People are moving away from Facebook and Twitter. Instead, they’re sharing content via private messaging apps. These private channels are referred to as dark social.

It’s no secret that the number of shares you see on social media has started to decline. So, does this mean people have stopped sharing the content they find interesting? No. The only thing that has changed is the way users share content. Conversations are moving from public feeds and timelines to private messaging apps. In fact, 63% of users use messaging apps to share content or information. [caption id="attachment_143623" align="alignnone" width="640"] [Image source: Global Web Index][/caption]In a nutshell, people are moving away from Facebook and Twitter. Instead, they’re sharing content on WhatsApp, FB Messenger, emails, and other private messaging apps. These private channels are referred to as “dark social.”

Understanding dark social

At some point, all of us…

Facebook's US 'Clear History' rollout could be delayed, Snapchat has added new features to Lens Studio AR, Instagram is testing a new messaging app, Facebook bans The Epoch Times from advertising, Google Assistant answering ability improvements, Facebook adds 3D photos to Android

Facebook's 'Clear History' tool has started to be rolled out but it could be delayed in the US due to a court case. Snapchat is making it easier for users to create AR experiences by adding new features to its Lens Studio AR. Instagram is testing a new type of messenger app aimed at close friends and featuring automatic updates. Facebook has banned pro-Trump The Epoch Times from advertising on the platform after it broke advertising rules. Google Assistant is now able to answer more questions, suggesting that voice search is set to become more popular. Facebook has finally rolled out 3D photos to a number of Android devices and has expanded the number…

Social media users want access to relevant information immediately, which QR codes can help provide

QR codes, short for Quick Response, have really taken off in the last few years, with many social media giants jumping onto the bandwagon as well. In today’s fast-paced world, social media users want instant gratification. They want access to relevant information immediately. QR codes can make that happen! The amount of QR codes redeemed is set to grow from 1.3 billion in 2017 to 5.3 billion by 2022. You’re probably used to seeing QR codes all around you: on receipts, restaurant menus, discount coupons, mobile apps and pretty much everywhere you go. It’s no secret that they’ve taken the digital world by storm. [si_guide_block id="5768" title="Download our Individual Member Resource – Social media marketing strategy guide" description="Our social media strategy guide will help you create an integrated social media marketing strategy that shows you…

To get your message across to your audience and achieve your goals, you first need a social media plan

With social media becoming more important every day, there's a case for every business to exploit this platform for marketing. When you consider that 73% of marketers have found social media effective for their business, you’ll see that this is an ideal platform for boosting your revenue. But to get your message across to your audience and achieve your goals, you first need a social media plan. Now, the big question is: what do you need to know to develop an effective social media plan? [si_guide_block id="36509" title="Download our Individual Member Resource – Managing social media plan example template" description="This template is designed to be a practical model you can quickly apply to your business or your clients' business."/] In this blog…

Unless you know where you currently stand, you won't know what to work on and what kind of improvements you’re making

There’s no doubt that social media is an important channel for marketing, especially with the increasing user base and rapidly evolving features. In fact, 73% of marketers in the State of Social survey said that social media marketing has been effective for their businesses. That said, some businesses may not get the desired results out of their social media marketing efforts - mainly because they’re making critical mistakes. [si_guide_block id="142889" title="Social media report template" description="Clearly show the ROI for your social media campaigns with our easy-to-use report template. It's ideal for internal use, or for presenting to a client you're working with."/] In this post, you’ll discover some of the best ways to improve the ROI of your social media marketing campaigns. Let’s take a look:

1. Use UTMs to…

Facebook rolling out 'Clear History' tool, Twitter blocks Chinese state-backed accounts, YouTube removing chat function, New LinkedIn Live guide, Twitter's new video ad bid and Facebook's new movie ad tools

This week has seen Facebook finally announce the rollout of its 'Clear History' tool, which will enable users to have more control over their off-site data. While it is only available in select locations, for now, the tool will soon be available to all Facebook users - but what impact will this have on advertisers? Twitter has announced that it has blocked a number of accounts that were found to be backed by the Chinese state in the wake of growing tensions between protestors and police in Hong Kong, with Facebook following suit. YouTube has announced that its chat function will no longer be available from next month, with more focus being put on public comments and YouTube stories. LinkedIn has released a new…

IGTV is taking off, allowing marketers to engage new audiences with video content. But what are the mistakes you should avoid?

Video marketing is perhaps the best type of online marketing currently available to brands, influencers, and other active internet users. What could be more effective than video marketing though? Maybe video marketing combined with social media, which is what Instagram's IGTV feature is. Here are the five most common IGTV marketing mistakes that both brands and influencers make and how you can avoid them.

The future of IGTV

First, let's talk about the future of IGTV. Why is it so important? For starters, IGTV is the reason Instagram is now a major competitor to both Snapchat and YouTube. In fact, it has already beat Snapchat at its own game, but YouTube is still the most popular video platform. IGTV doesn't have a …

Advertisers are turning their attention toward their ad creative, which is quickly becoming the driver for financial performance

Facebook is changing the game for advertisers. In recent years, the social network has focused on improving its optimization algorithm and native advertising tools, which have allowed smaller companies to compete without having to invest in third-party ad tech. Automation features like auto bidding, auto placement and auto audiences have simplified the media buying and bidding process, so advertisers can spend less time doing intraday bid and budget changes. Instead, advertisers are turning their attention toward their ad creative, which is quickly becoming the driver for financial performance. They need to quickly solve problems like creative fatigue and audience saturation with fresh, high-performing creative or else their campaigns will fall flat. [si_quick_block id="142509" title="How to increase your Facebook followers" description="Learn six greats ways you can grow your Facebook page's following, from…

Professional services marketing: Build a business case for social success

Social media adoption has been rapid within organisations serving consumer markets. The same however can't be said for professional services, where social media generally speaking remains a struggle. Many professional service firms are at a loss as to how best to harness the power of social to achieve their overall vision and goals, and often harbour a number of concerns stifling any progress: Perceived risk of reputational harm through social media interaction. Uncertainty as to which internal department(s) should 'own' social media. Confusion and lack of expertise around selecting the 'right' social media technology, and integrating this with existing systems such as CRM. Lack of clarity around proving the business value of social media. Belief that moving away from 'traditional' modes of business development and marketing to interact online may result in wasted time and effort (and money!). [si_guide_block id="142372" title="Low-budget PR for…

Progressive web apps can help improve your social media marketing strategies by leveraging your brand

Social media has become a focal point of everyone’s lives. You want to stop wasting your time scrolling Facebook, but it’s very addictive and pleasing. I mean, even with all the negative hype about social media tactics, popular platforms like Facebook still manage to channel a significant audience. Business models decide what to show their customers according to their shopping and online behavior, so this strategy is something that’s partially responsible for you becoming a social media addict. It's is all part of the game and, if you want your business to succeed, you have to be really good at playing. [si_guide_block id="37288" title="Social media marketing audit template" description="Managing social media updates as part of content marketing activities takes time. Make sure you are focusing in the right places and getting the returns on your…