5 Recent Social Media Updates and How They Can Help You

Blog
Dec 17, 2017

Introduction

Welcome to Olive Branch Business Solutions, the leading business and consumer services provider in the field of consulting and analytical services. In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 recent social media updates that can have a significant impact on your business. Stay ahead of the curve and leverage these updates to boost your social media presence and achieve your business goals.

1. Facebook Algorithm Changes

Facebook, being the largest social media platform, constantly updates its algorithm to provide users with a better experience and businesses with greater engagement opportunities. It is essential to stay updated on these changes and adapt your social media strategy accordingly.

1.1 News Feed Prioritization

Facebook's algorithm now prioritizes content from family, friends, and groups over public posts. As a business, this means you need to focus on fostering meaningful interactions and building a community around your brand. Encourage user-generated content, respond to comments, and create engaging discussions to increase visibility.

1.2 Video Content Optimization

Videos have gained significant popularity on Facebook, and the platform favors video content in the news feed. Utilize this update by creating high-quality videos that provide value to your audience. Optimize your video descriptions, utilize captions and subtitles, and experiment with live videos to attract and retain viewers.

2. Twitter Character Limit Increase

In response to user feedback, Twitter recently doubled its character limit from 140 to 280 characters. This update provides businesses with more flexibility in crafting compelling tweets and conveying their message effectively. Take advantage of this increased limit by including more information, call-to-actions, and relevant hashtags in your tweets.

3. Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories have become an incredibly popular feature, allowing users and businesses to share ephemeral content that disappears after 24 hours. This update provides a unique opportunity to showcase your brand's personality, engage with your audience, and drive conversions.

3.1 Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses

Utilize Instagram Stories to offer behind-the-scenes glimpses into your business, showcasing your team, office culture, and product creation process. This transparent approach enhances brand authenticity and fosters stronger connections with your followers.

3.2 Interactive Content

Instagram Stories offer various interactive features like polls, quizzes, and question boxes. Engage your audience by asking questions, soliciting feedback, and running contests. This not only provides valuable insights but also encourages active participation and brand loyalty.

4. LinkedIn Native Videos

LinkedIn has embraced native video content, allowing users and businesses to upload videos directly to the platform. Incorporating videos in your LinkedIn strategy enables you to showcase your expertise, share insights, and establish meaningful connections.

4.1 Professional Development and How-Tos

LinkedIn native videos are an excellent medium to share professional development tips, industry insights, and how-to guides. Position yourself as a thought leader in your field and offer valuable content that resonates with your target audience.

4.2 Company Culture and Employee Spotlights

Showcase your company's culture and feature employee spotlights through native videos on LinkedIn. This humanizes your brand, boosts employee morale, and attracts top talent to your organization.

5. YouTube Algorithm Updates

As the leading video-sharing platform, YouTube continually refines its algorithm to enhance user experience and improve content discoverability. Understanding these updates can help you optimize your YouTube presence and reach a wider audience.

5.1 Metadata and Tags

Pay close attention to your video's metadata, including titles, descriptions, and tags. This information plays a crucial role in determining your video's visibility in search results and related videos. Optimize these elements with relevant keywords and compelling descriptions to increase your video's discoverability.

5.2 Viewer Retention and Engagement

YouTube values viewer engagement and retention. Aim to create videos that captivate your audience from start to finish. Utilize engaging visuals, storytelling techniques, and interactive elements to keep viewers hooked. Respond to viewer comments and encourage conversations to foster a thriving YouTube community.

Conclusion

By staying updated on the latest social media updates and leveraging them effectively, your business can gain a competitive edge and achieve significant growth. Remember to continuously monitor changes, experiment with new features, and analyze the impact on your social media metrics. Olive Branch Business Solutions is here to help you navigate the ever-changing world of social media and maximize your online presence. Contact us today to explore how our consulting and analytical services can benefit your business.