Who would have thought kids create content and earn money? Double of what a doctor or engineer earns! They are influencers; they get a product (a toy), make unboxing videos, and review them for views. Even they know that to get money on TikTok, you need views, just like YouTube or other social media platforms. How do these content creators or influencers get views? By creating trendy content. Learn from them!

Every TikTok marketing hack you read or when you start to learn how to get views on TikTok will tell you to follow trends. Every book on marketing you read will tell you to follow what is in. “Trending” is the modern way of saying “in-demand.”  Having a huge view count declares your social standing; having views on TikTok means having food on your plate. People in desperate need are willing to buy cheap TikTok views because this is their source of income.

TikTok Views And Its Link With Trends

As a business owner, you need to put more effort into creating content that gives you views not only for earnings but also to get the attention of your buyers.

Following what is in demand by the public is the basic principle of marketing. These trends come briefly; people talk about them, absorb as much as possible from them, and then eventually move on to something else. It is just like a wave of fashion; for example, when the fashion of baggy pants came in the 1990s, every company jumped on the bandwagon and followed the trend. However, Levi’s, a popular brand, refused to follow the trend and faced a 15% drop in sales.

The power of trends can be seen from the day marketing was born. Now is the age of social media, where each social media platform has its trends. TikTok comes sixth in the list of most popular social networks worldwide. However, around 150 million US citizens use TikTok just like other apps. Woah! That‘s a huge number, though. That means 150 million people might be a part of the TikTok trend in some way or another.

It doesn’t matter for what purpose you are using it; you are promoting a trend. Whether for entertaining yourself with multiple videos or doing the trending TikTok challenges, you are part of it. Now you know how using TikTok in one way or another makes you a part of a more significant trend. You also know why businesses should join it and try to blend in.

But why should you care about views? Views are not just people viewing your videos. It is about people finding it worthy enough to spend time on it. When TikTok algorithms see that your content is being viewed by people it will keep it on the top. Top means the “Discover Page” on TikTok. Do you see where we are going? Yes, to the connection.

What is the content that is viewed the most? A trending content. Exactly my friend, when you follow trends in your TikTok videos you give people a reason to view your content. It shows them that you are updated with the latest challenges, music, or products on TikTok. For example, Dua Lipa’s Levitating is quite popular and every other creator is using it in their videos. You as a marketer of your business might use it as background music in your videos.

The TikTok algorithm will catch a hint of the trend from your video’s music and show it on the top of the Discover page. Hence, giving your business a possibility to get more visibility. These algorithms chase trends so TikTok users are surfing the wave for views.

Professional marketing agencies know this trick. They use such tactics to get sales for their clients. They first research the target audience and see what type of TikTok challenges are they watching. Then they make videos of that challenge to optimize their content with the trends. They know following the trend will increase their chance of showing on the “For You” page. Once their TikTok video is on the “For You” page they can reach a broader audience.

Increasing the view count while following the trend is all TikTok creators and marketers want.

How To Boost TikTok Views?

Are you still wondering if you should be on TikTok or not? I would suggest making a TikTok account now and see for yourself. For your business or personal reasons, TikTok is the best way to entertain yourself while making some bucks. The “making some bucks” part can be a little tricky though.

It’s not like you make mere videos and it will rain money. The trick is to get views on your account. Let me tell you the secret sauce that all professional marketers or creators use to make their videos stand out.

Create Mind-Blowing Captions

It literally has to be mind-blowing. Writing creative captions is an art that not everyone is capable of. People often use Chatgpt to create captions but let me tell you that is not going to work. You might have heard a lot of “ Be You!” Yes, be natural, and keep your captions natural. A caption is a part of your TikTok content and it is a way to start a convo with your audience. For example, if you are posting a video of your morning walk don’t caption it with something like “Morning routine.” Instead, you can be creative and write “Morning walk hits different in adulthood! #GoodMorining #Adulthoodfail.” This is subtle and short, but engaging enough!

Keep Your Hashtag Game Strong

Hashtags are the best way to connect your topic with your audience. It is like pinning your content for a specific keyword on the board. Use creative hashtags The TikTok community uses hashtags very much. It is like a short caption with loads of hashtags.

They are an excellent component of your content, much like captions are. Make sure you use hashtags with a large number of followers because people follow hashtags that give them new content to watch. The hashtags #foryou or #foryoupage are frequently seen you can also use them in your own videos. But why do people use it? To make their content appear on the top of the page for discoverability.

Dance Like Noone’s Watching (Because They Will!)

Videos or challenges that involve dance get more views. We all know the most viral TikTok videos are of someone dancing because it is what other users enjoy. But we do know that dancing is not everyone’s cup of tea. A few months back the Renegade dance was quite popular on TikTok and everyone was trying it. If you know the moves in Renegade are not that easy. So, how did a non-dancer take part in this trend? He or she uploaded their fun videos like bloopers. Those bloopers took the TikTok more than the original dance videos.

Collab With Others 

TikTokers do collaborate with other TikTokers and even with brands to promote their content or make videos for or with them. You can team up with such TikTokers or brands to give your audience something different to watch. They might have gotten bored by watching your daily! Lol! In fact, brands will pay you to promote or show their products in your videos. And you get views, too.

