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The Top 10 Facebook Marketing Strategy Ideas to Drive Results in 2023

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Are you looking for effective ways to connect with your target audience on Facebook in 2023? With over 2.9 billion active monthly users, Facebook is a powerful platform for businesses of all sizes. However, with increased competition and ever-changing algorithms, it’s essential to adopt the right marketing strategies to succeed. We’ve compiled the top 10 Facebook marketing strategy ideas to help you drive results and achieve your business goals. Let’s dive in!

1. Build a clear creative direction

spotify post screenshot

To succeed with Facebook marketing, it’s crucial to have a well-defined creative direction for your ads. This means determining the style that best represents your brand and aligns with your marketing objectives. One approach is using user-generated content-style ads, which tend to be less formal, with fewer logos and branded elements. These can be very effective, especially for solution-based e-commerce products or lead-generation campaigns.

However, as this approach has become increasingly popular, trying out new and creative ways to stand out can be helpful. In this instance, it pays to have the right graphic design partner to work with. 

2. Show your authority in your industry

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Be a valuable source of industry news and information on Facebook by showing that you’re an authority in your industry. Share relevant content with your followers, such as articles and news updates from credible sources. Doing so will establish your brand as a reliable and authoritative source of information.

If you run an SEO company and share an article from a well-known industry expert, your followers may find it helpful and learn something new from your page. You’ll become a go-to reference for potential and current customers by consistently providing valuable content and differentiating your brand from competitors.

3. Check out Advantage+ campaigns

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Be sure to check out Facebook’s Advantage+ campaigns. These automated campaigns optimize settings to maximize your returns, making them an excellent choice for advertisers who want to save time and effort.

Advantage+ campaigns are essentially streamlined conversion campaigns that require fewer manual inputs. They’re available for different types of ads, including catalog ads, app installs, and conversions, and they’ll automatically optimize your creative assets. Many brands have seen positive results from Advantage+ campaigns, making them worth trying out, especially for newer advertisers.

4. Offer exclusive discounts

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Offering special deals or exclusive discounts on Facebook is an effective marketing strategy to boost brand awareness and drive sales. To create a successful offer, research your competitors and consider your unique selling proposition. You can offer a percentage off your products, a buy-one-get-one deal, or a gift with purchase, and use Facebook’s targeting capabilities to show it to the right people. 

Promote the offer on Facebook and other channels, use Facebook Ads to reach a wider audience, and track your results to evaluate the campaign’s success. By doing so, you can leverage the power of social media to achieve your marketing goals.

5. Take advantage of Meta Pixel

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Previously known as Facebook Pixel, Meta Pixel is a crucial tool for any business looking to advertise on Facebook. It helps you track what users do on your website after they click on your ads. This way, you can figure out which ads work best and which ones need some tweaking. 

Plus, it lets you retarget people who have already shown interest in your website, so you can remind them to come back and check out your products or services. By using Meta Pixel, you can get a better understanding of your audience and create more effective ads.

6. Try Facebook Marketplace

marketplace screenshot

If you haven’t done so, advertising on Facebook Marketplace is a smart business move. It’s not just a replacement for Craigslist – it’s actually a powerful business sales channel. In fact, in 2022, Facebook Marketplace ads have the potential to reach up to 562.1 million people!

While most sellers on Marketplace are just trying to get rid of their old stuff, it’s also a great platform for businesses, especially in lucrative categories like car and real estate sales (as long as local laws allow it). And the best part? It’s completely free, so it’s definitely worth giving it a shot if you’re a local business.

7. Leverage video advertising

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More than ever, video advertising is an excellent Facebook marketing strategy you shouldn’t go without. It offers visually engaging content that captures the attention of Facebook users and has higher conversion rates than other types of ads. With Facebook’s powerful targeting capabilities, businesses can reach specific audiences based on their interests and demographics.

Moreover, Facebook offers a range of video ad formats that fit different budgets, making it a cost-effective way to advertise. By creating compelling video content and targeting the right audience, businesses can effectively increase brand awareness, engagement, and sales on the platform.

8. Timing is the key

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Timing and regularity are important factors for a successful Facebook marketing strategy. You can increase engagement and build trust with your followers by posting when your audience is most active and maintaining a consistent presence. This consistency helps to keep your brand top of mind and can lead to long-term customer loyalty.

Additionally, maintaining regularity with your Facebook posts helps to establish your brand’s presence and build trust with your audience. 

Image Source: Hootsuite

9. Discover new platforms

ice cream screenshot

Using TikTok as a Facebook marketing strategy can be a great way to reach a highly engaged, younger audience. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok is a rapidly growing platform that can help businesses connect with their target audience.

