04 May Social Media Is Free – Social Media Marketing Is Not

Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms

While platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are free to join, the true costs of social media marketing are often less apparent. Creating and maintaining engaging content can be both time-consuming and costly.

There was a time, about 3 to 5 years ago, often referred to as the “Golden Days” of social media marketing, when businesses could promote themselves more freely. Nowadays, with platforms pushing for paid advertising, marketers might find themselves nostalgic for those days.

Social Media Is Free, But Social Media Marketing Is Not

It’s a common misconception that social media marketing is free. Although signing up and creating a company or brand page on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn doesn’t cost anything, the real expense has always been hidden in the ‘cost’ of time spent managing these platforms.

The Realities of Social Media Marketing

As the owner of Webociti, an internet marketing firm, I understand that effective social media marketing requires:

• Eye-Catching Headlines: To grab attention and make people want to read more.
• Relevant Content: To ensure the audience receives value from your posts.
• Optimization: To reach the widest possible audience.
• Engagement: Through comments and interactions.
• Shareable Links: To encourage propagation of your content.

The labor involved in maintaining fresh and relevant social media content can be substantial. Unlike blogs that might adhere to a more relaxed posting schedule, social media demands frequent, sometimes even daily updates, especially if promoting time-sensitive specials or events.

Tools to Streamline Social Media Marketing

To manage the demands of frequent posts, several tools can help:

• WordPress: The leading CMS that powers over 74 million websites, offering extensive features for content management.
• Google Keyword Planner: Helps by generating up to 800 search terms related to a primary keyword, which can optimize your content for better search engine visibility.
• Long Tail Pro: Offers similar functionality to Google Keyword Planner but includes more detailed filtering options to target keywords more effectively. While it’s a paid service, it offers a free 10-day trial.

The Necessity of Mobile Optimization

With up to 75% of consumers accessing social media on mobile devices, optimizing for mobile is crucial. Consumers expect fast-loading pages, easy navigation, and seamless checkout processes. Failing to provide these can drive potential customers away.

If you haven’t optimized your social media content for mobile, or if you’re unsure how it appears on devices like smartphones, it may be time to consider professional help. Webociti specializes in optimizing social media marketing strategies for mobile engagement.

Need Help?

To see how your strategy holds up in the mobile-first world, or to improve your social media marketing efforts, contact Webociti at 678-892-7157. Let us help you make the most of your digital marketing by ensuring your social media presence is as dynamic and effective as possible.