Social Media Archives

Sustainability in Advertising: Strategies for a Greener Future

info on April 1, 2024

In a world increasingly concerned about climate change and environmental impact, sustainability has become a top priority for businesses across industries. As consumers seek eco-friendly products and ethical practices, it’s no surprise that sustainability is making its way into the world of advertising.

The Sustainability Imperative

The call for sustainability in advertising is not just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in consumer expectations. People want to support brands that align with their values, and sustainability is a value that resonates with a growing audience.

1. Authenticity Matters

To successfully incorporate sustainability into your advertising efforts, authenticity is key. Today’s consumers can spot greenwashing from a mile away. Greenwashing refers to misleading or false environmental claims made by businesses. To avoid this pitfall, ensure your sustainability efforts are genuine, measurable, and transparent. Even if your efforts can only be small at first, a step in the right direction is always appreciated.

2. Educate and Raise Awareness

Use your advertising platforms to educate consumers about sustainability issues. Share information about your sustainable practices, the environmental benefits of your products, and tips for leading a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Educated consumers are more likely to make sustainable choices. However, remember authenticity. Pushing too hard to educate people may turn them away.

3. Highlight Sustainability Initiatives

If your brand is actively involved in sustainability initiatives, make it a central part of your advertising campaigns. Showcase your efforts to reduce carbon emissions, minimize waste, or support eco-friendly causes. This not only attracts eco-conscious customers but also encourages other businesses to follow suit.

Strategies for a Greener Future

Now, let’s delve into specific strategies for incorporating sustainability into your advertising:

1. Eco-Friendly Packaging

If your products come in packaging, consider using sustainable materials and designs. Highlight your commitment to eco-friendly packaging in your advertising materials. Customers appreciate brands that reduce unnecessary waste.

2. Carbon Neutrality

Pledge to become carbon neutral or offset your carbon emissions. Share your progress and achievements in this regard through your advertising campaigns. This demonstrates your dedication to reducing your environmental impact.

3. Green Product Features

If your products have green features, such as energy efficiency, recyclability, or reduced water usage, emphasize these in your advertising. Show how your products contribute to a sustainable lifestyle. Also make these features clear on packaging, especially regarding the recyclability of it so customers know how to dispose of packaging properly. This is it’s own kind of advertising for people who weren’t aware of your sustainable practices but made a purchase anyway.

4. Collaborate with Eco-Friendly Influencers

Partner with influencers who are passionate about sustainability. They can authentically promote your brand’s eco-friendly initiatives to their engaged followers, expanding your reach in a meaningful way.

5. Eco-Conscious Ad Campaigns

Design ad campaigns that promote sustainable behaviors. Encourage consumers to recycle, reduce energy consumption, or support environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives.

Sustainability in advertising is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. By embracing sustainability and integrating it into your advertising strategies, you not only align your brand with societal values but also cater to an ever-growing market of environmentally conscious consumers. Remember that sustainability is not a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future for all. By incorporating these strategies, you can make a positive impact while also strengthening your brand’s reputation and bottom line.

Social Media Shopping: Where E-Commerce is Going this Year

info on March 8, 2024

The world of e-commerce is continuously evolving, and in recent years, social media platforms have played a significant role in shaping the online shopping landscape. As we embark on a new year, it’s time to explore the trends and developments in social media shopping that are set to redefine the e-commerce experience in the months ahead.

The Rise of Social Commerce

Social commerce, the fusion of social media and e-commerce, has been steadily gaining momentum, and 2024 is poised to be a pivotal year for this innovative retail concept. Here’s a closer look at how social media shopping is transforming the e-commerce landscape:

1. Seamless In-App Purchases

Leading social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, have been actively enhancing their shopping features. Users can now discover, browse, and purchase products without leaving the app. This seamless experience not only simplifies the buying process but also encourages impulse purchases.

2. Shoppable Posts and Stories

Shoppable posts and stories have become commonplace on platforms like Instagram. Brands can tag products in their posts, allowing users to click through and make a purchase with ease. These interactive posts provide a visually appealing and convenient shopping experience.