Go With The Trend

We have talked so much about trends in the earlier sections that the word ‘trend’ seems overused now. At least to me, it seems overused. Yet, again, FOMO is a thing and you don’t want your viewers to feel it. That’s why I recommend you to go with the trending topics. But whenever you follow the latest trends don’t forget to make it natural by adding your personal idea.

Keep On Posting

TikTok like any other platform looks for accounts that are consistent. Consistency means you are using the platform so why won’t the platform will benefit you? Every platform wants to be used that’s why TikTok honors the creators by keeping them on top. Post once a month, twice a week, or even more to stay in the system.

How To Get More Views On TikTok Videos?

Let’s face it, everybody wants to be seen on TikTok, and we mean EVERYBODY. We want people to notice what we’re doing, take interest and even just leave a view because that’s encouraging enough to keep us going. But there are times when you feel like you’re stuck in a rut. You’ve tried all the antics and the views are still not budging. Sounds like your situation?

It’s very easy to solve this rut. Most of you might know at this point that TikTok has very specific algorithms. These are the ones that are really deciding the fate of your video. If you know how to get the attention of the algorithm, you’ve solved the equation!

How To Make Your Video Engaging on TikTok?

If you’re on TikTok, it’s virtually impossible to miss one of those Reddit stories that come on your FYP. This is a faceless channel, and TikTok is filled with these. But how do these channels talk to their viewers? And why do people come back to these videos for more?

It’s very simple. Start with the first three seconds of your video. These seconds are the ones deciding your fate, so make it snappy, make it memorable, and make it a head-turner. Try to reply to some of the comments on your TikTok. Now we know the comment section can be a nightmare sometimes but replying to one or two of them keeps the viewer interested.

Besides, make your content unique and interactive to go viral. Ask questions to your audience or ask them to make a duet with your video. If you share a quick workout routine, ask viewers to show their version.

Making your content visually appealing is the first step when you learn how to increase views on TikTok. You need to pay attention to your video’s aesthetics, lighting, framing, and colors.

Adding Call To Action In Your Marketing Videos

If you’re a marketer who’s using TikTok to reach customers, first of all, you’re the smartest person on the planet. TikTok marketing is THE craze at the moment and it’s not about to go down soon. But there’s one thing that can make your TikTok marketing a real hit or miss; the Call to Action.

You know it’s a serious thing when even TikTok themselves start recommending marketers add CTAs in their ads. If someone saw your ad for a summer collection on your brand and you didn’t have any CTA, the viewer will not even think twice before scrolling your ad away. Why? Because you didn’t provide them with that last bit of encouragement to make the final decision and complete the sale.

Use on-screen text and graphics as much as you can to make the ad easy to skim through. If it’s a limited-time offer, why not add a button for “Act Now” or “Limited Stock – Shop Today!” Create that feeling of urgency in the reader and they will follow in.

For TikTok or Instagram, utilize features like polls, quizzes, or swipe-up options so the viewer can interact with the CTA. Nobody can resist a good poll or short quiz on trending topics, whether it’s about Hailey Bieber’s new makeup line or Selena Gomez’s new beau.

In the end, it’s about making your viewers happy and satisfied with your content. Don’t lose this vision or you lose everything.

Featured image provided by cottonbro studio,  Pexels; and rawpixel, Freepik;

The post The Power of Trends: Riding the Wave to Boost TikTok Views appeared first on DMNews.

The issue is that the two terms are often confused a lot. It is believed that they are the same, that one can do the work of the other, and that if one of the two is missing, there won’t be too much of a problem. The truth is that it is not, because both professionals are a gear that is capable of meeting the objectives of a project.

So if you have any doubts about what a community manager and a social media manager are responsible for, what they are used for, or what the functions of a community manager and a social media manager are, we will tell you absolutely everything below.

Key Differences: Community Manager vs. Social Media Manager

To begin with, we can tell you no. They are different professionals, who are in charge of different things, but who work together. The activities they perform are complementary and are directed to the same end.

For this reason, we will now review their functions, roles, usefulness, and much more.

What is a social media manager?

If we talk about a social media manager, we refer to the person who is in charge of managing the social media accounts of a company. That is, it is the person responsible for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and any other social network that has the company for which he is working.

A social media manager will be in charge of thinking and developing strategies. These will be framed in a specific project and will require the creation of content and data analysis. In addition to other activities such as the management of plans and the execution of campaigns through social networks.

What is a community manager?

Now, the community manager is the person who functions as a link between the company or brand and the community with which it interacts. This community is the target audience, for example, if you are a baby products company, you will keep in touch with new mothers, experienced mothers, fathers, and other people who connect with the brand.

The interesting thing about this position is that the community manager will be in charge of establishing links with that community in order to strengthen the relationship with potential and existing customers. So, if someone makes a comment on Instagram, the community manager will respond. He/she will give likes to the interactions, solve doubts, and more.

The goal is to be able to develop a community. In it, you will connect with the public, you will be helpful in solving problems, and you will help make the customer experience satisfying. And your work is so important that you might be able to increase sales.

