The ever-evolving landscape of social media can leave even seasoned marketers scratching their heads. Organic reach on the decline, boosted posts tempting, and paid ads offering laser-sharp targeting – where do you even begin? In today's competitive digital world, understanding the intricate dance between organic, boosted, and paid social media is crucial for building a winning omnichannel strategy. Relax, we're here to guide you through the jungle and shed light on these powerful tools!
The difference between Organic vs Boosted posts vs Facebook ads
Think of organic content as the foundation of your social presence. This is where you nurture relationships with your followers, build brand and product awareness, and establish your voice. A Facebook boost post is a very simple form of Facebook advertising. They’re quick and easy to set up and a good way to start or experiment with social media ads.
It is important to understand that all three play different roles in your social media strategy.
Here’s a rundown of the key differences between Facebook boost posts and traditional Facebook ad campaigns:
Demystifying Organic Social Media:
Consider organic content as the cornerstone of your online presence. It's the nurturing ground where you cultivate connections with your audience, forge brand recognition, and define your unique voice. Imagine it as a cozy gathering where you share informative and engaging content (80%), like delicious recipe tips or industry insights, interspersed with occasional product promotions (20%). While organic reach might have dipped significantly over the last decade, remember, it's still estimated to reach around 1.1%-2.2% of your followers – a loyal audience already interested in what you have to offer.
TIP: Your organic reach can far exceed the 2% average by creating great content that engages your followers. The algorithm will reward quality content with greater reach.
Boosting Your Reach: What It Does and Why It Matters:
Ever wished your best organic content could reach a wider audience? That's where boosting comes in. Think of it as a megaphone for your most popular posts. By injecting a bit of budget, you leverage Facebook's AI to target new audiences similar to your existing followers, amplifying your message and maximizing impact. But don't underestimate its value beyond reach – boosting is also a fantastic way to gather data on which content resonates most with your audience, informing future organic content strategies.
TIP: Instead of using the easy "Boost" option per post, bundle your best wall content in an ad set. This strategy takes a few more minutes, but lets you AB test content, target more specific audiences, and still use the power of Meta AI targeting.
Contact us if you would like to find out how.
The Power of Paid Ads: Precision Targeting and Beyond:
Ready to get super specific? Paid ads enter the stage, offering laser-sharp targeting capabilities that organic and boosted simply can't match. Imagine reaching individuals based on precise demographics, interests, and even behaviors – a recipe for highly qualified leads! But paid ads aren't just about targeting; they open doors to diverse formats like carousels and video ads, and give you complete control over placement, letting you put your message right in front of your ideal customers. Remember, quality content is key here – the Facebook algorithm rewards engaging ads with lower costs (CPMs and CPCs), so focus on crafting compelling messages that resonate with your target audience.
TIP: Do not consider paid social media in isolation. It should be one element of your omnichannel trigger workflows reaching leads from awareness stage through to purchase. Social media ad interactions can trigger marketing automation across your media including custom emails, google ads or even a sales team follow up.
Contact us for a data based approach to improve your audience targeting, and content.
The Algorithm: The Unsung Hero in Your Social Success:
Whether you're posting organically, boosting content, or running paid ads, understanding the Facebook algorithm is your secret weapon. Think of it as a sophisticated sorting system, prioritizing content based on four key signals:
By creating content that ticks all these boxes, you're not just winning organic reach – you're also making your paid ads more cost-effective and impactful. Source Facebook
TIP: The Meta (Facebook & Instagram) algorithm is ever evolving for organic and paid media to improve the UX of the platform. Leverage your strategy to work with the latest signals, rather than try to find ways around it.
The Winning Formula: Orchestrating All Three for Omnichannel Success:
The magic truly happens when you understand how these strategies work together in your omnichannel approach. Organic content lays the groundwork, fostering brand loyalty and nurturing leads. Boosting amplifies your best pieces, reaching new audiences while gathering valuable data. Paid ads then come in with surgical precision, targeting qualified individuals at specific stages of the buying journey. Remember, it's not about choosing one over the other – it's about harnessing the unique strengths of each to create a cohesive and powerful social media presence that drives results.
Conclusion:
Navigating the world of organic, boosted, and paid social media might seem daunting, but with the right knowledge and a strategic approach, you can unlock its immense potential. Remember, understanding the Facebook algorithm is key, and by utilising each strategy effectively, you'll be well on your way to building a thriving online community and achieving your sales and marketing goals. So, take a deep breath, embrace the power of omnichannel social media, and watch your brand flourish!
Additional Tips:
By putting these insights into action, you will be empowered with insight to improve your content, media strategy, lead generation campaigns and ultimately sales growth of your brand.
Contact us to discuss your social strategy and leveraging your customer journey insights for richer rewards?
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