On 11^th January 2018, chaos and confusion erupted in the world of Social Media marketing.  Why?  Because, founder and CEO of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg announced changes that impact how businesses use Facebook moving forward.  For many years now, Facebook has been business owners’ greatest weapon to market products and services to prospective buyers organically, without spending money on digital advertising.

Those times have changed.  The common tactics we used to reach our target audience on Facebook pre-2018 no longer work.  So, listen up, take a deep breath and leap into 2018 with tactics that work on Facebook and Instagram for businesses today.  Change, is always frustrating and annoying, however the world of technology moves at a fast pace.  Don’t be left behind – great opportunity exists to rise above your competitors and shine in your local area.

The following three tips are sure to digitally spring your business forward.

FACEBOOK SEE FIRST

Your existing followers on Facebook no longer see your posts organically.  To ensure your posts are seen by existing followers, you need to inform your followers to change the viewing settings on your Facebook Page to SEE FIRST.  To do this, advise your clients to:

STEP 1:  Like your Facebook Page (if they haven’t already done this)

STEP 2: Tap on FOLLOWING and change the setting from DEFAULT to SEE FIRST.

This will ensure all posts published by your business will be seen by these followers, literally FIRST in their newsfeed.  It is critical, not to abuse this feature.  As your posted content will be seen first in your followers’ newsfeeds, please ensure you are not overloading the newsfeed with unnecessary, irrelevant information.  If an individual request to SEE FIRST your information, they are essentially subscribing to your business. Don’t abuse the subscription.  Only post within Facebook 1-2 times per week.  No one wants to see you drinking and socialising with your team on a Friday night.  This is irrelevant content to your business.

LIVE VIDEO*

Fact: Live video reaches more people than standard videos and static images. Whilst Live Video may be a little bit scary at first, it is the best way to engage with your ideal audience.   Embrace the following LIVE VIDEO tips to get you started on your Facebook LIVE journey:

1. Do not feel downhearted if no one tunes into your live video the first 10 times you do it. This is normal and natural. Individuals will watch your video after it is live. As they become more enticed by your content they will find a way to see it first when you are next live.
2. Do not worry if you stumble on your words. This makes you REAL and relatable.  Your viewers will feel even more connected with you when they see you are just like them.
3. Ensure your live video contains relevant interesting information. Within EVERY industry, new products, services and educational content exists.  Even if you think the information is not that exciting to you, it may be very interesting to your viewers.  Show your viewer your business is leading the way in the latest products and services.

*If you are unsure what Live Video is, ask any Generation Y gal or guy to show you.

STORIES

Get involved in releasing stories on Instagram. Stories on Instagram reach a greater audience in your geographical location! More engagement from locals and less from individuals abroad.  Release 4-6 stories per week if you can – get your business out there and reach potential clients in your area.

Stories are also available now on Facebook for Businesses.  Facebook stories will eventually replace generic posting of images and video.  Start sharing short video stories to engage with your audience.

Embrace the change of social media.  Don’t get stuck using it like you did in 2017 – if you do, it will only shy you away from using the platforms completely as your efforts go unnoticed.

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Want to keep up with the changes?  Attend our workshop at the Brisbane Hair and Beauty Expo 2018, we will be discussing the latest strategies to keep your business thriving online.

Estelle Oliveri is the director of Hairpin Digital.  Digital Marketing Agency for the Hair and Beauty Industry. Connect with her directly on Facebook Messenger here>> m.mehairpindigital

Keep up with the changes on Social Media by joining Hairpin Digital’s group on Facebook here>>

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SalonSocialMediaGroup/

Estelle Oliveri
Hairpin Digital
+61498043064
www.hairpindigital.com
info@hairpindigital.com

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