Social Media Manager: Responsibilities and functions

Earlier we talked to you in general terms about what the social media manager position is about, but now we will explain in detail each of its functions in the work area.

• Choose the right social networks for each strategy. Not all social networks work the same, so design a strategy for each one if necessary or set a goal thinking about the networks that are really useful.
• He is in charge of planning and executing network strategies adapted to the brand’s target audience.
• Develop a publication schedule, a content strategy, and also the style in which they will communicate.
• Assists with brand growth through partnerships and collaborations.
• He is the budget manager for social media campaigns.
• It is able to act in the face of crises that arise in projects.
• Analyze the results and present the social media report in order to know if the objectives were met or not.

Community Manager: Responsibilities and functions

Once the roles and responsibilities of social media managers have been clarified, it now remains to address those of community managers, and these are:

• It is in charge of building a close community that will then be able to make sales or stick to the designed strategy.
• Establish a solid relationship with users of the brand’s social networks.
• It makes users feel comfortable, answering their questions, solving problems, and any kind of conflict.
• He is always looking for new viral trends in social networks that can be adapted to the brand.
• It is the voice and face of the community. By being the bridge, you will let the rest of the team know what is working, what needs to be changed, and how they can improve.
• Interact with the community through private chats, stories, comments, and any other communication format according to the network.

Are both roles important in a company?

Yes, they certainly are. The presence of a social media manager and a community manager are both essential in any company that wants to have a solid presence on social networks. In some cases, companies try to save money by having only one person in charge of both functions, but it is practically impossible to do it well if you are doing someone else’s job in addition to your own.

For example, a social media manager cannot design, plan, and monitor a strategy as the head of a social media project, while having to respond to comments, go live, respond to direct messages, and write the post to be published. That’s why it takes both to form a good team.

The post Crucial Differences Community Manager vs. Social Media Manager appeared first on DMNews.

First of all, if you have started to grow your Instagram, look at what you have done so far, see what metrics you have, what volume of engagement, how much interaction you have, what content works best for you, and from there, define the goal you want to achieve in the next 6 months, in the next year. However, you still have the choice to buy IG followers.

We must set real goals to determine whether we meet the organic growth on Instagram that we have set ourselves if we are getting closer.

So, if we are going to achieve it before that period, we can change the objective to be more ambitious in the next phase; on the other hand, if we are not, and we have gone too far and have set objectives that are too broad, too ambitious, and that we are not going to achieve in that period, we can adjust them at the right time.

Set up Your Account as a Business

Under the Settings section of your Instagram profile, you can change your account type by scrolling down to the bottom. Business or professional accounts enable you to access the statistics of both your profile and your Instagram posts and stories. With this data, you will be able to better define your positioning strategies, as you will discover what attracts people to your profile. Additionally, more information about your business or brand can also be added, such as website, address, or contact information.

Even so, we recommend downloading the Statigram app for some Instagram analytics. A tool to manage your activity on Instagram that will give you all the information you need to study yourself and be able to control what you are doing well and what you are not.

Create a Strategy to Grow Instagram Followers Organically

Instagram was created in 2010 as an app to share photos of a user’s most special moments. Over time, it became the social network of choice for the Millennial generation and, little by little, for Generation Z. At the beginning of 2022, it was confirmed that the app has 1.393 billion monthly active Instagram users and is no longer just an app for sharing photos, today it is an effective Instagram marketing channel.

Every business has objectives and goals, whether you have a company or a personal brand. For this, an Instagram marketing strategy is defined. As you have probably already realized, Instagram is one of the acquisition channels within your strategy (Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, etc.). That’s why the content you generate within the app has to be aligned with your main objectives as a brand but, at the same time, adapted to the platform.

Whether one of your objectives is to raise the profile of a specific product or service to generate more sales, Instagram is a channel that could help you achieve this by enabling you to reach a much larger audience. Building a following on Instagram is a goal that aligns with the one we said at the beginning: to raise the profile of a product or service. Notice how they’re related? Examples of how to define your goals, aligned with your follower growth:

• Increase awareness of your business and your offer.
• Get your audience to interact with your content.
• Attract visitors to your profile.
• Sell products or services from your Instagram or website.

How do you define your objectives and goals on Instagram? Think about the following questions:

• Why do you want to have a presence on Instagram?
• How will Instagram help you achieve your brand marketing goals?
• How much time and budget are you willing to invest in the app?
• Does Instagram offer you something different from other social media platforms?

For any definition of goals, it is important to think about the SMART approach. This allows you to align your actions (publish more posts) to reach your goal (get more followers) and to know if you are succeeding by measuring metrics.

Make Calls to Action

In the same way, invite your users to go further. With a call to action, you can get them to go to your bio and click on hyperlinks to your website, your blog, or your shop. Learn how to upload YouTube videos to Instagram to promote channels on other platforms as well. This way, they’ll start to get to know your brand better and you’ll quickly gain real Instagram followers. Suggest any related sites that can benefit you. Tell them and they will do.

Comment on Similar Accounts

You are, after all, just another user who also needs to participate. If you want your audience to trust your brand, it’s good for them to know that you are like them. This is a very effective way to get new people to get to know you. But above all, the more you comment on related accounts, the more your algorithm will locate where you want to be, and the more people you will reach quickly.