3. Live Shopping Events

Live streaming has gained popularity across various social media platforms. In 2024, expect to see more live shopping events where brands and influencers showcase products in real-time, answer questions, and encourage immediate purchases. This format offers a sense of urgency and interactivity.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) Try-Ons

AR try-on experiences are revolutionizing the way consumers shop for fashion and beauty products. With AR, users can virtually try on makeup, clothing, accessories, and even see what furniture will look like in their home before making a purchase decision. This technology enhances user engagement and reduces returns.

5. User-Generated Content (UGC) in Shopping

User-generated content is a powerful tool in social commerce. Brands are leveraging UGC to build trust and authenticity. Customers often appreciate seeing real people using and enjoying products. Sharing UGC in product listings and ads can boost conversion rates.

Social Commerce Benefits for Businesses

Embracing social media shopping offers several benefits for businesses. Social commerce enhances brand visibility as users interact with your products and share them with their networks no matter if they’re the average customer or an influencer. The use of social commerce tools such as shoppable posts, live shopping events and AR try-ons improve customer engagement and create memorable shopping experiences. Because of these two concepts and a seamless shopping experience, businesses often experience increases in conversion rates and more sales. Finally, since everything is done through a social media platform, your business has greater access to data and analytics which can lead to clearer insights on customer behavior and optimization of marketing strategies.

Social media shopping is more than just a trend; it’s a transformation of the e-commerce landscape. In 2024, businesses that leverage these social commerce trends effectively will gain a competitive edge and tap into the growing appetite for convenient and engaging online shopping experiences. As social media platforms continue to innovate and provide new tools for e-commerce, brands have the opportunity to connect with their audiences in exciting and innovative ways, ultimately driving sales and fostering customer loyalty.

Influencer Marketing: The Future of Collaborations

info on February 16, 2024

Influencer marketing has been a game-changer in the world of digital advertising. Over the years, it has evolved from a novel approach to a critical strategy for brands seeking to engage their target audience authentically. As we peer into the future, it’s evident that influencer marketing is set to become even more vital, offering a plethora of opportunities and collaborations that can redefine the way brands connect with their audiences.

The Evolution of Influencer Marketing

To understand the future of influencer marketing, let’s first look at its evolution. Initially, it revolved around macro-influencers, individuals with vast followings and celebrity status. While macro-influencers still play a role, the focus has shifted towards a more diverse ecosystem of influencers, including micro-influencers and even nano-influencers.

Micro-Influencers: The Sweet Spot

Micro-influencers, individuals with a smaller but highly engaged and niche-specific following, have gained prominence. Their authenticity and relatability resonate well with audiences, making them valuable collaborators for brands. In the future, we can expect brands to build long-term partnerships with micro-influencers, prioritizing authenticity over reach.

Nano-Influencers: The Hyper-Local Connect

Nano-influencers, with even smaller follower counts, are becoming essential for hyper-local and grassroots campaigns. These influencers have a highly concentrated, loyal following within their communities, making them perfect for local businesses looking to build trust and credibility.

The Future of Collaborations

So, what does the future hold for influencer collaborations?

1. Authenticity Reigns Supreme

In the years to come, authenticity will remain at the core of influencer marketing. Audiences are increasingly savvy and can spot inauthentic endorsements from a mile away. Brands will seek out influencers who genuinely align with their values and can deliver authentic content.

2. Long-Term Partnerships

Short-term, one-off campaigns will still have their place, but long-term partnerships will be the future norm. Brands will collaborate with influencers over extended periods, allowing for more profound connections and consistent messaging.

3. Diversification of Platforms

While Instagram and YouTube have been influencer marketing hotspots, other platforms will gain prominence. TikTok, Snapchat, and emerging platforms will offer fresh opportunities for influencer collaborations, especially when targeting younger demographics.

4. User-Generated Content Integration

Influencer-generated content will find more extensive use in brand marketing. Brands will leverage influencer-created content for their own channels, creating a cohesive narrative and building trust through social proof.

5. Data-Driven Strategies

Advanced data analytics will shape influencer collaborations. Brands will use data to identify the most effective influencers, measure campaign impact, and fine-tune their strategies for maximum ROI.

6. Inclusive Influencer Marketing

Diversity and inclusivity will become central to influencer marketing. Brands will work with influencers from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their campaigns to connect with a wider range of audiences.

