2 New Ways to Advertise + Platform Performance Updates
This week, we’re looking into a few notable results from Q1 social media reports. We’ve also got a few new advertising options to cover: Facebook and Instagram ad integrations through WhatsApp and lead-generating TikTok ads!
Photo By Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
What’s New With WhatsApp
WhatsApp has been positioning itself to be a marketplace for businesses since being acquired by Facebook. Now we’re starting to see the next phase of the relationship between the two platforms: Facebook ad purchases through WhatsApp. This new feature was announced by Mark Zuckerburg during Facebook’s Q1 earnings call, according to CNN Business.
Previously, business owners could include a button that allows users to start a conversation with a WhatsApp business in their Facebook and Instagram ads. Now, they’ll be able to do that without switching to Facebook or Instagram. Using their WhatsApp Business catalog, users can now easily create Facebook and Instagram ads that link back to their WhatsApp Business storefront.
What does this mean for Gainesville Businesses?
WhatsApp has been focusing on catering to business-to-customer communication, putting it in a unique position in the social sphere. We’re seeing that Facebook is continuing to develop WhatsApp and connect it back to its other platforms. If you’ve got a WhatsApp business catalog set up, this is a new option for creating ads quickly and generating leads. If you don’t, we recommend looking into it – we predict we’ll see more integrations as Facebook continues to work on monetizing WhatsApp.
More Than Just Fun Videos: Lead Generation on TikTok
As TikTok continues to create a welcoming atmosphere for businesses and advertisers, they’ve added a new feature to keep the ad revenue coming. With Lead Generation, advertisers will have more options to convert viewers. With a seamless form that’s integrated within the app, you can collect names, contact information, and more from interested viewers. To make things even easier, TikTok users can set these forms to auto-fill with their information when they tap on your ad!
Businesses will also be able to customize their screens, display different messages to different customer segments, and integrate leads into a CRM. TikTok is making things as attractive as possible for potential advertisers to really monetize their platform’s wild success. With ads that can integrate into a CRM and generate high-potential leads for your business, TikTok might be one to watch out for in the digital ad space.
What does this mean for Gainesville Businesses?
Did we mention that you should be on TikTok yet? You should be on TikTok. This platform is gold for small businesses because it values authenticity over polish and professionalism. Your organic posts will have more reach and longevity than graphic posts on other platforms. And now, your ads will work double too! If you’re not ready to reach for your wallet just yet, start with organic content. But again, you should be on TikTok.
Q1 2021 Review: An Update On YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn
2021 has started off as we’ve expected, with users continuing to spend time and generate revenue across a variety of platforms. The regular subjects are seeing increases as expected, so we’re focusing on 3 platform trends that could define social media for the rest of the year.
First up is YouTube, which saw a 49% increase in ad revenue, according to Alphabet’s Q1 Earnings Transcript. This is right in line with the increasing focus on visual and video content – a trend we’ve seen for years that really hit the gas during the pandemic. The platform also identified some trends on the platform, like people using YouTube videos to decide what to buy and the importance of educational and informational content.
Second, Pinterest’s active users have grown 30% from last year, according to the platform’s Q1 Letter to Shareholders. Pinterest brings something to the social media sphere that no other platform does, and it’s starting to appeal to small and mid-sized advertisers. Pinterest reports that its advertising revenue grew 78% compared to Q1 of last year, with much thanks to these smaller businesses.
Finally, the professional social network has also gained steam. According to LinkedIn’s Q1 Earnings Release, their revenue has increased by 25% over last year. They also boast record engagement with 29% growth in sessions from users. For our B2B readers, this is amazing news! More engagement and more sessions means professionals are locked in to LinkedIn and ready to hear about your business!
What does this mean for Gainesville Businesses?
Recently, we covered 3 places to advertise that aren’t Facebook. We’re not hating on Facebook here – the platform is one of the most popular places to advertise for a reason. However, each social platform has unique advantages to offer advertisers. YouTube is great for engaging viewers with quick video ads, Pinterest boasts shoppable Pins and longevity if anyone saves your ads, and LinkedIn is unmatched for offering B2B services to professionals at the right time.
Ok, now what?
Now that you’re up to date with the latest industry news, it’s time to invest in a team that specializes in all things social media and digital marketing. We can help! Liquid Creative is a full-service marketing agency ready to help your business operate to its fullest potential without missing a beat.
