If you’re operating or marketing a business, whether it’s
B2C or B2B, in 2017, you probably utilize at least one social media platform
for your business.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn are just a few of the
social platforms you could be utilizing – and honestly, it is difficult to stay
ahead of the changes that occur within these platforms as they update and add
new features.
That’s why we’ve rounded up 10 of the most important updates
you should know about that have happened recently...
So let’s jump into it.
#1 Facebook Allows
Multiple Dates/Times for Recurring Events
This update is big for businesses that have events that
occur over a period of time. This works best for events that happen over
multiple days but is not a continuous event. It allows you to be more specific of
what times the event actually takes place.
Be aware that this feature may not be available to all page
admins and event creators yet, but should roll out soon.
via Social Media Examiner
#2 Twitter Redesign
Not all businesses utilize Twitter as one of their social
platforms, but if you do, this update is a big one for you.
Twitter introduced a new series of updates for its mobile
and web interfaces that features a new, streamlined look; the ability to open
links and other websites from within the platform; intuitive icons; and more.
Make sure you have updated your profile photo, as the design
change updated it to a circular photo size.
#3 Instagram Makes
Sponsored Content More Transparent
Instagram will begin to roll out a new “Paid partnership
with” tag that clearly identifies sponsored posts and stories. Instagram also
plans to release an official policy and guidelines around paid partnerships on
the site that are expected to be similar to Facebook’s current practices.
#4 Facebook Adds
Video Cover Photos to More Pages
Facebook started testing video cover images on Pages in
April, and is now expanding this feature to even more Pages. Admins will be
able to use a 20 - 90 second video that’s at least 820 x 312 pixels in place of
the standard cover photo.
Adweek notes that “cover videos auto-play and auto-loop” and
are automatically muted.
#5 Facebook Live
Video Promotion and Recommended Videos
Facebook rolled out the ability for verified pages to
promote a Facebook Live video during the broadcast. Previously, it was only
possible to promote a live video with ads after the broadcast ended.
In addition to this, they have also been testing a new
feature that suggests related live videos after a broadcast of live video has
ended. It doesn’t appear that you have control over these suggested videos at
this point.
#6 Instagram Allows
You to Add URLs to Stories
Up until recently adding links to your Instagram stories was
only available to verified accounts, but now anyone can do it!
To add a link, all you need to do is take a photo, video or
upload one from your camera roll just like normal. After you add any text or
stickers you want, click on the link icon at the top. Paste your URL and that’s
it – just press “Done” and continue to publish as normal.
Just don’t forget to add a call to action in your story,
either verbally or with text, to let people know it’s there.
#7 Snapchat Creates
On-Demand Geofilters
Snapchat recently released that ability for businesses to
“create on-demand geofilters from scratch” online.
Adweek reports that Snapchat’s new web tool contains preset
categories for special events such as birthdays, weddings, and more. Users can
access templates and modify their text, colors, and graphic. Pricing for this
feature currently varies “depending on the length of time [it] will be
available, as well as the size of the geofence (minimum of 20,000 square
feet).”
#8 LinkedIn Launches
Remarketing Options
LinkedIn introduced what is referred to as “Matched
Audiences,” which combines professional data in LinkedIn with your first-party
data. There are three new ways to remarket in LinkedIn:
1. Website Retargeting
– market to members who visit your website
2. Contact
Retargeting – market to members who match an uploaded list of contacts
3. Account
Retargeting – market to decision makers/influencers at companies you’re
targeting
#9 Facebook Includes
Instagram in Click to Messenger Ad Options
Facebook added Instagram as “a new placement for click to
Messenger ads to complement its existing Facebook click to Messenger ads.”
This new ad placement has started rolling out to Instagram
and should be available to all businesses “within the next few months.”
#10 Facebook Makes
Creating Photo Frames Easy
Facebook introduced Frame Studio, which allows anyone with a
profile or Page to create a design frame that anyone can use on profile
pictures or in the new Facebook camera. This gives businesses an easy way to
create fun, themed frames to promote to customers.
All frames must be submitted for Facebook’s approval prior
to being featured in the Facebook camera. Facebook cautions that frames “must
follow Facebook’s guidelines and cannot include logos or trademarks unless
pre-approved by Facebook.”
Social media updates like these happen all of the time.
These updates are only a few of the most important social media updates to
occur within the past few weeks.
Some changes like these are minor, that wouldn’t really
affect your business too much, while others make advertising your business way
more effective and can save you money while attracting more new customers.
If you need help maintaining your social presence or are looking to start
advertising on social media networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,
LinkedIn, etc., call Sales & Marketing Technologies at 407.682.2222 or
contact us online for a free consultation on how your business could benefit
from social media advertising.