Influencer marketing is not just a trend; it’s a dynamic field that continues to evolve. The future of influencer collaborations is marked by authenticity, diversity, and data-driven strategies. As brands adapt to this changing landscape, they’ll discover new and innovative ways to connect with their target audience, making influencer marketing a cornerstone of their advertising efforts. So, whether you’re a brand looking to grow or an influencer eager to partner with like-minded companies, the future holds exciting possibilities in the world of influencer marketing collaborations.

Crisis Management on Social Media: Navigating Challenges Effectively

info on February 14, 2024

In today’s digital age, where information spreads rapidly and social media platforms serve as hubs of communication, effective crisis management on social media is more crucial than ever. A single tweet or post can escalate a minor issue into a full-blown crisis within minutes. It is important to have crisis management tools available to your community management team so they have safe and effective strategies for navigating challenges.

The Power of Social Media in Crisis

First, it is important to be aware of how the beast that is social media operates when there is a crisis so that your team can respond appropriately. Social media has the power to amplify both positive and negative stories. During a crisis, negative information can spread like wildfire, potentially damaging your brand’s reputation. It is often best to assess whether this is a small-scale issue that can be dealt with through social media interaction or if it should be dealt with at a higher level

If it is smaller scale, then there are some positive elements to communicating through social media. It can also be used in tandem with other outlets for bigger crises so you maintain a more intimate relationship with your customers. Social media provides a direct line of communication with your audience. During a crisis, timely and transparent communication is essential to address concerns, provide updates, and manage public perception.

Stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, and the media, turn to social media for information during a crisis. Engaging with these stakeholders in a meaningful way can influence their perception and trust in your response.

Strategies for Effective Crisis Management on Social Media

1. Preparation is Key

Proactive planning is critical to effective crisis management. Develop a crisis communication plan that includes roles and responsibilities, escalation procedures, and message templates. Identify potential crisis scenarios and prepare responses in advance.

2. Monitor Social Media

Use social media monitoring tools to stay vigilant and track mentions, trends, and conversations related to your brand. Early detection allows you to respond swiftly.

3. Empower Your Team

Empower a dedicated crisis management team with the authority to respond promptly. Ensure team members are trained and equipped to handle social media crises effectively.

4. Assess the Situation

When a crisis emerges, assess the situation before responding. Understand the scope, severity, and potential impact of the crisis. Identify key stakeholders and the most appropriate channels for communication.

5. Be Transparent and Honest

Honesty and transparency are non-negotiable during a crisis. Admit mistakes, share accurate information, and communicate clearly. Avoid the temptation to conceal or downplay the issue, as it can exacerbate the crisis.

6. Provide Regular Updates

Keep your audience informed with regular updates as the situation unfolds. Address questions and concerns promptly, even if you don’t have all the answers. Acknowledge that you are actively working on a resolution.

7. Show Empathy and Compassion

Demonstrate empathy and compassion in your responses. Acknowledge the concerns and feelings of those affected by the crisis. A compassionate tone can go a long way in calming a tense situation.

8. Use Hashtags and Crisis Messaging

Create a dedicated crisis hashtag and messaging to centralize communication around the issue. This helps you maintain control over the narrative and ensures consistent messaging.

9. Engage in Two-Way Communication

Engage with your audience on social media by responding to comments and messages. Address concerns and offer assistance when possible. Avoid automated or robotic responses.

10. Learn and Improve

After the crisis has subsided, conduct a post-crisis analysis to evaluate your response. Identify areas for improvement and update your crisis communication plan accordingly.

Case in Point: Successful Crisis Management

One notable example of effective crisis management on social media is how Johnson & Johnson handled the Tylenol poisoning crisis in 1982. They responded swiftly by recalling millions of bottles and communicated transparently with the public. Their commitment to safety and accountability rebuilt trust and set a precedent for crisis management.

In the digital age, social media can be a double-edged sword, both a source of crisis and a platform for effective crisis management. A well-prepared and responsive approach is essential to navigate challenges effectively. By planning ahead, monitoring social media, and communicating honestly and transparently, your brand can weather storms and emerge stronger from crises, building trust and credibility with your audience. Remember that in the world of social media, the way you handle a crisis can define your brand for years to come.

Optimizing Social Media for 2024: Strategies and Best Practices

info on February 14, 2024

The social media landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of the curve is essential for businesses and marketers looking to make the most of these platforms. As we move into 2024, it’s time to reevaluate your social media strategies and adopt best practices that can help you thrive in this dynamic digital environment. Adjust your 2024 approach to social media with these key strategies and best practices to optimize your brand’s online presence.

