Over the past year and two months, I’ve had the privilege of being GradComm’s first ever intern! This opportunity has given me frontline experience in the world of social media marketing. I’ve been able to help not only GradComm with its own social media, but also over a dozen community colleges with creating content and managing accounts. I even “starred” in a viral Instagram reel for one of our clients. I’m excited to pass along the valuable insights I’ve gained, which I believe will be incredibly helpful for anyone with similar interests!
Decoding Algorithms
Understanding algorithms is the cornerstone of effective social media marketing. Knowing the optimal times to post and when your followers are the most active with help to ensure maximum reach and engagement. To have a better understanding of algorithms, imagine social media as a big party with lots of conversations happening all at once. Now, think of the social media algorithm as a friendly party host who helps you hear the conversations that are most interesting to you!
This “party host” pays attention to what you like and what you’re interested in. It also looks at how popular different conversations are. Then, it uses all that info to show you posts that you’re likely to enjoy. So, if you’re into cute dog pictures, the algorithm will make sure you see more of those. Keep in mind these algorithms are designed to make your social media experience more enjoyable and tailored just for you!
Putting this knowledge into action is where the magic happens! Pay attention to when your followers are the most active – this varies depending on the platform. For instance, on Instagram, it might be during lunch breaks or in the evening. On X (formerly Twitter), it could be during trending conversations. By tailoring your posting schedule to match these times, you’ll increase the likelihood of your content reaching a wider audience. Making sure your posts align with your brand’s identity and values is important. This way, the algorithm will recognize your content as relevant to your target audience, so keep it authentic and true to your brand!
Riding the Trend Wave
Staying on top of trends is critical. Whether it’s trending audio, hashtags, dances, or video ideas, incorporating these elements into your content strategy can significantly boost engagement. I staying current on trends following industry influencers and by dedicating time every day to browsing various social platforms so that I can pick up on common audio trends and the latest viral videos. Also, I suggest attending in-person or virtual social media workshops, which can expand your knowledge into all things concerning current trends. This way, you’ll be able to zero in on the posts that are bound to grab attention and relate with your audience!
Streamlining with Essential Software
Tools like Hootsuite are invaluable for efficient content management! This scheduling platform allows you to create and schedule posts in advance. Additional platforms like CapCut provide templates for trending meme reels. These templates, which are designed to align with most content and current trends, are a great way to help you drive traffic and achieve your social media goals. Canva is an additional platform commonly used to assist with social media design. It’s an amazing tool that lets you create eye-catching graphics, posts, and even videos with just a few clicks! Instagram and TikTok are fantastic platforms for creating engaging reels and videos. Instagram offers a user-friendly interface with accessible video editing tools, allowing you to trim, add music, and even incorporate special effects. Meanwhile, TikTok provides a plethora of creative features, from dynamic filters to seamless transitions, making it a powerhouse for crafting attention-grabbing video content!
Data-Driven Decisions
Analytic reports of your social media platforms offer insights into performance. These insights will highlight areas of success and areas that may need improvement. This data is accessible through business accounts on social platforms. It opens the door to address challenges or celebrate achievements! If you are interested in learning more about analytic reports, online courses from platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer fantastic insights. Offering a diverse selection of courses, which are led by industry experts and many are available for free, they provide comprehensive insights on subjects spanning from content strategy to analytics.. Their video-based formats ensure engaging learning experiences. This allows you to absorb practical skills and strategies that can be immediately applied to enhance your expertise!
Social Success
The beauty of social media is that beyond what we’ve covered, there’s a whole world of knowledge waiting to be uncovered. While there’s a wealth of additional insight I gained beyond what’s been mentioned, listing them all would turn this into a marathon read! Nevertheless, I hope the shared insights have been proven valuable and inspire others in their own marketing journeys. Here’s to fully embracing the dynamic realm of social media marketing!
