As small-business owners operating in the fast-paced world of social media, our platforms serve as an essential avenue for connecting with our target audience, sharing our stories, and promoting our products or services. With so much information out there on the internet, it’s necessary to be cautious and discerning about what we post online. Being mindful of our online presence can help protect our reputation and ensure we are presenting ourselves in the best possible light.
Maintaining a positive and professional online presence is key to building trust and credibility with your audience. It’s important to remember that once something is out there on the internet, it’s pretty much impossible to erase completely. Remember to think twice before hitting that “share” button, and always consider the potential consequences of your online actions.
So, how can you actively prevent the unintentional spread of false information? Let’s explore a few suggestions.
Verify Your Sources
Misinformation runs rampant online, making fact-checking an absolute priority. Before sharing any content on your company’s social media platforms, it’s necessary to verify the accuracy of the information. While we all crave engagement and shares, authenticity should always be a top priority. A useful tool for fact-checking is Snopes, which helps verify the accuracy of stories, especially those concerning politics, news, or celebrities. When it comes to statistics, Statista is a reliable source of information.
The Perils of Unverified Posts
Apart from spreading misinformation, there is a risk of posts being altered after publication. Imagine this scenario: scammers creating posts about missing pets or children, only to alter the content at a later stage, perhaps to sell or promote a product that you had no intention of endorsing. This leaves you oblivious to the changes. This highlights how important it is to pay close attention to the original sources of the content we share, especially when talking about sensitive or urgent issues.
This kind of precaution is not only a sign of accountability but also a defense against unintentionally spreading false information. It helps in halting the spread of falsehoods, gossip, and myths that could be detrimental to you or your brand.
Balancing Professional and Personal Use
In contrast to posting and sharing on social media platforms as a casual user, using social media as a business requires a different type of focus. As small business owners, we must recognize the weight of our digital footprint and the impact it has on our brand’s credibility.
Fortunately, a variety of online and offline resources exist to help in crafting high-quality social media content that is accurate, engaging, and informative. By using these resources effectively, you can ensure that your online presence accurately reflects the values and professionalism of your business.
Using MYOB for Social Media Success
When it comes to navigating the intricacies of sharing compelling and accurate content, a business like MYOB can be an invaluable ally. Our team of experienced social media managers and writers works together with small business owners to craft and share content that captivates and informs. From empowering you to curate engaging posts to providing insights into your audience’s preferences, our team will equip you with the means to foster an authentic and trustworthy online presence.
Over to You!
In today’s ever-changing social media world, it is especially important to be cautious about what you post. Remember that every post you create and share represents your brand.
What strategies do you use to ensure your social media content is both authentic and reliable?
Remember when YouTube was just a place for funny cat clips and DIY tutorials? Those days are long gone. Today, it’s a massive platform, surpassing even traditional TV in terms of viewership. In fact, more people are tuning into YouTube on their TVs than Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime combined. That’s a staggering statistic, isn’t it?
For small business owners, this presents a significant opportunity to reach a wide audience with their products or services. By creating engaging and informative videos that showcase their offerings, they can attract potential customers and generate revenue in ways that were never possible before. YouTube has truly become the go-to platform for both entertainment and shopping. With billions of users worldwide, the reach and potential for growth are practically limitless.
Understanding the YouTube Landscape
Small businesses that embrace YouTube as a marketing tool can stay ahead of the competition and tap into a whole new level of success. The key is to create content that is not only eye-catching and engaging but also offers real value to the viewer, building trust and loyalty in the process.
So, what does this mean for you, a small business owner? It means that YouTube is a valuable source of potential customers waiting to be discovered. It’s a platform where you can connect with your audience on a deeper level, build trust, and ultimately drive sales. For example, a small bakery could create a YouTube channel showcasing behind-the-scenes footage of their baking process, sharing recipes, and offering baking tips. By providing valuable content to viewers, they can attract a larger audience, build credibility in their industry, and ultimately increase sales both in-store and online.
Building a Strong YouTube Presence
These days, YouTube isn’t just about videos. It’s a versatile platform that’s evolving. Podcasts, for instance, are gaining immense popularity. What if you could leverage the power of social media to bring an interactive element to these audio-only formats? Imagine a YouTube channel where viewers can comment, like, and share their favorite podcast episodes. It has the potential to be a huge game-changer!