1. Embrace New Platforms and Features

Social media platforms are continually introducing new features and functionalities. In 2024, it’s crucial to keep an eye on emerging platforms and stay updated on the latest features of existing ones. For instance, consider exploring the potential of the metaverse, dive into audio-based social networks, and leverage the latest advertising tools offered by platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

2. Prioritize Video Content

Video content has been a dominant force in social media for several years, and its significance will only grow in 2024. Consider incorporating various video formats such as short-form videos, live streaming, and interactive content. Create engaging and visually appealing videos that resonate with your target audience and tell your brand’s story effectively.

3. Personalization Through AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) will continue to play a pivotal role in social media marketing. Leverage AI-driven tools to analyze user data and behavior, enabling you to deliver personalized content and tailored ad campaigns. Personalization enhances user engagement and can lead to higher conversion rates.

4. Community Building and Engagement

Building a strong online community around your brand is a long-term strategy that pays off. In 2024, focus on fostering engagement by responding to comments, conducting polls, and running contests. Engaged communities can become brand advocates, helping you expand your reach and credibility.

5. Social Commerce

The convergence of e-commerce and social media, known as social commerce, is gaining momentum. Explore the opportunities to sell products directly on social platforms. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok Shop are transforming into e-commerce hubs, enabling seamless shopping experiences for users.

6. Data Privacy and Ethics

As privacy concerns grow and regulations like GDPR and CCPA become more stringent, prioritize data privacy and ethical practices in your social media strategies. Obtain explicit consent for data usage and ensure compliance with relevant laws to build trust with your audience.

7. Content Quality Over Quantity

In 2024, the quality of your content will be more critical than ever. Focus on producing high-quality, informative, and entertaining content that adds value to your audience’s lives. Avoid spammy and clickbait content, as users are becoming increasingly discerning.

8. Measure and Analyze

Effective social media marketing requires ongoing measurement and analysis. Use robust analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and adjust your strategies accordingly. Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of your campaigns and make data-driven decisions.

9. Collaborate and Partner

Consider collaborating with influencers, complementary brands, and industry leaders to expand your reach and credibility. Influencer marketing remains a potent strategy, but focus on authenticity and long-term partnerships for optimal results.

10. Adapt and Evolve

The digital landscape is ever-changing. Be prepared to adapt and evolve your strategies as new trends and technologies emerge. Continuously educate yourself and your team to stay on top of the latest developments in social media marketing.

Optimizing your social media strategies for 2024 requires a proactive and adaptive approach. By embracing new platforms and features, prioritizing video content, leveraging AI for personalization, and maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and ethical practices, your business can thrive in the dynamic world of social media marketing. Remember to measure your performance, adjust your tactics, and stay agile in response to evolving trends and consumer preferences.

Breaking Down Cannabis Policies on Social Media Platforms

Morgan Moresco on May 25, 2023

Posting about cannabis-related or CBD products on social media can be tricky. Regulation of the words used on creative and in captions/hashtags can cause your post to be flagged and your account to potentially be suspended.

Cannabis-Related No’s and Go’s

A good rule of thumb across all platforms is that you shouldn’t share images of the marijuana plant or people smoking. And stay away from the obvious words relating to cannabis: marijuana, weed, cannabis, kush, high, joint, THC, pot, and so on.

A common replacement across all platforms is “canna,” however, this can still be flagged. Everything is about carefully wording your captions and being strategic with ad campaigns, if possible. Here are some general guidelines for the major platforms to keep in mind.

Facebook:

Posts: Marijuana, cannabis, CBD, etc., are safe to use in organic content if it is educational and informative. Facebook bots can be fickle about this, but any issues can usually be resolved quickly.
Ads: Only topical CBD products can be advertised on Facebook, and you should still avoid using any cannabis-related language.

Instagram:

Posts: Instagram is a key marketplace for all businesses, but your cannabis/CBD company will not be able to utilize Instagram Shops. Many cannabis/CBD companies also opt for minimal to no hashtags in posts to protect their accounts.
Ads: Since Facebook and Instagram are both under Meta, their policies are pretty similar. However, in ads, you can use “hemp product” but not “CBD product.”