How to Get Organic Instagram Followers by Using Hashtags

Hashtags are tags that archive our posts in separate, public folders on the network. It is the most basic and essential way to reach more followers. Think of keywords related to your post and add as many as you can, always taking care that it doesn’t end up looking like spam.

When you type a hashtag on the keyboard, suggestions will automatically appear with the most active hashtags, along with the number of people who have currently used it. Choose generic hashtags with a lot of engagement, but also more relevant hashtags to narrow down your niche.

Create a Hashtag for Your Brand

Choosing one or more branded hashtags is an interesting trick to get engagement from your real followers. This creates a much stronger identity. Ideally, choose a general hashtag to accompany all your posts, as it will encourage a very concentrated activity around you and give users a sense of being part of something. Strong branding is undoubtedly one of the best organic growth strategies for gaining not fake followers on Instagram for free.

Use Stories on Instagram

Although the video in Stories is only 15 seconds long, this time can be used strategically to grab the audience and keep them watching. A good strategy for Instagram stories is to show behind-the-scenes videos. People like to see the making of a job, the daily routines of the company, or the process of performing a service.

It is important to do it sparingly to keep people out. Among the elements that can be used are polls, gifs, and icons, which should be used to interact with Instagram users and receive information about the content they are looking for in their profile.

How to Organically Get Followers on Instagram by Offering Rewards

Offering rewards works well to increase engagement and get your brand out to more people, so get your new followers to participate in engaging campaigns and contests. Choose giveaways, services, products, or exclusive user-generated content. Then, draw up simple rules for participation. It is essential to ask participants to nominate their friends in the comments to compete for the prize.

A successful strategy to increase your follower count is to ask for your post to be forwarded to the profile of those who want to win the contest, as this increases the chance of reaching them within the application.

Your Brand Image Helps to Grow Instagram Followers Organically

Develop a recognizable brand image on your Instagram account organically, a type of content associated with your brand. If you achieve this and aesthetically differentiate yourself from the rest, especially from your professional sector, you will gain brand visibility on Instagram for your business.

You don’t need to differentiate yourself from everyone else, but only within your professional sector, so your content stands out more. Thus, when people, your followers, enter Instagram from their mobile phones, they will see more and more of your content directly without needing to know who published it because they know it’s you.

There comes a time when you are positioning yourself in the search niche and Instagram as a prominent account, a brand that occupies part of the searches of that professional sector. You’re going to differentiate yourself from the rest of the accounts. You’re going to create brand branding, a brand culture that your real followers will see as recognizable and that your competitors on Instagram will not be able to replicate because you’ve already created your style.

Keyword Research and Search Terms

To continue organic growth on Instagram, another organic Instagram growth strategy that works is to do a sweep of content that your target audience might be interested in on Google and see what content is most consumed on that.

With that information, prepare some content proposals to increase your follower count. You can then make a video, a carousel on Instagram, a Reel, a story, whatever, but that responds to your target audience’s searches. If they demonstrate those needs by searching for content on Google and YouTube, they try to replicate it later with related content that responds to those searches on Instagram.

Give Likes and Comments Daily

Another point to improve your organic growth on Instagram is that you will have to work an average of 10 minutes a day, leaving likes and comments on other accounts, other profiles, and with those we have as a target audience.

With those tags or hashtags we are tracking in the Instagram search engine, we will see who posts about what we do. In those contents, we are going to leave likes, and we are going to leave some personalized comments in the accounts that we consider most important and in the most relevant Instagram content.

What do we get out of it? This will force the Instagram algorithm that if we interact more with some accounts and spend more time on Instagram, we will attract more and not fake followers. If I am on Instagram account A, and I interact more with Instagram account B, over time, B will be more likely to see my content in their feed.

Micro-Influencers

When you have already grown and have a certain social proof on Instagram, you can relate not with influencers but with micro-influencers. Relevant accounts are less important than influencers but are very important in a small niche you are interested in positioning yourself.

If you do this type of action with micro-influencers on Instagram, you will see how you increase the reach of your message; you reach many more people, thanks to them. In exchange, you must agree with these micro-influencers that you give them your product or service.

But once they do the action and make a mark for you, you will see how much more you will grow in organic followers. Organic growth on Instagram shoots up promptly.

Conclusion: Organic Growth on Instagram is Not a Secret

Organic growth on Instagram is not a secret, and it’s not magic. It’s simply perseverance. It takes a lot of work because you need to learn some Instagram insights.

But it is true that in the medium and long term, you will see how this is a roller, and your organic growth will go forward in terms of new followers; you will also notice this increase, and if you are doing it right, you will notice an increase in engagement.

Featured image provided by cottonbro studio; Pexels; Thanks!

Internal images provided by RDNE Stock project,  Pixabay, and Ron Lach, Pexels; Thanks!

The post Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Organic Followers on Instagram appeared first on DMNews.

