I guess this point sort of hits a little soft spot at the moment with all these new Whatsapp terms and conditions that have been released…

Everyone of course has their own take on the matter, mine however pretty much stems off my third point as to why social media is an important advertising tool:

Most Platforms are Linked!

I’m not going to get into too much depth regarding this whole WhatsApp thing because as I said, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and no judgements on how you handle these new terms. But for those who would like to know my take, personally, I have agreed.

Not because I agree to what they are doing but just because:

1. It’s the biggest mission to now switch over to a new platform. I can’t be too bothered, I got nothing to hide.

    

2. WhatsApp have already been viewing and had access to our data – the only difference now is that by law, they have to inform us of it and have our consent.

    

3. WhatsApp belongs to such a large ‘family’ of social media platforms that technically to stop them accessing your private details, you would pretty much have to take yourself off the social media grid.

I have no doubt they are going to be a bit extra annoying and somewhat creepy, but the pros of social media (especially for business advertising) is worth it.

I know there has also been some new ‘rules’ introduced by Apple with regards to >Facebook advertising restrictions<  but that’s not 100% in place yet and is being contested so we will just wait momentarily to see what comes from that. A story for another day!

Now back to the positive stuff!

When it comes to advertising, we of course always look for something quick & easy where we can get as much from it as possible.

Social media platforms are aware of this and many of them have come together to offer the most effective and user-friendly social media experience that is worth our time.

So what exactly do I mean by this??

1. I’m sure you have noticed that Instagram and Facebook are constantly joined at the hip!?

   Whenever you share on the one, there is the always the option to share to the other.

   This is the perfect example of how these two platforms work together, not only for their own benefit, but for ours too. It is so easy and simple to make one post that can automatically share to both platforms instantaneously. Literally with the sliding of a button.

   
   This allows your content to reach way more potential customers/clients and pushes your brand to a wider audience, improving your reach and awareness.

   The more the merrier.

    

2. Another example is how other platforms (internet articles included) have the ‘share’ options, making the sharing of content (whether it be yours or not) quick, easy and informative. You can either search for the actual share button, or you can copy and paste the URL – both work perfectly.

   
   *Side note: when you share an article, the social media platform automatically generates a visual, quick links and small intros for you! #bonus if you ask me!?
   You of course don’t have to use them but it’s always nice having the option.

3. My last important point is the updated Facebook Business Manager and scheduling platforms:

   • Facebook Business Manager recently changed, what felt like everything!
     I’m not one to enjoy such sudden and unexpected changes – especially when pretty much nothing looks the same, but after giving it a week or two… I approved! For those of you who use Business Manager, I’m sure you would agree to a certain extent.

     
     In a nutshell, what they have done is linked both Instagram and Facebook to this page so you can view everything in one spot! It’s fabulous really! You can see your insights, create one post and share to both platforms, as well as schedule for both simultaneously.

     These changes mainly impact the use of Instagram since before, Instagram (in my opinion) was more focused on mobile use. This made it a bit more of a mission when it came to monitoring insights, scheduling posts (unlike Facebook, Instagram itself didn’t offer this) and posting (especially to both) considering you couldn’t really post directly off a laptop/pc. The updated Business Manager has changed this which of course now encourages users to make use of Instagram as well as Facebook.

   • Scheduling platforms become your best friend!
     The change in business manager has had an effect on some scheduling programs for sure – but other than for Instagram & Facebook – you still need to use them for some other accounts such as Twitter & LinkedIn.

     
     These programs allow you to set up posts to automatically be released on specific dates and times, making it less strenuous on the user and allowing you to work ahead of time.

     From a scheduling platform, you are able to post to all social media platforms… from one place!! A perfect example of how social media and its assisting programs are made to support each other.

     Making your brands reach and awareness so much better.

I am a firm believer in social media advertising – even if it’s not paid.

The more potential customers & clients you can reach the better and the relationship between various social media platforms encourages this.

An online presence does wonders for your brand!

Even if it seems like you not getting much interaction back from your content – it is still being seen. I have no doubt about that.