TikTok:

Posts: TikTok users have some fun workarounds when it comes to hashtags and caption wording. Alternative terms and spellings of cannabis-related words include “ouid,” “w33d,” “st0ner,” and “b0ng.”
Ads: TikTok is very aware of its young demographic, so they make cannabis/CBD advertising impossible.

Twitter:

Posts: Twitter is another place where sharing cannabis-related educational content is permitted. Many companies opt to share articles or their own blog posts.
Ads: Twitter only allows topical CBD products to be advertised. And you should only target locations/states in the U.S. where CBD is legal.

LinkedIn:

Posts: LinkedIn is very open to the sharing of information. If you promote primarily educational and informational content, then you’ll be fine. And, obviously, there are no restrictions to what you can show as your company name.
Ads: You still can’t directly advertise your products, but ads can show educational information that will still lead new people to your page/website. LinkedIn has never shut down an account and all ad reviews go to real people, who may be more forgiving than bots.

Pinterest:

Posts: When it comes to organic content, Pinterest is forgiving about using words/hashtags like cannabis, CBD, and hemp. People post informational graphics and recipes that usually don’t see any issues.
Ads: Pinterest is one of the only platforms that actually lays out its CBD-related advertising guidelines: “We will allow ads for topical hemp seed oil products in the United States that contain negligible amounts of THC and no CBD and make no therapeutic or medicinal claims.”

Google:

Ads: Since January of 2022, Google has started enforcing stricter rules and policies for advertising, which has significantly and negatively impacted cannabis/CBD ads through the platform. It is considered best to avoid it entirely and advertise elsewhere.

The Take-Away

Clearly, it’s not easy to advertise, let alone post, cannabis and CBD content on any platform. We hope, as various forms of marijuana become legal across the country, that social media regulations will change along with the laws. But until then, the keyword is caution.

The information listed about these social media platforms’ policies do not guarantee that your accounts won’t be shadowbanned or flagged at some point. In many cases, bots are the first ones to check accounts, and they can be unforgiving. But, we hope, this can help to avoid that as much as possible.

Contact 270M to learn more about how we can help promote your CBD business the right way.

Optimize Community Management for Your Brand

Morgan Moresco on April 24, 2023

By: Danielle Gazda

Good social media content and a good product are the baselines for a successful online presence. However, great customer service keeps people coming back. Achieve the best online customer service with proactive community management.

What Is Community Management?

Community management is run by an individual or team that acts through the brand’s social media accounts. They address questions in direct messages, respond and engage with comments, and help the brand stay present in the wider community.

Community management is made up of all these bite-sized activities that can be done across social media channels to generate a brand’s organic, personable reputation.

Best Practices for Community Managers

Direct Messages

Whether it’s Instagram DMs, Facebook Messenger, or other platforms, it’s important to review these direct messaging channels daily. This is where people will often direct questions and complaints about products and orders — and they should be addressed in a timely manner.

Knowledge of your brand and what it sells is very important for this type of activity. Be sure to have an FAQ that community managers can refer to or a customer service email that can be shared for more in-depth questions. Give your community managers as much information as you can. They’ll be able to help your customers better and continue to grow your FAQ document as new questions arise.

Comments

It is nice for community managers to be active in the brand’s own comments. For smaller brands, try to respond to them all with an appropriate short reply, the answer to a question, or simply an emoji.

If you typically receive dozens to hundreds of comments per post, you can take a more measured approach. You can respond to the first dozen or so comments that the post receives or check the post frequently and reply to various comments as they come up.

Be sure to always respond to comments made by partnered brands or influencers. This includes unexpected comments from celebrities or influencers you don’t currently work with to build those relationships.

Community Engagement

Don’t forget about the wider community your brand is a part of. Like and comment on posts that are relevant to your brand and industry. These can be posts by those partnered brands and influencers to show your support, posts about industry news and knowledge, and fun, broader content.

Comments don’t have to be extensive. Simple replies such as agreement or emojis will often do, since this shows that your brand is aware of its larger community.

User-Generated Content

A brand’s image is only as good as what its most loyal customers have to say about it. Utilize user-generated short- and long-form content to your advantage. Potential customers are more likely to make a purchase after seeing real people use a product or service. This is great free content to share in places like Instagram Stories — but be sure to request permission before posting it directly to your feed.