According to a recent McKinsey study, this digital realm can impact personal and commercial life to unexpected heights. The investments made in 2022 in the Metaverse exceeded $120BN and are forecasted to reach $5TN by the end of the decade, leaving participants in the business world wondering what are the best ways to leverage the new generation of the internet. This determination, combined with a heartfelt concern, is also spurred by the consumers’ keen interest in exploring new ways of interacting with businesses. As per the same survey encompassing 3,400 consumers worldwide, two out of three are excited to try to replace physical activity with a virtual one.

So, let’s learn are there is to learn about Metaverse in the business world and discover some examples of brands that have successfully incorporated them into their corporate strategies.

Deciphering the Metaverse mystery

Despite the widespread use of the term “Metaverse” in everyday conversation, it’s evident that this concept remains somewhat elusive and not fully comprehended by the majority. Besides insufficient knowledge on the matter, there are still traditional, opinionated perspectives from those lacking enough tech education, which might act like an invisible and unbeatable enemy in the journey toward progress.

Forbes.com proclaimed the Metaverse one of the leading ten trends that businesses and customers need to grasp and prepare for this year. Plus, as Apple CEO Tim Cook announced last year, among the main barriers to its adoption is people’s lack of understanding of the concept, along with its use cases, advantages, and challenges. Yet, it’s clear as the light of the day that Metaverse will sooner or later become the norm in the business world and beyond. As the calendar winds down, it’s only logical for businesses to prepare to enter 2024 with new forces to tackle this perplexing concept.

Metaverse, to clear things up, represents a simple yet sophisticated collective digital space developed on top of the internet and embracing experiences, environments, and virtual realms that are parallel to the physical, tangible world. Users can switch different spaces in the blink of an eye and see split-second decisions turn to reality in the virtual environment, interacting with other participants and the surrounding elements or assets.

To help you create a more precise idea, you can imagine a world where you can do anything you desire, such as shopping at the most famous stores or owning a home near a celebrity’s house from the comfort of your home. The opportunities and possibilities are close to infinite, allowing customers to discover innovative businesses and their offerings through new, mind-bending, and immersive ways that benefit all parties involved.

How safe is Metaverse for brands and customers?

There’s a reason you don’t see people flinching when boarding a bus, entering a store, or taking a walk in the park, and that relaxation is due to safety standards and norms the society has long created and stuck to. Public and private companies are obliged by regulatory bodies and strict governing rules to assure the safety and integrity of the individuals they interact with. Otherwise, and in case of incompliance with the rules, leading to accidents or any other incident that may harm an individual physically or emotionally, those at fault are prone to dealing with severe consequences. Regulatory bodies ensure safety practices are in place, and informational resources such as www.legalexpert.co.uk/personal-injury-claims equip individuals and businesses with all the necessary information regarding the correct conduit and repercussions that data breaches can bring about.

In light of the latest tech developments with Metaverse at the top, it’s only natural to wonder why anyone would ask for less from the digital realm. This immersive space will witness millions of users breaking into it through its virtual walls. Letting aside the metaverse landscape’s actual building and engineering, more data, such as psychographic and biometric data, will be used to create the explorable space. Engaging with customers within these surreal borders will have businesses readopt new and more embracing perspectives on human interaction that will differ from what they’ve been accustomed to.

Big names such as Roblox or Balenciaga have already dipped their toes into the Metaverse waters

From giants in the fashion sector, such as Balenciaga, to long-established gaming platforms, such as Roblox, more companies are continuously jumping on the Metaverse bandwagon. Games like Axie Infinity, Minecraft, and Fortnite already experimented with Metaverse elements and showed users how to engage in immersive activities. Similarly, heavyweights like Coca-Cola and Nike have already found ways to interact with a broader user base through the Metaverse. It’s not far-fetched to say that traditional marketing is slowly becoming obsolete and left behind. Digital marketing is gradually entering a new phase with the next version of the internet that renders conventional marketing tools and strategies outdated.

Some of the platforms and brands that have already deciphered the mystery in which Metaverse is shrouded and effectively leveraged it in their strategies to meet the evolving customer demands are as follows:

• Decentraland – the Ethereum-based, decentralized digital world empowers enterprises to gain a voice and create a presence in the Metaverse realm, allowing users to purchase and sell virtual land.
• VRChat – VRChat, a platform with more than 4 million users, enables users to develop avatars and worlds, giving power to businesses to build and offer immersive marketing experiences.
• Nike – the leading footwear brand, has launched Nikeland, a Roblox-based sports destination where users can access all sorts of gears for their digital avatars.
• Shopify – the giant commerce platform that has integrated AI to help businesses of all sizes have a streamlined interaction with customers.
• Balenciaga – With Fortnite, the luxury fashion brand has developed a digital space where users can purchase NFT wearables for their characters.

Suppose you own a brand and want to prepare it for the next generation of the internet. Then the smart and useful way to tackle this new trend is to explore all the opportunities that Metaverse has to offer and create marketing strategies tailored to your business and customers’ needs, always keeping an open eye on the tech developments that are seizing the enterprise stage.

Featured and internal images by Freepik; Thanks!

The post Marketing in the Metaverse: The Opportunities That Are Yet To Be Unearthed appeared first on DMNews.