TikTok’s short-form video content is highly engaging and can help brands showcase their personality in a creative and relatable way. By leveraging TikTok’s unique features, such as hashtags and challenges, businesses can increase brand awareness and engagement on both TikTok and Facebook.

10. Create and post engaging infographics

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Posting infographics on Facebook is an effective marketing strategy as they help increase engagement and shares. This ultimately leads to more visibility and reach for your brand. Infographics can also simplify complex information, making it easier for viewers to understand and engage with your content. 

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Is X Advertising Worth It in 2024? …Probably Not.

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X advertising represented by a sinking ship with Elon Musk onboard looking pensive

It was just a week ago that X chair Elon Musk told former X advertisers like Disney and Apple to “go f*ck themselves.” And in a shocking twist, it didn’t bring them back.

This all marks a dramatic turn the-artist-formerly-known-as-Twitter has taken over the past year. At the start of 2023, advertisers were bullish that the richest person in the world could turn the stagnant social network around. Now, the opposite seems increasingly likely.

As we enter 2024, many advertisers are asking the question: is advertising on X still worth it? Let’s take a look.

The war on X advertisers

Elon Musk and Andrew Ross Sorkin at the 2023 NYT DealBook Summit

(Image source: The New York Times)

The problems started almost as soon as Musk’s deal to buy Twitter closed. By November 2022, NPR reported that they’d lost 50 of their top 100 advertisers. By February, more than 500 of the top 1000 had left. Their concerns included impersonation, staff shake-ups, reinstating banned accounts, and more.

Amidst all this, Musk made efforts to stem the bleeding, including offering flashy deals for advertisers and, eventually, hiring Linda Yaccarino to take over as CEO.

But at the same time, he lashed out at those who’d left, threatening them with lawsuits and accusing them of “[hating] free speech in America.” This cycle continued throughout 2023.

Things took another turn in October when Musk personally endorsed an antisemitic tweet accusing “Jewish communities” of promoting “hatred against whites.” Musk has apologized, but has not deleted the endorsement.

This seems to have been the final straw for many major advertisers, including Disney and Apple. Musk seemed pessimistic at the NYT DealBook Summit, saying these advertisers would likely kill the company.

What marketers are saying

A tablet pen pointing at a steep drop on a chart

Marketing consultant Lou Paskalis told the New York Times that those who’ve left X won’t be returning. “There is no advertising value that would offset the reputational risk of going back on the platform.” 

Other outlets report the same. Companies feel that X advertising could stain their reputation—if not now, then the next time Musk starts a fire.

Penji is a leader in the design-as-a-service industry, offering creative services to businesses and agencies at a subscription rate. We spoke to Harper Goldman, a senior member of Penji’s marketing team, to get insight into how the marketing industry is responding.

“On the one hand,” she says, “of course the advertisers were going to leave. That’s the whole tension of the internet. The less rules you have, the less money you make.”

“On the other hand, Apple pulled out before, and then they came back. I don’t think any company’s actually faced blowback for advertising on Twitter—it’s still seen as a regular social network—so if there’s money to be made, they’ll probably be back.”

That raises the question: is there money to be made?

Is X advertising worth it in 2024?

X advertising social media apps

Look, in light of Musk’s statements, we’re not gonna tell you you should advertise on X. But there may be some upside.

When a majority of top advertisers leave a platform, it creates a lot of cheap inventory. CPMs for advertising on X have reportedly been slashed since Musk took over. The platform still gets a ton of traffic, so making use of it can be a way to stand out… if you want that kind of attention.

Here’s the thing: the downside of X isn’t just association with Musk. Musk’s takeover has led to a huge spike in stolen content and impersonation, which the dwindling moderation team struggles to keep up with.

As it becomes a less reputable platform, less reputable brands have flocked to it. This means that advertising on X can mean sharing space with sketchy brands, criminal activities, and yes, more bigotry than ever before.

The bottom line: Advertising on X is high risk. There are bound to be more controversies to come, and most advertisers would rather get out now than wait for the other shoe to drop. It can also be high reward, so it’s up to businesses to decide what risks they’re willing to take.

What other options do marketers have?

X advertising alternatives Penji page screenshot

“Twitter was never a huge part of our strategy,” Goldman admits. “Or a lot of our clients, for that matter. The reporting is not good, the targeting is not good, there’s a lack of control. And Facebook and Google have so much control and so much reporting that there’s really no contest.”

