Social media moves fast. It can feel like there is a new feature released or a new tool to use on the daily. Sometimes new trends can be hard to keep track of and it can sometimes be difficult to figure out how they work before they become a thing of the past.
We always recommend that if you are actively producing content on a platform that releases a new feature, it is probably worth seeing if you can fit it into your content calendar or BAU activities. Each platform gives a ‘weight’ to each of its features; the newer the feature, chances are, it is more likely to be surfaced in a newsfeed.
Instagram Reels
As previously mention in a previous blog, Instagram have introduced a new rival for TikTok. Instagram Reels are a relatively new feature that Instagram launched a couple of months ago in August. They are a 15 second looping video that you can share to your followers and the explore page on Instagram.
Although at first, Instagram Reels didn’t have a great reputation and were branded as “Tik Tok copycat”, they have since gained positive feedback with many businesses and influencers using it alongside Tik Tok. It is a great way if you want to show the BTS of your business and show your customers everything that they may not see otherwise.
However, one of the downsides that as a business you may want to consider regarding if it is right for you, is that your targeted demographic may not Instagram Reels or even Instagram, due to it being dominated by the younger age graphic.
Whatsapp Business In-Chat Shopping
Back in October, we wrote about Facebook announcing a new feature for Whatsapp Business. With Facebook trying to encourage more people to make purchases through Whatsapp, Whatsapp Business will be soon introducing the new feature of being able to In-Chat shop.
This will allow users to display what they are selling on Facebook and Instagram on the Whatsapp platform. This will allow customers to be able to message a business about a product, which allows the business to be able to send the customer a link to the product where they are able to purchase it right there in the app!
Not only will this be great in giving the customer a chance to get a bit more information about the product quickly off of the business directly, but it also will allow for the effectiveness and efficiency of being able to purchase it there and then.
LinkedIn Stories
Worldwide, LinkedIn have launched stories for individuals and businesses as briefly mention back in our blog in October, where they are able to post photos or even videos on to their profile.
This is a great way to incorporate a feature that many people are used to using on other platforms and will be enthusiastic to use on LinkedIn. It is also a great way to show the behind the scenes and a bit of a casual stance, to perhaps be more relatable and show a different side of you as a person or your business, or it could even display a vacancy that you have available.
This in turn, is a great way to connect with others or understand individuals or businesses better after getting to know them on a personal basis. Although, as it currently stands, there are a few aspects that may mean it is un-beneficial for your business and its needs. Unlike Instagram, you are not able to post polls meaning for less interactivity and feedback from your customers.
With social media fast evolving, we know it can be difficult to sometimes know what the best move is for you as an individual or for your business. However, if you believe these updates would be effective for your business, they could not only help you grow but also help your customer get to know you better and overall help you become more efficient with gaining brand awareness and engagement and keep up to date with your competitors!
