I turned my attention toward the TV when I saw an interesting headline across the screen…Meta Launches ‘Twitter-Killer’ App, Threads. My first reaction was: “We are already still getting used to the ever-changing algorithms of the Twitter platform. Even before the dust settles, another app is here!”
Thinking how interesting this was, I decided to read more about it and talk to others to determine their reception of the new app. While some were excited and had downloaded the Threads app in seconds, others, including me, were reluctant to download it. Although there was much buzz about the new platform, there were also concerns about whether one’s old Instagram account would be affected if they deleted Threads later, as they’re all under the same parent company. With such reservations, I wanted to be more informed about the app before taking the next step.
The Need for Research
The social media space is never static…there’s always something new to learn and a new algorithm to master. For instance, there was a time Instagram prioritized reels over pictures, with reels performing better. At another point, it seemed like pictures were regaining their position, with a preference for carousel posts. Later, the trend shifted again, with reels under thirty seconds gaining more priority.
Every platform has its unique set of rules that, when mastered, can help us to get the best out of it. But in the sea of new platforms arising every day, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each before jumping on the wagon. What might work for someone may not necessarily work for you, making it essential to research carefully before making a final decision.
So, in my case, after reading more about the Threads app, I felt it would be better to download it for a business page. One of the advantages I noticed was that it could take a larger word count at a go than Twitter, which can be convenient if you have a lot to say for your business. However, the inability to completely delete it if I want discouraged me from using it personally. Any social media platform may appeal to you depending on the pros and cons you discover, making it essential to know more to make an informed choice.
Feeling Left Out
Believe it or not, not everyone or every business feels the need to create a social media account to thrive. It all depends on the nature of your business or brand. Although social media can be an excellent tool to reach out to audiences you may never meet in person, sometimes, you may need a strategy beyond that. For instance, downloading Threads because everyone is may not necessarily work out for you, as you may end up rushing to download it but become dormant after, since you had no strategy to start with in the first place. Suppose you’re a small food business seeking to expand your market. In that case, social media alone might not work. You may also need positive word-of-mouth marketing. You can gain this by creating a memorable experience offline, which will attract others to come and see things for themselves.
If you’re not on social media, you may not necessarily be missing out on a lot (in some cases). However, staying on top of issues is vital to know the next best step for your brand. This way, you won’t feel left out in the ever-evolving world of trends, and new developments, among others.
Consistency is Key
Consistency is crucial if you decide to go big on social media. It all starts with a little step…indeed, that’s how many pages with the most followers and significant engagement grew. If the question about whether it’s good to buy followers as opposed to organic growth crossed your mind, let’s leave that conversation for another day 😀
There may be times when in rolling out your strategy, you may feel like giving up because you’re not gaining much results. But such times should rather be an excellent reminder to keep going. In such moments, it would help to sit down, analyse what you’re doing right and where you can improve. If you’re still on the right track, keep at it. For instance, if, after studying your audience, you decide to post three times a week, say, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, keep going, even when the views or engagement aren’t initially over the roof. The more you keep doing it, the more results you’ll see. LinkedIn is a great example of that; there are many personalities I’ve seen over time who were very consistent no matter the engagement they got.
You Can Start Today
A perfect example is LinkedIn influencer Edward Asare. He started by throwing light on people who had done remarkable things no matter how simple, such as academic feats, inspiring stories, etc. There was no week I scrolled through LinkedIn without at least seeing one post from him. With time, he has gained recognition for what he does and is an informative resource in digital marketing, especially where LinkedIn is concerned. If you’re wondering when that could be said about you, it’s never too late to start; you have your own niche to carve. You only need to understand the platform you’re working with. Thankfully, many helpful articles and short courses online can equip you with the relevant information you need for your next step. It’s all about staying consistent till you’re known exactly for what you do.
Taking a Break
If you’ve reached this paragraph, it may have briefly crossed your mind how overwhelming the social media world can be. It can be a blessing in most cases, but it also has downsides. For instance, some people have experienced negativity from followers they’ve never met, which can sometimes be discouraging. Another downside is the risk of addiction. The more you use social media, the more likely you are to pick up your phone first thing in the morning. You may do this to update yourself on what is happening and ensure you’ve not missed out on anything. That’s why moderation is key.
It’s especially easier if you’re an individual than a business brand. However, as a business, you can also take a little time to re-strategize and make any changes if needed. In such cases, though, your break should not be too long. Your target audience not hearing from you could affect your positioning in their minds or cause them to look elsewhere.
At the end of the day, it’s all about a relationship with your audience and how you communicate with them. Whatever route you take, remember to strike a clear balance between your time online and offline. This way, the lines don’t get blurred.
Social media is an interesting world with something new to learn every day. You only have to search in the right places to help you make the best choice. Where you’re not sure, there’s nothing wrong with learning or speaking to others to know more. After all, as the saying goes, “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”