This is another piece of important context. Twitter wasn’t an important platform for most brands, and its appeal was always niche. While it’s a highly trafficked website, it wasn’t great for advertising to begin with.

At Penji, whose target audience is marketers and agencies, shakeups at X haven’t made much of a difference. “The only difference is that it’s in the news. People are talking about it. But that doesn’t mean they want to use it.”

Conversations around X have shifted from “Can Musk turn it around?” to “Can he control the damage?” The platform is still leaking brands and users, and people are starting to wonder how long it can stay afloat.

Our recommendation? The social media landscape is changing fast. Stay on top of new trends. There’s still money to be made in X advertising, for now. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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Unlimited Graphic Design Companies Of 2023 + Promo Codes (Updated)

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Looking for an alternative to a freelance graphic designer? Are you trying to scale your business using your existing team? A new wave of companies who call themselves “Unlimited Graphic Design Services” are disrupting the creative industry, providing a solution to what is usually an expensive and unpredictable task. Here’s what their offerings have in common:

  • Monthly subscription model
  • 24-48 hour turnaround time
  • Work with their vetted team of designers
  • Unlimited design requests
  • Unlimited revisions
  • Money-back guarantee
  • Cancel anytime

Which Provider Should You Choose?

We’ve done the homework and curated a list of Unlimited Graphic Design providers for you and also negotiated special deals on your behalf. You can see them all below and decide which one fits your business based on your needs.


Unlimited Graphic Design Providers

What Does Unlimited Graphic Design Mean?

These unlimited graphic design services have a monthly subscription business model. That means you can sign up and cancel whenever you like. What sets them apart from your typical freelancer, agency, or in-house designer is you gain access to a workflow that is designed to be quick and to the point.

You’ll communicate with their team through Trello, email, or an online platform. The option given is dependent on the company you choose. For example, only a small selection of services provide a custom built online platform for their customers.

Once you’re connected to their workflow, you can begin submitting as many design requests as you want. Although they all claim “unlimited”, it generally means you can “create” unlimited design requests. It doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll work on them all at once. Usually, they just work on one design at a time. When one completes, they start the next design.

The usual turnaround time is between 1 – 2 days, and that’s just for the first draft. It doesn’t mean your entire request is complete. If you don’t like it, you can request as many revisions as you want, and that will take more time. So it can take up to a week to actually get the design complete if you have a lot of revisions.

Another thing to keep in mind is content. You need to be able to have everything ready and provide all the content needed in order for their designers to get started.

How Does On-Demand Graphic Design Work?

Most graphic design services listed above offer clients a bespoke design platform. For instance, Penji’s design tool is an all-in-one platform where designers, account managers, customers, and their team members can communicate and collaborate. 

Although the steps in working with a graphic design company are similar, we’ll use Penji’s design software to share the step-by-step graphic design process.

1. Log in

Once you’ve selected the subscription plan, log in to your design tool and access your dashboard. Most of these tools are user-friendly with a minimal learning curve and prioritize user experience. 

This example of Penji’s dashboard shows a list and thumbnails of ongoing design projects. The menu at the top shows the Active, Completed, Drafted, and On-hold projects.

Submitting a design brief is the first step in the on-demand graphic design process. To submit, click the +New Project button at the upper right side of the dashboard. 

2. Fill in the title

Think of a relevant project title that will describe the design accurately. Writing an accurate title will make browsing through ongoing projects easier once you have a long list. 

For instance, if you’re creating a company logo, you can write “Logo design” and specify the company or industry beside it if you’re handling multiple brands.

3. Choose from design categories

The next step is to choose from the many design categories. Most unlimited graphic design services have around 100+ design categories. Penji has 120+ design categories. Choose one that fits your project. 

4. Write a design brief

This step is crucial when working with on-demand graphic designers, as this will make or break your project outcome. Writing a thorough, clear, and well-thought-out design brief makes it easier for designers to understand exactly what you want. 

Penji’s design platform has a few reminders on the left side when writing design briefs. Ensure you follow the tips for a better design outcome. 

5. Attach files and images for inspiration

Some customers can’t express themselves clearly through written instructions. You can attach files and images to support your written descriptions with visuals. Attaching sample logos also helps lead designers in the right direction. Attaching your competitors’ logos is also a way to make yours better. 

You’ll also need to choose the source file type in this step or let designers pick for you.

6. Choose a brand style guide

Subscribing to unlimited graphic design services means you can request any visuals for multiple brands. Penji’s design tool lets you save and categorize your brand style guides in folders. This way, you only have to choose a branding guideline for designers to follow. 