Twitter’s Decline as a Trustworthy News Source

Twitter has long had a hard time policing itself during major news events, but the Israel-Gaza war has really brought home the platform’s decline as a reliable source of information. According to experts, X not only does nothing to combat fake news, but it also gives more weight to content published by unverifiable blue-checked accounts. Users have a monetary incentive to spread false information in order to attract attention and possibly earn financial rewards due to this preference for viral posts. Famous people like Ian Bremmer are shocked by the amount of misinformation being promoted by algorithms on X, and they have called for immediate action.

What the EU Is Doing About False Information

Concerns about false information and potentially illegal content have been raised by the European Union’s digital enforcer on X and its parent company, Meta, which also owns Facebook and Instagram. The new digital rules put in place by the 27-nation bloc to combat misinformation on social media platforms face a significant challenge in the face of this situation. TikTok, YouTube, and even Facebook are all dealing with the spread of unfounded rumors and falsehoods about the Israel-Gaza conflict, but X is at the forefront of the chaos and misinformation. People’s ability to distinguish between fact and fiction is hampered by the widespread dissemination of false information on these platforms, exacerbating the issue.

TikTok’s Contribution to the Spread of False News

During the Israel-Gaza conflict, TikTok became a hotbed for false information despite its poor track record as a source of timely news. TikTok may be “almost as bad” as X, but its primary function is to host short, humorous videos, so it’s important to keep that in mind when evaluating the site’s reputation. However, a special difficulty is presented by the financial incentives on X to disseminate viral content, including false information. Users must exercise caution when consuming content on TikTok and other emerging platforms because of the ease with which false information can elicit strong emotional reactions and quickly spread.

The Importance of Trustworthy Information Sources

The importance of reputable information sources is growing as social media platforms work to curb the dissemination of fake news. While X and TikTok are drowning in confusion, established news organizations like the Associated Press and Reuters remain indispensable for fact-checking and reporting on the ground. These reputable news outlets have the manpower and means to reliably report on the conflict between Israel and Gaza. To ensure the public receives accurate information in times of crisis, reliable outlets must put a premium on fact-checking and proactive reporting.

Emerging Platforms and Their Perplexing Problems

Users are flocking to new platforms like Meta’s Threads as they look for viable alternatives to X. These platforms are still establishing themselves, however, in the worldwide information infrastructure. They may not be major targets of disinformation campaigns just yet, but they also don’t have the clout of their more well-known competitors. For example, the moderators of Meta’s Threads have decided to downplay discussions of current events and political debates in favor of more lighthearted discussions. However, if these platforms do not place a premium on fact-checking tools and suppress false information, they run the risk of becoming incubators for fake news, just like X and TikTok.

Should Social Media Sites be Subject to More Stringent Scrutiny and Penalties?

The UK’s Technology Secretary has called a meeting with the CEOs of X, TikTok, Snapchat, Google, and Meta to discuss the spread of antisemitic and violent content following the Hamas attack. The European Union’s new Digital Services Act requires major online platforms to take responsibility for reducing disinformation and illegal content, and European Commissioner Thierry Breton has warned both Musk and Meta of penalties for noncompliance. If social media sites don’t act quickly to stop spreading false information, they risk steep fines and other repercussions.

Users’ Resistance to False Information

Users play a crucial role in preventing the spread of misinformation on social media, which is the responsibility of the platforms themselves. People need to be extra cautious and analytical about the information they share and consume online in times of crisis. Users can help in the fight against misinformation by using reputable news sources, checking facts, and avoiding sensationalized or emotionally manipulative content.

See first source: ABC News

FAQ

1. What is the state of misinformation on Twitter, particularly during the Israel-Gaza conflict?

Twitter, now called X under Elon Musk’s leadership, has been plagued by misinformation during the conflict. The platform has struggled to combat fake news and has even favored posts from unverifiable blue-checked accounts, contributing to the problem.

2. Why do some users have a financial incentive to spread false information on X (Twitter)?

X’s preference for viral posts, including false information, has created a monetary incentive for users to spread such content, attracting attention and potential financial rewards.

3. What actions have notable figures like Ian Bremmer taken in response to the spread of misinformation on X?

Prominent individuals like Ian Bremmer have expressed shock at the volume of misinformation promoted by algorithms on X and have called for immediate action to address the issue.

4. How is the European Union addressing misinformation on social media platforms like X and Meta (Facebook and Instagram)?

The European Union has introduced digital rules to combat misinformation on these platforms. Concerns about false information and potentially illegal content have led to increased scrutiny and potential penalties for noncompliance.

5. How has TikTok contributed to the spread of false information during the Israel-Gaza conflict?

TikTok, despite its primary function as a platform for short, humorous videos, became a source of false information during the conflict. Financial incentives on X have also contributed to the dissemination of viral content, including false information, on TikTok.

6. Why are trustworthy information sources crucial during times of crisis?

Established news organizations like the Associated Press and Reuters remain essential for fact-checking and reporting on the ground during crises. Trustworthy sources help ensure that the public receives accurate information when social media platforms are inundated with confusion and misinformation.

7. What are some emerging platforms like Meta’s Threads facing in terms of misinformation challenges?

Emerging platforms like Meta’s Threads are gaining users seeking alternatives to established platforms. However, they must prioritize fact-checking tools and combat false information to avoid becoming incubators for fake news, similar to X and TikTok.