Not only could this increase engagement and foster a sense of community among listeners, but it would also provide valuable feedback for the creators to improve their content. This interactive element can set a podcast apart from the competition and attract a dedicated fan base. By embracing new ways to connect with their audience, content creators can truly maximize the potential of platforms like YouTube and reach new heights of success.
Growing Your YouTube Community
According to Statista, the number of monthly active users on YouTube reached almost 2.5 billion in October 2023, making it the second most popular social network on the internet. The platform’s popularity spans all over the world, with India and the United States having the largest YouTube audiences. That’s an enormous audience, isn’t it? And the best part? You can tap into specific demographics based on interests, age, and location.
Understanding your target audience’s demographics allows you to customize your content to match their interests and preferences. This level of targeted marketing can lead to higher engagement and ultimately, increased success on the platform. Additionally, YouTube’s algorithm rewards consistent and high-quality content, so by regularly posting videos that resonate with your audience, you can boost your visibility and grow your subscriber base.
Read This Before You Begin!
In a world where attention spans are decreasing and competition is intense, it’s vital to differentiate yourself and leave a lasting impact on viewers. With the right strategies in place, content creators can use the power of YouTube to connect with their audience in meaningful ways and achieve their goals.
But before you rush to upload your first video, there are a few things to consider. Copyright is very important. You could get into serious trouble if you use someone else’s content without their consent. Creating unique content or obtaining the necessary licensing is crucial. And keep in mind that giving acknowledgment to the creators is always a good idea, especially when using royalty-free music or photos.
For example, beauty vloggers who create makeup tutorials on YouTube must be sure they have permission to use music in the background of their videos to avoid copyright issues. They can either purchase a license for the music from the creator or use royalty-free tracks from sites like Bensound or Pixabay to keep their content legal and protect their channel from being taken down.
If you are unsure about whether your music is royalty-free or not (keep in mind songs by popular artists are not royalty-free), look at this site first: public domain. Unless you are choosing music from a royalty-free site, it is safe to assume there is a copyright associated with it as all music is inherently copyright protected unless otherwise noted.
Over to You!
Managing a YouTube channel can be time-consuming, especially when you’re juggling the demands of running a business. That’s where working with an organization like MYOB can be a lifesaver. We can take on the heavy lifting of tasks such as editing videos, loading them to your channel, monitoring engagement and tracking analytics, saving you time, and allowing you to focus on your business!
The potential of YouTube for small businesses is undeniable. It’s a platform that can level the playing field, allowing you to compete with larger companies. Remember, success on YouTube doesn’t come overnight; it takes time and dedication. It requires consistency, creativity, and a deep understanding of your audience.
So, are you ready to unlock the power of YouTube for your small business? Let’s chat!
You’ve probably heard the saying, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Well, the same goes for your content. Your headline is the first thing people see. It’s the digital equivalent of a shop window. If it’s dull, people will walk right past. If it’s captivating, they’ll stop and take a look.
The headline is what draws readers in and entices them to click on your content. It sets the tone for what readers can expect within your e-newsletter, article, or blog post. A great headline can make all the difference in whether or not your content gets noticed in a sea of information online. It should be clear, concise, and intriguing, sparking curiosity and prompting readers to want to learn more.
Renowned copywriter Eugene Schwartz once wrote: “Your headline has one job: to stop your prospect and compel him to read the second sentence of your ad.” Other than the fact that prospects aren’t only men anymore, this is pretty spot-on—and it applies to your subject line, too. It has one job: to stop your prospect and compel them to open your email. (Source: RingCentral)
The Power of a Great Headline
A good headline is more than just a catchy phrase; it is a strategic tool. It’s a strategic tool that can dramatically impact your business. Let’s break it down.
First, headlines are crucial for SEO. Search engines like Google prioritize content with relevant and engaging titles. A well-crafted headline containing relevant keywords can boost your search rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Second, headlines are the gatekeepers to your content. They determine whether someone will click on your article, blog post, or email. An interesting finding from Litmus shows that email subject lines (headlines) that include an emoji can boost click-through rates (CTR) by 28%. Imagine if 28% more people were seeing your amazing content!
Third, a strong headline can increase social shares. People are more likely to share content with a compelling title. This free word-of-mouth marketing can significantly expand your reach.
What Makes a Great Headline?
Now, you might be wondering, what makes a headline great? There are many factors to consider, but in a nutshell, a headline should be informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience. More importantly, it should also be concise, brief, and to the point. Be sure not to include every detail of your email in the subject line. This will lose the attention of your recipient. People have short attention spans, so you need to grab them quickly.
