It’s safe to say most people see Facebook as the quintessential social media platform. Some individuals scorn Facebook for the very reason it’s popular: Facebook exploits our commonalities. But few businesses – or any organization that depends on people for its survival – don’t have a Facebook page. With 2.6 billion users, Facebook is a powerful advertising tool.
4 Facebook Insights
In May 2024, social media site LinkedIn examined the recent evolution of Facebook, now Meta Platforms, Inc. In The State of Facebook, social media experts analyzed the forces-at-work shaping Facebook today. Here is a sampling of their observations:
As the largest social media platform in the world, Facebook is starting to feel “crowded and noisy.” Many users are weary of the in-your-face shares, posts, and ads.
You may now need Facebook-plus-one social media marketing platform. Depending on your sales or service, a cross-platform approach could leverage new, more popular platforms “while still maintaining a Facebook presence for a comprehensive brand narrative.”
Facebook and its users have matured. While no longer the trendiest platform, it remains a impressive marketing tool for all ages:
Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials respectively have the greatest buying power, but Gen Z is growing. As more of these 20-somethings enter the workforce, their spending potential shouldn’t be discounted.
It’s difficult for younger Gen Z- users, who crave attention and validation, to stand out and get noticed on mega-platform Facebook.
Millennials (ages 28-43) continue to “find comfort” on Facebook. But Gen Z (ages 12-27) prefer the faster bursts of entertainment on platforms like TikTok.
For many Gen Zers, Facebook is associated with their parents or grandparents, which automatically makes it uncool.
Facebook continues to cultivate niche markets. It serves as a news resource, marketplace, and “hub for certain hobbyists and groups.”
Those key takeaways are important because they reaffirm Facebook is indeed a formidable marketing platform. Your social media strategy is to increase your relevance in the marketplace, and Facebook management should be a long-term marketing priority for your company.
Facebook Content, AI
Weighing user algorithms is critical to social media management; that’s how you reach more customers/users. For example, frequent updates like adding your website blogs to your Facebook page will increase your visibility. Facebook automatically boosts posts that generate greater numbers of views, likes, and shares. Content accuracy and authenticity also influence your ranking. Meta has independent fact-checkers that will move your post lower in feeds if your content is considered even slightly or 100% false.
…clearly, Meta needs to do something, otherwise your Facebook feed is going to be all AI-generated junk within a few months.
Andrew Hutchinson, content/social media editor
Meta president Nick Clegg says artificial intelligence can be a misinformation sword or shield. Facebook has implemented a disclosure requirement that requires you to alert users if your content was created using AI.
When you compose, you’ll see a “Made with AI” label. You can also opt to select the “Add AI label” or “AI label off” drop-down. If you choose not to disclose your AI-generated information, Meta will add the label if AI is detected. Facebook will also begin punishing users who don’t disclose.
Our digital marketing services include customized programs for advertising, e-mail marketing, logo/branding development, photography/videography, reputation management, search engine optimization, and website creation/management. But we are Northwest Harris County’s social media marketing experts. We welcome your questions: Contact Modern Marketing & Media today.
Next month: Is social media marketing even necessary for business growth? What’s the difference between social media marketing and social media management? Don’t miss our blog about the importance of social media marketing and management to your organization’s digital business strategy.
FAQs
Two of the frequently asked questions we receive about social media marketing are:
It isn’t an either/or. You need both. Facebook is an information/entertainment-sharing medium for posts and comments, more like a blog page. Your website should have more important information elements that answer the majority of users’ questions, plus relationship-building incentives. (You likely already have a relationship with your Facebook users/customers.)
Your website:
Gives your business more credibility
Is your primary, customizable marketing channel
Offers more control of the user experience
Taps into the huge Google search market
Your Facebook page:
Allows users to engage with friends/other users
Can be a setting for Facebook advertising options
Is easy to maintain
May or may not capture your target audience
It’s been researched and revealed by data scientists! Don’t Facebook-post on Sundays. The best days for Facebook posts are Mondays-Thursdays. Sprout Social analysts even studied times of day. The most favorable times to post ads or upload content to your Facebook page are:
Mondays 9 a.m. to noon
Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Fridays 9-11 a.m.