8. How are social media sites facing increased scrutiny and penalties in response to misinformation?

The UK’s Technology Secretary has called a meeting with the CEOs of major platforms, including X and TikTok, to address the spread of antisemitic and violent content. The European Union’s Digital Services Act imposes responsibilities on online platforms to reduce disinformation, with potential penalties for noncompliance.

9. What role do users play in combating misinformation on social media?

Users have a critical role in preventing the spread of misinformation. They should exercise caution, rely on reputable news sources, fact-check information, and avoid sharing sensationalized or emotionally manipulative content to help combat false information.

10. What is the responsibility of social media platforms themselves in addressing misinformation?

Social media platforms must take proactive measures to combat misinformation, including implementing fact-checking tools and suppressing false information. They face increased scrutiny and potential penalties if they fail to act swiftly.

Featured Image Credit: UX Gun; Unsplash – Thank you!

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The Power of Social Media for Brands

As per Sprout Social’s report, most consumers (68%) primarily use social media to stay informed about new products and services, underscoring its potential upside for brands. The second biggest reason for consumers to engage with brands on social media is their desire to access exclusive promotions or deals. This highlights the importance of social media teams working in sync with product, sales, and customer service teams.

Evolving Brand-Consumer Relationships

With consumers spending more time online than ever before, marketers have new opportunities to engage with their core demographics. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the consumers of today may not want the same things as their pre-pandemic counterparts. As social media has put consumers in direct contact with brands, they seek a sense of connection.

Contrary to common belief, speaking out on social issues is not the most effective way for brands to establish a connection with consumers. According to the report, only 25% of consumers believe that brands need to align themselves with specific issues to be memorable. Instead, brands can have a greater impact on social media by simply responding to their customers. Fifty-one percent of consumers see personalized responses as the best way for brands to be memorable.

The Importance of Personalized Responses

The need for personalized responses is further emphasized by the fact that 70% of respondents expect companies to provide personalized responses to their customer service needs. Consumers value how quickly brands respond to their concerns, with 76% noting that they notice and appreciate when companies prioritize customer service. In terms of response time, while 30% expect same-day responses, 16% now expect a response within minutes. These figures indicate the increasing expectation for prompt and personalized interactions with brands on social media.

Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

To meet evolving consumer demands, marketers are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) as a key tool. According to the report, 81% of marketers already believe that AI has had a positive impact on their work. Looking ahead, AI’s impact is expected to be even greater in 2024, particularly in the areas of content creation and data analysis.

Marketers are finding that AI allows for more time spent on creativity, with 78% of respondents reporting increased efficiency and 73% experiencing more time dedicated to creative pursuits. AI is also being leveraged for customer self-service tools, such as chatbots (54%), streamlining social media workflow (50%), and automating basic customer service inquiries and tasks (47%). Additionally, 35% of marketers plan on using AI for training purposes.

Consumer Skepticism Towards AI

While AI offers significant benefits, consumers remain skeptical. The report reveals that 42% of consumers feel slightly or very apprehensive about AI, while only 24% are slightly or very excited. The majority of consumers (34%) remain neutral. This indicates that while AI has the potential to help marketers meet consumer demands, building trust and striking a balance between leveraging the technology and addressing consumer concerns are crucial.

Embracing Change and Novel Thinking

As social media continues to evolve, marketers must embrace new processes and technologies to stay ahead. This means seeing social media differently and leveraging its unique ability to connect with consumers on an individual level. While it is important for brands to take authentic stances on important issues, it is equally vital for brands to respond to customers personally and create original content that resonates with their audience.

Living up to consumer standards requires marketers to think differently, embracing new processes and technology as essential components of a modern social media strategy. This will undoubtedly be challenging, but the unknowns that lie ahead in the social media landscape also present great opportunities for innovative thinking.

See first source: Marketing Dive

FAQ

1. Why has social media usage continued to surge even as the world returns to normalcy?

Social media usage has continued to surge because it has become an integral part of people’s lives, offering them a platform for connection, information, and entertainment.

2. What is the primary reason consumers engage with brands on social media, according to the Sprout Social report?

According to the report, the primary reason consumers engage with brands on social media is to stay informed about new products and services (68% of consumers).

3. How can brands establish a connection with consumers on social media, according to the report?

While speaking out on social issues is not the most effective way, brands can establish a connection with consumers on social media by responding to them personally. Fifty-one percent of consumers see personalized responses as the best way for brands to be memorable.

4. What percentage of respondents expect companies to provide personalized responses to their customer service needs on social media?

Seventy percent of respondents expect companies to provide personalized responses to their customer service needs on social media.

5. How are marketers using artificial intelligence (AI) to meet evolving consumer demands?

Marketers are using AI for various purposes, including content creation, data analysis, customer self-service tools (such as chatbots), streamlining social media workflow, automating basic customer service inquiries and tasks, and training purposes.

6. What percentage of marketers believe that AI has had a positive impact on their work, according to the report?

According to the report, 81% of marketers believe that AI has had a positive impact on their work.

