As social media platforms continuously evolve, they introduce new features designed to enhance user experience and engagement. For businesses, these features offer fresh opportunities to connect with audiences, drive engagement, and foster growth. Here are several ways brands can leverage new social media features for business growth, along with examples of successful implementation:
1. Utilise Stories and Reels for Short-Form Content
Consumers today love to engage with bite-sized content, making the use of Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, and TikTok Reels essential for capturing audience attention quickly. Brands can provide behind-the-scenes looks at their business, product creation processes, or day-to-day operations to build a personal connection with their audience. Incorporating interactive elements such as polls, questions, and countdowns makes the content more engaging and encourages audience participation. For instance, with Gerber, we seamlessly integrated offline activities into the digital space by transforming physical flashcards into interactive Instagram Stories. This allowed us to replicate the behaviour of using flashcards, creating engaging, bite-sized content that resonated with Gerber’s audience while encouraging participation, something that has never been done for other brands. This highlights how brands can turn everyday offline experiences into digital interactions that foster deeper engagement.
2. Leveraging Live Streaming
Nowadays, businesses are making use of live streaming to create brand awareness and drive sales. Live streaming offers real-time engagement opportunities, allowing brands to interact directly with their audience. Hosting live Q&A sessions, product launches, or tutorials can engage the audience in real-time and provide immediate feedback, which helps refine products or services. Additionally, live streaming can build a sense of community by fostering direct interaction during live sessions. For instance, we carried out a social media campaign for Dettol amplified through KOL live streams and giveaways, that centred on driving awareness, educating, and empowering consumers. By referencing old ads from its 80-year history, Dettol evoked nostalgia among older audiences while creating new memories for the younger generation. Read here to learn more about why brands should incorporate live video marketing.
3. Embracing Shopping Features
Social media platforms are increasingly integrating shopping features to simplify the purchasing process for users. Brands can utilise Instagram Shopping, Facebook Shops and now the popular TikTok shops to enable direct purchasing from their social media profiles. Tagging products in posts and stories provides easy access to product information and purchase links, while integrated checkout features simplify the purchasing process by allowing customers to buy products without leaving the app.
4. Utilising User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful tool for building trust and authenticity. Brands can run campaigns that encourage users to create and share content featuring their products or services. Sharing user-generated content on profiles helps build trust and showcase real-life applications of the products. Organising contests and challenges motivates users to generate content and engage with the brand. For instance, Apple’s #ShotoniPhone campaign encourages users to share their best iPhone photography for a chance to be featured in Apple’s marketing.
Read here to learn more on the importance of UGC.
5. Engaging with Influencers and Collaborations
Influencer marketing remains a key strategy for reaching new audiences and building credibility. Brands can collaborate with influencers to leverage their reach and trust, introducing the brand to new audiences. Co-creating content with influencers that aligns with the brand’s values and resonates with their followers is another effective approach. For instance, during the launch of Yeo’s Drinkable Garden, KOLs were invited to explore the brand’s heritage and dedication to preserving its iconic chrysanthemum tea. This collaboration allowed influencers to experience the brand firsthand, creating authentic, shareable content that engaged their followers. Sponsored posts and stories further amplified Yeo’s message through trusted voices in the industry, enhancing its credibility and reach. This demonstrates how brands can effectively utilise influencers to promote products while reinforcing their core values. Read here to learn more on how to select the perfect influencers for your brand.
Moving Forward With Power Of Social Media
By effectively leveraging new social media features, brands can enhance their online presence, foster deeper connections with their audience, and drive business growth. Staying informed about the latest features and trends on social media platforms is crucial for maximising the potential of these tools.
If you need help to explore these strategies to see how they can benefit your business, contact us today!
