Tonnisha English-Amamoo from TJE Communications, our expert from The Circle Of Experts Podcast, is here.
If you’ve ever doubted the power of social media in business, it’s time to think again. According to some cool research by Sprout Social and Harris Insights and Analytics, a whopping 96% of business leaders believe investing in social media is key to success.
In this “The Circle Sessions” podcast episode we talk about why businesses are planning to boost their social media budgets big time over the next few years.
Social Media Budgets: From Trend to Necessity
Back in the day, many folks saw social media as just a fun way to connect online. But fast forward to today, and platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are essential tools for business growth. Nearly half the business leaders plan to increase their social media budgets by at least 50% over the next three years. That’s huge!
Why the shift? Well, businesses now see that social media isn’t just for fun; it’s a crucial piece of the competitiveness puzzle. If you’re not active and investing in social media, you’re missing out—big time.
Speed and Savvy: The Keys to Social Media Success
Social media moves at lightning speed. To keep up, you need a team that’s quick on their feet and in tune with the latest trends and cultural moments. Having someone who knows both the social media landscape and your brand culture is a game-changer. It’s not just about posting content; it’s about engaging authentically and swiftly.
The difference between working at a nimble agency versus a slower-paced corporation is night and day. On social media, agility is king. You need to make decisions fast without waiting for endless approvals.
Training and Tools: An Investment Worth Making
If you’re going to pour money into social media budgets, you’ve got to get something in return. Training your team to use social media tools and create eye-catching content is essential.
Investing in tools like Canva for graphics or Sprout Social for managing posts can make your team’s life so much easier. And continuous training? That’s the secret sauce to keeping everyone sharp and up-to-date with the latest trends.
Keeping a Healthy Balance
Social media never sleeps, and that’s a challenge for any team. Don’t forget the importance of balancing constant engagement with ensuring your team doesn’t burn out.
Hire people who are genuinely passionate not just about social media but also about your brand and its mission. But also, set realistic expectations. Not every business needs to be on 24/7. Know when it’s essential to be on call and when it’s okay to catch some Z’s.
Bringing Podcasts into the Mix
Podcasts and social media? That’s a match made in heaven. Podcasts can significantly boost your content strategy. Combining your social media budgets and efforts with your podcast can expand your reach and solidify your brand presence.
So, how do you do it? Treat your podcast like any other valuable content. Create snippets, visuals, and posts specifically for each social media platform. That way, you’re amplifying your podcast’s reach and engaging more listeners.
Staying Ahead of the Game
The social media world changes faster than you can say “viral,” so staying informed is crucial. Follow industry blogs like Sprout Social, listen to relevant podcasts, and be an active participant in conversations online.
Keeping an ear to the ground helps you stay ahead of changes in algorithms, policies, and trends, giving you that competitive edge.
Wrapping It Up
Businesses are waking up to the immense power of social media. To stay ahead, it’s all about investing in the right tools, training, and people who get your brand and the digital world.
