Have you ever noticed how social media has become like a member of our household or more like a daily routine in our lives? The internet has certainly had its fair share of comments on infinite scrolling and the seemingly universal success stories on LinkedIn. However, there’s no denying that it’s a lucrative avenue for brands and organizations.
From recruitment to running entire businesses, social media has enabled many brands to operate without the need for a physical or digital store. Nihal and I have personally recommended some clients to set up an Instagram channel before even considering a website. Not a daily occurrence, but if we introduce ourselves as marketers, we’re immediately hit with a barrage of questions about social media marketing. We get it – navigating today’s social media landscape can feel like a daunting maze.
With people spending a substantial 70-80% of their time on social platforms, it’s crucial for brands to be front and center before their competition swoops in. So, here’s a compilation of all the possible questions we’ve received and thought of, with the most relevant answers.
1. Will social media marketing work for me?
Undoubtedly, social media marketing will work for any brand. However, understand that your definition of ‘work for me’ is subjective. If you have already defined your business goals and strategically distinguished that from your marketing goals, you’ll learn to make social media marketing work for you.
In layman’s terms, social media marketing can accelerate your overall marketing goal (lead generation). All you have to do is choose the right platforms, content, and format based on your target market.
2. I don’t want to show my face on social media. How do I post reels?
It is a common question that we get. You don’t need to show your face to post on Instagram. There are tons of ways to do reels without involving a human face or somebody standing in front of the camera. This can be resolved if you have a content strategy in place.
Few examples:
- Voice over reels: You record an aesthetic video of landscapes or a daily routine, and add voice over to the reel. The voice over can have your actual content, and people can see something visually pleasing.
- Sync numerous photos to music with innovative transition ideas.
- Share your content in a quote format to a static or a moving background and add a corresponding music.
- Stitch a bunch of stock videos in a cohesive fashion that conveys your message.
3. Can I get leads or sell a product in social media marketing?
Yes, you can. Usually, FMCG products like skincare, cosmetics, food, apparels, electronics and stationeries, work well on Instagram. For B2B lead generation, I’d recommend LinkedIn. However, you have to factor in elements such as your follower count, your brand credibility, average engagement rate, and content reach to expect a realistic outcome. If you are just starting, it is natural to expect a low lead generation rate. As you grow your account, leads will flow in automatically. Also, you can mix paid and organic social marketing to accelerate lead generation or product sales.
4. I don’t know how to design or write content. How do I post content on social media marketing?
Well, I want to say that we can help you with that, but you are the best person in the whole world to draft content for your business. So, without the help of an agency or a freelancer, you could still do it yourself. Here is a brief ChatGPT prompt that will help you draft a month’s content with design instructions.
“Hey ChatGPT, I’m working on creating captivating social media content for my brand, specifically for Instagram and LinkedIn. I want posts that grab attention.
For Instagram, I’m after ideas that don’t need faces on camera—more text, graphics, and emojis. Any design tips, ideal dimensions, and creative elements would be fantastic!
On LinkedIn, I’m aiming for professional yet engaging content. What works well there, and are there design tips I should consider?
Feel free to suggest themes, structures, or anything that can make my brand unique on social media.”
5. What is the average cost or expense I need to spend on social media marketing management?
There is no definite answer. The right way to understand this is by looking at the ROI. And remember, the ROI keeps changing. For example, when you start out, your account may not give back much in returns, so you want to maintain a spend that won’t hurt your fingers. But some products will start making sales within 90 days of inception, and they can increase their budget and focus on high ROI. The lowest cost starts from $100/month for creating content and managing the account. But remember, it varies on several factors, including industry, budget, whether you work with an agency, the experience of the agency’s employees, and the number of social media platforms used.
6. How do I know if my social media marketing is working for me or not?
The engagement rate is the best way to measure. Look at your reactions, comments, shares, direct messages, and traffic to your website (if you have one). If this number is actively increasing, then social media marketing is working for your brand. Followers are mostly a vanity metric that can mislead you.
7. How do I draft a social media calendar?
A million-dollar question. I can’t answer that in a few sentences. Here is a blog about it; read it at your leisure hour. If you are somebody like my partner, Nihal, who likes to get things done at lightning speed, then download this template. It has instructions on how to create a social media calendar for yourself.
8. How many posts do I need to post in a month?
If you are starting today, aim to publish 15 posts/month, for any social media platform. If you already have a schedule, and that content plan is working for you, then don’t change anything.
9. Do I need to have any other tools for social media marketing?
If you aim to send your traffic back to a website or a landing page from Instagram, please consider tools like linktree. In the case of LinkedIn, a sales navigator is a resourceful tool. However, if you are just starting, say no to all of them and focus on content creation.
10. What do you want to ask us?
This is a free question. Do you have something on your mind that is not covered here? Type your question. We’ll answer you within 24 hours.
Conclusion
Wrapping it up folks! Hope I covered the most frequently asked questions, but if you got more burning questions, we’re only a LinkedIn message away.