What Headlines Do People Ignore?
Think about the emails you get. What kind of headlines make you hit delete? Probably something vague like “Important Update” or “You Won’t Believe This.” These headlines are like a black hole for engagement.
On the other hand, what headlines make you click? Chances are, it’s something specific, intriguing, or promises a benefit. For example, “Increase Your Sales by 20% in 30 Days” is much more likely to grab attention than “Tips for Business Growth.”
The Importance of Delivering on Headline Promises
We could say, “Free Lunch!” as the subject line of our email and guarantee you’d have sky-high open rates. But let’s be real. First impressions matter. If your email content doesn’t deliver on the promise of the headline, you’ll lose trust. You don’t want your emails to be branded as “click-bait”.
A strong headline is like a good first date. It gets you in the door, but the relationship depends on what happens next. That’s why creating high-quality, valuable content – starting with a robust, accurate headline – is a must.
Let MYOB Help You Create Headlines That Matter
At MYOB, we understand the marketing challenges business owners face. Crafting compelling content, which includes attention-grabbing headlines, can be time-consuming. That’s where we can help. Our team of experts can assist with everything from writing engaging copy to designing stunning visuals.
By investing in professional content creation, you can enhance your online visibility, attract a larger customer base, and expand your business. So, are you ready to take your headlines to the next level? Let’s chat!
An increasing number of individuals, particularly young adults, are opting for basic ‘dumbphones’ over smartphones for their simplicity and minimal features. While some may view this trend as a digital detox movement primarily centered on child safety, it carries significant implications for the future of digital marketing, especially for small businesses.
The dumbphone trend offers small businesses an opportunity to reach a new, untapped market of consumers who prefer traditional marketing methods like SMS and physical advertisements. This transition can result in establishing personalized customer connections, enhancing brand loyalty, and creating a fairer competitive landscape for businesses that may not have the resources to rival larger corporations in the digital realm. It is important for businesses to adapt and embrace these changes in order to stay competitive in today’s market.
The trend of opting for basic ‘dumbphones’ also provides small businesses with an opportunity to broaden their marketing approaches. By focusing on traditional methods like direct mail, event sponsorships, and word-of-mouth referrals, businesses can reach a wider demographic and increase brand awareness. This strategic shift can differentiate businesses from competitors who rely solely on online marketing by offering a more personalized and varied approach to reaching customers.
For example, a small business could participate in community events or sponsor local sports teams to increase their visibility and attract new customers. By merging these conventional marketing initiatives with online strategies such as social media and email marketing, the business can attract a wider audience and maintain a prominent presence within their community.
The Ad-Skipping Generation and the Rise of Engagement
Consider this: How frequently do you watch ads on streaming services with free tiers? Have you ever thought about paying extra for an ad-free mobile game? We’re living in an age where consumers are actively seeking out ad-free experiences. This desire for ad-free experiences extends to social media platforms too.
People are increasingly turning to platforms like dumbphones to escape the constant barrage of marketing messages. So, does this mean social media marketing is dead for small businesses? Not quite.
Small businesses can still thrive in social media marketing by creating engaging content that resonates with their target audience, building relationships, and providing authentic experiences. Incorporating influencer marketing and other creative strategies can help organically reach their audience. So, despite the growing trend towards ad-free experiences, there are still opportunities for small businesses to thrive in this evolving landscape.
The Essence of Social Media: Building Meaningful Connections
At its core, social media connects people by facilitating communication and interaction. It’s a space for conversation, community building, and fostering genuine relationships with your audience. This is the point where the emphasis should move away from intrusive ads towards fostering authentic engagement with the audience. Here’s the good news: even with fewer users, those who remain on social media are likely to be more receptive to authentic interactions.
Timely responses to comments and messages are essential for effectively engaging with your audience. This is where outsourcing to a company like MYOB can be invaluable for small businesses. MYOB’s team closely monitors social media accounts, ensuring prompt responses and keeping conversations flowing. This high level of attentiveness not only sustains audience engagement but also fosters trust and loyalty, which potentially leads to repeat business and revenue.
Over to You!
The rise of dumbphones doesn’t spell the end of digital marketing for small businesses. Rather, businesses should view it as a reminder to prioritize engagement and proactively establish authentic connections with their target audience. To thrive in this evolving digital landscape, small businesses can excel by providing value, fostering conversations, and delivering exceptional customer service through social media.
How will you adjust your social media strategy considering these emerging trends?