7. How do consumers generally feel about AI, based on the report’s findings?

Consumers have mixed feelings about AI. While 24% are slightly or very excited about AI, 42% feel slightly or very apprehensive, and 34% remain neutral.

8. What do marketers need to do to adapt to the evolving social media landscape, according to the article?

To adapt to the evolving social media landscape, marketers need to embrace new processes and technologies. This includes responding to customers personally, creating original content, and leveraging AI as part of a modern social media strategy. It requires innovative thinking and a willingness to embrace change.

Featured Image Credit: Adem AY; Unsplash – Thank you!

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The Overwhelming Responsibilities of Social Media Marketers

One of the primary reasons why social media marketers feel overwhelmed is the sheer number of responsibilities they have to juggle on a daily basis. According to a survey conducted by Hootsuite, two in three respondents reported having too many responsibilities in their role. Social marketers are expected to perform anywhere from seven to nine separate social media-related tasks in their day-to-day work. Moreover, they are often required to simultaneously oversee up to three non-social responsibilities. This heavy workload can lead to a constant feeling of being stretched too thin and struggling to keep up with the demands of the job.

The “Always-On” Nature of Social Media Marketing

Keeping track of ever-changing social media trends and monitoring customer questions or complaints across multiple platforms is effectively a “24-hour job.” Allison Wong, a freelance social media manager, highlights the challenges of this “always-on” mentality. Social media marketers are constantly scrolling through channels, conducting research, and looking for the next trend. This constant need to be connected and up-to-date can be overwhelming and lead to a lack of work-life balance. Moreover, with 38% of social marketers being the only person on their brand or agency’s social media team, the pressure to constantly be available and responsive is intensified.

The Impact on Mental Health

The demanding nature of social media marketing has taken a toll on the mental health of many marketers. The Hootsuite survey revealed that 57% of respondents identified as having a mental health condition. Among those, 42% stated that working in social media has exacerbated their condition. The constant pressure to perform, the need to stay connected at all times, and the overwhelming workload contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout. Social media marketers are often faced with managing multiple campaigns, handling customer inquiries, analyzing data, and creating engaging content. The combination of these responsibilities can lead to a sense of being constantly under scrutiny and the fear of making mistakes.

Strategies to Alleviate the Challenges

Recognizing the challenges faced by social media marketers is the first step towards creating a healthier work environment. Brands and agencies can implement several strategies to alleviate the pressures and support their social media teams effectively:

1. Establish Realistic Workload Expectations

It is essential for organizations to understand the limitations of their social media teams and set realistic workload expectations. By ensuring that marketers have a manageable number of responsibilities, they can focus on delivering quality work rather than feeling overwhelmed by an excessive workload.

2. Provide Adequate Resources and Training

Investing in the development and training of social media marketers is crucial. By providing access to the latest tools, technologies, and industry trends, organizations can empower their teams to excel in their roles. Additionally, offering training programs and workshops can enhance their skills and improve their efficiency.

3. Foster Collaboration and Support

Promoting a collaborative and supportive work culture is vital for the well-being of social media marketers. Brands and agencies should encourage teamwork, knowledge sharing, and open communication. Creating a safe space where marketers can seek advice, share experiences, and discuss challenges can help alleviate stress and foster a sense of belonging.

4. Implement Work-Life Balance Policies

Organizations should prioritize work-life balance and support their social media teams in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Encouraging employees to take regular breaks, setting boundaries on after-work hours, and providing flexible scheduling options can contribute to reducing burnout and improving overall well-being.

5. Foster a Positive Feedback Culture

Recognizing and appreciating the hard work and achievements of social media marketers can go a long way in boosting their morale. Regularly providing constructive feedback, celebrating successes, and acknowledging their contributions can motivate and inspire marketers to continue delivering exceptional results.

See first source: Ad Age

FAQ

What are the primary reasons social media marketers are becoming frustrated in their roles?

Social media marketers often feel overwhelmed due to the sheer number of responsibilities they have to manage. They are expected to handle a wide range of tasks, which can lead to a constant feeling of being stretched too thin. Additionally, the “always-on” nature of the job, where they need to stay connected and up-to-date on social media trends, can contribute to a lack of work-life balance. These factors can negatively impact their mental health and job satisfaction.

How many responsibilities do social media marketers typically have to juggle on a daily basis?

According to a survey conducted by Hootsuite, social media marketers are expected to perform anywhere from seven to nine separate social media-related tasks in their daily work. Additionally, they often have to oversee up to three non-social responsibilities simultaneously.

Why is the “always-on” nature of social media marketing challenging for marketers?

Social media marketing requires constant monitoring of trends, customer inquiries, and platform activity. Marketers need to stay connected and be responsive across multiple platforms, which can lead to a lack of work-life balance. This constant need to be available and up-to-date can be overwhelming and exhausting.

What is the impact of these challenges on the mental health of social media marketers?

The demanding nature of social media marketing has taken a toll on the mental health of many marketers. A significant percentage of respondents in the Hootsuite survey identified as having a mental health condition, and 42% of them stated that working in social media has exacerbated their condition. The constant pressure, need to stay connected, and overwhelming workload contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Featured Image Credit: Piotr Cichosz; Unsplash – Thank you!

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