Has your brand been keeping up with community management?

Google Ads: Best Basic Practices

Morgan Moresco on March 24, 2023

Written By: Danielle Gazda

What Are Google Ads?

Promoting businesses and products through Google Ads is one of the most effective ways to increase conversions, revenue, and meet business goals. Google Ads, also known as Google AdWords, makes building campaigns easy through automation and machine learning, but there’s still some work you need to do first to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

From knowing what information to add to your client’s (or your company’s) website to understanding the nuances of Google Ads’ abilities, here are some best practices for optimizing your campaigns.

Best Practices for Google Ads

The Website

Know that Google Ads has specific requirements for websites advertising on its platform. Some are fundamental, such as offering unique products or services, the website owner being over 18, working directly with the owner of a site (or the owner’s company), and not displaying any copyrighted material. A website must also be at least six months old and have a certain amount of traffic already going to it.

Lesser-known Google Ads requirements involve having technical pages — such as an About page, a Contact page, and a Privacy page — included somewhere on the website. These pages need to be well-defined and hold appropriate information, including a refund and return policy (even if it just states that you do not give refunds or do returns) and information regarding using and selling customer information.

Conversion Tracking

By adding UA or GA4 tracking code to the pages of a website, you’ll be able to track all conversions from Google Ads, no matter the specified landing page.

Whether you add a UA code or GA4 code to a website depends on the platform you’re using. Google has step-by-step instructions on how to find the right tracking code for a site in the Google Ads account page.

Ad Tools and Assets

Google Ads offers a number of tools and assets that can increase the performance of your campaigns.

Keywords

Group keywords into ad groups by topic, feature, or item to help Google build comprehensive and relevant Responsive Search Ads. This type of ad automatically pulls relevant descriptions, headlines, and creative assets based on what you supplied and the search query that’s prompting the ad.

Landing Pages

Landing pages must make sense alongside the keywords to be served and drive conversions. Whether it is a website’s home page, an About Us page, a specific product, or a specific service, make sure they are correct for their ad group.

Ad Extensions

Utilize the tools available to you, including sitelinks, callouts, calls, prices, and promotions, that will provide the searcher with options and relevant information that can lead to a higher conversion rate.

Performance Metrics

Weigh performance and metrics against your industry’s benchmarks when starting new campaigns. These industry benchmarks will help you make adjustments to your campaigns by experimenting with everything from descriptions to ad extensions. You may also find that you’ve surpassed industry benchmarks with your campaigns.

For example, one of 270M’s real estate clients maintained a cost per conversion that was 64% lower than the industry benchmark throughout a campaign. The conversion was for a tenant application being filled out for an upscale new development in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

Another example is a wholesale vendor client of 270M that maintained a click-through rate that was 75% to 100% higher than the industry benchmark for a hyper-targeted campaign for specialized produce wholesalers.

270M is proud to be a Google Partner. We earned that distinction by proving that we consistently had at least a 70% optimization score for all of our clients’ accounts and managed at least $10,000 in ad spend over the course of three months. Additionally, 50% or more of our account strategists demonstrated proficiency in Google Ads by earning Google Ads certifications.

By following these best practices, you can optimize your Google Ads campaigns and achieve better results for your clients.

Purchasing Popularity: Verification Subscriptions

Morgan Moresco on February 23, 2023

Written by: Danielle Gazda

For years, brands and content creators have worked hard to build loyal communities and notable social media accounts in order to earn their verifications. The elusive and exclusive blue tick of verification across Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter is now a purchasable commodity. It’s part of a growing trend toward paid social media subscriptions.

Snapchat+

The first to provide a subscription service was actually Snapchat. In August of 2022, they announced Snapchat+, an “exclusive, experimental” service available for $3.99 a month. This innovative idea is decently priced and meant for the most consistent and passionate users of the photo-sharing app. Some of the exclusive features of Snapchat+ include various icons, notification settings, the Story Timer, and a badge. This exclusivity has produced moderate results for Snapchat with 2.5 million subscribers since the announcement in August 2022 to February 2023. This is compared to its 750 million active users and 375 million daily users.

Other apps have taken note of this success and have begun to integrate subscriptions of their own, providing additional incentives and services for users — and an alternate source of income.

