the analytics provided by each social media platform. Look at metrics like engagement rates, reach, and follower growth. Use these insights to adjust your content strategy, doubling down on what resonates with your audience and cutting out what doesn’t. Tools like Google Analytics, Sprout Social, and even the native analytics within each platform can provide detailed data to help you fine-tune your approach.

5. Not Humanizing Your Brand

In an age where consumers crave authenticity, failing to humanize your brand can make it feel cold and detached. People connect with stories, emotions, and personalities—not faceless corporations. If your social media presence lacks a human touch, you may struggle to build meaningful relationships with your audience.

How to Fix It: Start by sharing behind-the-scenes content, introducing your team, and telling the story behind your brand. Show your followers that there are real people behind your business who share their values and interests. Engage with your audience in a conversational tone, and don’t be afraid to show some personality in your posts. The more relatable your brand feels, the more likely your audience is to connect with it on a deeper level.

How to Make Your Social Media Strategy Better in 2024

With all that being said, as our final thoughts, it’s clear that succeeding in social media marketing in 2024 requires a multifaceted approach. Here is what to take from our guide to make your social media strategy better:

Create a Consistent Posting Schedule

Consistency will always remain crucial in social media marketing. Your audience expects regular updates and content that they can look forward to.

A well-planned posting schedule helps maintain just that. Whether it’s daily, bi-weekly, or weekly posts, having a set schedule ensures that your content is seen and remembered.

Post Short Video Content, or Even Live Videos

Attention spans are getting shorter and shorter, so short-form video content will continue to dominate, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels leading the charge.

These bite-sized videos capture attention quickly and are perfect for engaging viewers on the go. Don’t forget that live videos are making waves as a powerful tool for real-time engagement. Whether you’re hosting a Q&A, a live product demo, or behind-the-scenes content, live videos offer an authentic connection with your audience. Leveraging both short and live videos can significantly boost your brand’s visibility and interaction rates.

Engage with Your Audience

It’s not enough to just post content; you need to actively interact with your audience. Respond to comments, answer direct messages, and participate in conversations relevant to your brand. Remember, the more you engage, the more you encourage ongoing dialogue and loyalty from your followers.

Work with Content Creators

Collaborating with content creators is a strategy that continues to gain momentum. These creators have built-in audiences and can help amplify your brand’s message in a more authentic and relatable way. Look for creators who have a genuine connection with their audience and can provide creative content that resonates with your brand’s voice.

Develop a Strong Brand Identity with Posts That Tell a Story

Storytelling remains a powerful tool for building a strong brand identity. Whether it’s sharing the journey behind your brand, highlighting customer success stories, or creating a narrative around your products, storytelling will also humanize your brand in the eye of your audience.

Scarlet Marketing Consultancy Team is at your service during weekdays 9.00-18.00 GST.

Feel free to connect with us at +971526998809 or via [email protected] for international/local projects