Mind Your Own Business began in 2011 as a virtual assistant company. Social media for business was in its infancy and only a few clients requested social media management for Facebook and Twitter.
In July of 2018, Emily Leye joined the MYOB team as Social Media Manager and brought her knowledge, experience and expertise for digital marketing. At this time, MYOB began to offer social media management as a stand-alone service. Our primary offerings to our clients were for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Remember 2018? Facebook was King, Instagram was all about perfectly curated feeds, whisperings of a new app called TikTok were just starting, and X was called Twitter (and it was a lot more fun!).
Fast-forward to 2024 and things have changed…a lot. The social media landscape is practically unrecognizable. Here’s the thing: if your small business is still relying solely on Facebook ads and static posts from 2018, you might be missing out on a whole new world of potential customers who engage with dynamic content like TikTok videos and Instagram Stories.
What Goes into Managing Social Media?
While content creation is an important part of our work, there is so much going on behind the scenes that not everyone is aware of. When we first meet with a client, we focus on getting to know their business, their brand, their voice. Social media at its core is social, so it is important that we represent our clients precisely how they would represent themselves.
Next comes the research. With every new industry comes time and care researching, ensuring we have the correct vernacular and understand the ins and outs of our client’s business. We look at competitors in the area as well as larger aspects of the industry.
Once we are well-versed enough to begin content creation, we work with our client on branding. Sometimes clients have developed branding guides with specific fonts, pantones, and logo graphics. Other times, clients ask for our guidance on branding, and we are happy to oblige, calling on our graphic designer’s skills to work with the client on branding specifics.
What’s next? Engagement, social listening, strategy meetings, posting schedules, analytics…and more! Now that the content is out there, there is still much work to be done! In order to keep our clients’ businesses ahead of the competition, we must consistently review strategy, analytics of existing content, optimal posting times, competitors’ social media, engage with other businesses or followers on behalf of our client, respond to comments and answer messages and questions. To say the least, social media is a 24/7 job! On top of the constant change on a day-to-day basis, there has been an enormous amount of change year over year.
Let’s talk about the big shift: the rise of authenticity and community. People are craving real connections and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Polished feeds are out, and user-generated content (UGC)—think customer testimonials and reviews—is in.
This authenticity focus has fuelled the rise of new platforms. TikTok, once a platform for silly dance trends, has exploded into a hub for businesses of all sizes. Short-form video content, with its focus on entertainment and education, allows businesses to showcase their brand personality and connect with a younger demographic.
Even established platforms have adapted. Instagram Stories, barely a blip in 2018, are now a powerful tool for fostering connections. There are currently over 500 million people creating and watching Instagram Stories on their mobile devices every day, making them a fantastic way to share behind-the-scenes snippets, host interactive polls, and offer exclusive deals.
But wait, there’s more! Here are some under-the-radar trends you might not have heard about:
The rise of niche communities: Platforms like Discord, originally designed for gamers, and Reddit are now home to thriving communities for all sorts of interests. Imagine a community of dog lovers for your pet store or a knitting enthusiasts’ group for your yarn shop—the possibilities are endless!
The “conversational commerce” boom: People are increasingly using social media to directly connect with businesses and make purchases. Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are making it easier than ever to shop directly through the app, blurring the lines between social interaction and sales.
So, what does this all mean for your small business? It’s time to ditch the “set it and forget it” social media strategy. Here are a few tips:
Identify your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? For instance, knowing that your audience prefers Instagram for visual content and Twitter for news updates can help tailor your social media content effectively.
Focus on building relationships. Social media is all about conversations, not just broadcasts. Engaging in conversations with your audience can lead to loyal customers who feel connected to your brand. Respond to comments, host Q&A sessions, and encourage user-generated content.
Embrace new formats. Experiment with short-form video content, such as product tutorials, live streams for behind-the-scenes glimpses, and interactive features like polls to gather feedback from your audience.
Stay informed. Keeping up with the latest trends can feel overwhelming, but there are resources available. Consider following industry leaders on X and Instagram or subscribing to social media marketing newsletters for valuable insights.
Feeling lost? Don’t worry; that’s where MYOB can help. While Emily is the Social Media Manager here at MYOB Inc., the team of five people is loaded with talent and work together.
We know that the most important thing is to be authentic, connect with your audience, and have fun! After all, social media is a powerful tool for building relationships and growing your business.
So, are you ready to take your social media presence to the next level? Click here to get in touch with us today. We’re here to help you through the next six years – and beyond!