Twitter Blue

Elon Musk announced in a tweet on Nov. 1, 2022, that blue checkmark verification would be purchasable through a Twitter Blue subscription for $8 a month. This announcement came with mixed, but primarily negative, reactions. Public figures would now be obliged to purchase Twitter Blue to maintain their verification, while Musk cited this as a way to “give Twitter a revenue stream to reward content creators.”

Twitter did release information on the updated Verification Requirements. It addressed some of the concerns and outlined the grandfathering of accounts that were previously verified through the original system. The company also specified that accounts must be non-deceptive with verification revocation a possibility for those who violate subscription policies. No matter the rules and criteria put in place, a verification no longer carries the weight it used to.

Meta Verified

Now, three months after Musk’s announcement, Mark Zuckerberg has revealed that Meta platforms will also be offering a verification subscription. It’s being marketed as a safety net for creators. Meta’s official announcement describes the program as “a subscription bundle on Instagram and Facebook that includes a verified badge that authenticates your account with government ID, proactive account protection, access to account support, and increased visibility and reach.”

Users can verify their accounts so Meta can work harder to remove bots, as well as fake and impersonated accounts — though reporting offenders has not been fruitful in the past. Creators are already voicing discontent, as they’ll be forced to purchase Meta Verified to protect their real public accounts.

Note that because this system is based on verifying an individual with a driver’s license or similar document, as of now the subscription is not available to businesses.

What’s Next?

While these changes don’t directly affect personal accounts, they do affect brand and creator accounts. It’s important to weigh the positives and negatives for your brand when considering a purchase of these verification subscriptions. They do come with other useful tools, like the ability to edit posts, longer tweets, etc.

Will you be purchasing verifications for your brand when available?

Trends to Integrate Into Your 2023 Marketing Strategy

Morgan Moresco on December 12, 2022

Written by: Danielle Gazda

At the beginning of 2022, the digital marketing community prepared for the start of a massive digital expansion. This expansion was the true start of a more integrated and accessible metaverse. It includes the increasing use of AI/AR/VR and other new tools in social media and advertising. In social media specifically, video content would be king in 2022, which was proved to be true. We saw this with the rise in TikTok’s popularity as Meta and Twitter declined.

2023 presents opportunities for continued digital expansion across social media, marketing, and everyday life.

Here’s what we’re expecting to see in 2023.

Social Media Content

AI Algorithms

Social media platforms, especially Facebook and Instagram, will continue to push AI algorithms. These algorithms are supposed to show consumers content that relates to them. While individuals may not relish the idea of seeing fewer posts from family and friends, this opens up more opportunities for brands to reach a wider audience that is more likely to convert.

Digital Representations

Avatars, NFTs, and AI-generated art are all becoming more prominent across social media. While there is a juxtaposition between wanting more original content with NFTs and opportunities for digitally generated content with AI, both show that digital art is the future. More brands may find themselves generating NFTs as a form of revenue for themselves or as fundraisers. They will also likely begin using AI-generated art to create the promotional content they need.

E-Commerce

Livestream Shopping

Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are looking to livestream shopping as the next way for brands to sell on their platforms. While these platforms are testing and having success with this feature in other countries, it hasn’t quite made it to the U.S. yet. Expect to see more announcements about this from social media apps in 2023.

Customer Service

Mobile/in-app shopping and online shopping overall have continued to increase as Gen Z reaches an independent purchasing age. The key to happy (and repeat) customers is personalized customer service. There are many options across social media, in Messenger, DMs, WhatsApp, etc., that allow businesses to automate replies to common brand questions. This is a great way for customers to have an inquiry answered or resolve an issue quickly. However, it’s important still to have real people available on the back end to intervene with more complicated requests.

General Marketing

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing continues to be a superior way for brands to gain exposure and bring in revenue. Partnering with influencers whose audiences intersect with your own can boost sales. And influencers perform a variety of services, whether it’s posting on their own social media or creating video content for you to share on your own platforms.

Advertising

Social media advertising remains the best way to gain reach, conversions, and more for your business. As the space becomes more crowded with businesses, it can be hard to find your footing. The holiday season, a time when spending increases greatly, is the best example of this. Refined targeting to reach audiences that meet your business goals is the best way forward. SEO, tagging, and defining your audience will get you to your goals.

What are some of your digital marketing predictions for 2023?