Despite the entry of many other social networking sites, Facebook still remains the most popular choice for businesses and marketers. A research study says that 71% of Internet users are now on Facebook. With over 1.4 billion users, this social media giant is undoubtedly one of the biggest platforms for startups and small businesses looking to establish their brand, garner media mileage, connect with prospects and attract some sales.
It takes a lot of efforts to lure followers, engage them and keep them engaged. With 510 comments being posted, 293,000 statuses being updated, and 136,000 photos being uploaded on Facebook ever every minute, it’s a challenge for marketers to stand out. They need to be creative and stay abreast with the latest Facebook marketing trends. In order to help you stay ahead of the curve, here we present to you 5 Facebook marketing trends in 2016 and beyond.
1. Use Facebook Videos Creatively
Facebook videos have been slowly gaining solid grounds and we’re likely to see the trend of Facebook videos grow exponentially in the coming time. While Facebook Live (just like Periscope and Meerkat) gives an option of broadcasting real-time videos through your mobile devices. Instant Articles is a feature through which content loads 10 times faster even if it has images, videos, etc.
You can even use animated GIFs in your business pages or add Facebook 360 videos. Facebook’s videos are more eye-catching than a regular post. Don’t forget videos get more organic reach on the Facebook news feed.
2. Facebook Messaging Tools Are a Must
Recently, Facebook came out with improved communication tools to help startups converse and get their message across in a more effective way. Businesses can now set their “Response Time,” set an “Away” status if they are unavailable, “Save” replies and send “Instant” replies — automatic messages from the page owner to people who comment about their products or services publicly on their Facebook page. Remember, 1 in every 4 customers share negative experiences openly on social media platforms including Facebook.
It’s a great feature as it allows you to have better customer management. Moreover, social media experts states that there’s a new tool available under Facebook’s Activity tab that offers admins a single place to view and respond to customer comments on both desktop and mobile.
3. Carousel-Type Ads Are In
Facebook Carousel Adverts give you an option of advertising your range of products or services without having to create additional ads. You get an opportunity to use multiple images or videos with links, calls to action and custom logo design on every page. Apart from being able to send people to different pages of your site, you can reduce your cost-per-click and lower cost-per-conversion.
Advertisers have seen carousel link ads drive 30% to 50% lower cost-per-conversion and 20% to 30% lower cost-per-click than single-image link ads. Through such an advert, it is easier to get the attention of your potential customers. It is something that is available to all Facebook users and slowly rolling out on Instagram as well.
4. Improve Your Content “Shareability”
While creating content, just pay attention to what you think will be shared by your audience and team members. Try and create content that your audience are not able to wait to share with their friends, colleagues etc. make it more interesting and unique. However, be it videos or animated GIFs, make sure the timing of your publishing the content is apt.
If the content you create is relevant, informative and engaging, publishing it at the right time can widen your outreach on social media in one night. No shares means no likes, comments and ultimately no traffic. An article published in Jeffbullas.com states that content that triggers positive, high arousal emotions, along with headlines that evoke curiosity and awe, is more likely to be shared.
5. Go Mobile On Facebook
Five-hundred forty three million people access Facebook via mobile and smartphone devices each month and mobile users are twice as active on Facebook. In addition, 64% Facebook videos occur on different mobile devices and the social media site accounts 60.3% of all mobile social sharing. With these numbers in hand, it’s easy to understand why you must tap the untapped potential of Facebook mobile users.
In order to effectively target Facebook mobile users, you’ll need to create and post crisp and to-the-point content of 160 characters. Add elements of visual appeal to your posts and ask short, open-ended questions.
Don’t forget to be humorous and entertaining with your posts and strategically use effective call to action buttons.
Conclusion
Remember that this is not a one-time process. Facebook keeps updating and introducing new marketing tools for businesses as well as its users. Start with spreading awareness about your product or service and then portray yourself a source of information worth following.
Use efficiently all the tools available on the platform for better marketing. Make your content more engaging and focus on getting more and more “LIKES.” You will slowly but eventually succeed in your Facebook marketing efforts.
Bio: Alice Jackson is a Blogger and Digital Marketing Consultant at a crowdsourcing company, Designhill. She is a social media enthusiast, online market analyst, amateur designer and an avid author. She has written on several topics including social media marketing, content marketing, designing trends, startup strategies, and e-commerce. When not writing, she loves spending her time reading romantic novels. Find her on Twitter.