Once you’ve chosen the associated brand, click the Create project button to start the process. 

7. Wait 24 to 48 hours

Although most on-demand graphic design services’ turnaround is 24 to 48 hours, some companies may take more than two days. 

Wait for the first draft and ask for revisions until you’re 100 percent happy with the design. Download the source file, and you’re good to go!

Why Should You Sign Up for Unlimited Graphic Design Services

Subscribing to unlimited graphic design services is more convenient than hiring freelance designers. Here’s why:

  • Work with vetted designers and choose from various skill sets. There is no need to search for another designer fit for a particular project. The company will assign you the most suitable designer. 
  • No need to worry about additional fees as you only have to pay fixed monthly rates and get unlimited designs. Revisions also come at no extra cost. 
  • You don’t have to worry about graphic designers going MIA and abandoning crucial projects. Each design project is managed by an account manager who will check if deadlines are met on time. 
  • Signing up and canceling subscriptions with on-demand graphic design services is easy. You can sign up if you need a stream of designs while setting up shop and cancel anytime without incurring cancellation fees. 
  • Fast 24 to 48-hour turnaround, which prevents any bottlenecks in your marketing campaigns. 
  • Request to change assigned designers if you’re unhappy with their work at no additional cost. 
  • Organize your projects and brand style guides if you request multiple brand designs. The custom design platforms make managing projects efficient and convenient. 

Are they worth it?

If you have a lot of design needs, they’re definitely worth it. Being that it’s a monthly recurring investment, you’ll need to make sure that you have the need for an ongoing graphic design service. This graphic design service model is comparable to outsourcing a designer yourself, except much of all the management work is done by the company. The quality of designs and turnaround time also tends to be significantly better when outsourcing a designer yourself.

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How a Startup Incubator Can Accelerate Your Business

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In today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, startups often find themselves navigating a maze of challenges that can hinder their growth and potential.

This is where the concept of a startup incubator comes into play as a guiding light for emerging ventures. A startup incubator is more than just a physical space; it’s a dynamic ecosystem designed to nurture and propel early-stage ventures toward success. 

In this article, we’ll tackle some of the most common questions surrounding incubators. For instance – what is the role of a startup incubator? How does it differ from an accelerator?

And most importantly, how can it optimize your business? 

Let’s begin!

What is an incubator in a startup ecosystem?

In a startup ecosystem, an incubator refers to a supportive environment or program designed to help early-stage startups grow and develop.

Incubators provide a range of resources and services to entrepreneurs, typically for a fixed period of time, with the goal of nurturing and accelerating the growth of their businesses.

Here’s the usual process of how an incubator supports a startup:

Onboarding

Startups who applied and were accepted are welcomed into the incubator with an orientation session. During this phase, startups get an overview of the program’s structure, expectations, and available resources. They also meet their mentors, advisors, and fellow cohort members.

Mentorship and Guidance

Startups are paired with mentors who have relevant industry experience or expertise.

Regular mentorship sessions provide guidance, feedback, and insights to help startups navigate challenges and refine their strategies.

Workshops and Training

Incubators organize workshops, seminars, and training sessions on various aspects of entrepreneurship. Topics covered during the startup incubator program may include:

  • Business planning
  • Marketing strategies
  • Product development
  • Legal and regulatory matters
  • Fundraising

Access to Resources

Aside from training sessions, startups can also gain access to resources such as:

  • Office space
  • Co-working environments
  • Internet connectivity
  • Meeting rooms

Some incubators provide access to shared equipment, startup software, and other tools needed for product development.

Networking and Events

Incubators often facilitate networking events, pitch sessions, and demo days where startups can showcase their progress to potential investors, partners, and the broader community.

Business Development

Startups work on refining their business models, products, and market strategies. They receive support in identifying their target audience, creating a value proposition, and developing a sustainable revenue model.

Funding and Investment

Incubators may provide introductions to potential investors, venture capitalists, and angel investors Startups also learn about different funding options and how to pitch their ideas to secure investment.

Graduation

Successful completion of the incubator program results in a “graduation” for startups.

Graduated startups may continue to receive support through alumni networks, ongoing mentorship, or access to incubator resources.

Startup Incubator vs. Accelerator

team of people

A startup incubator and a startup accelerator are both support programs designed to assist early-stage startups, but they have distinct characteristics and objectives. Here’s a comparison between the two:

  • Focus. Incubators typically have a broader focus and cater to startups in various stages of development. They often work with startups that are in the ideation or early development phase. Accelerators, on the other hand, are more specialized and typically work with startups that have a viable product or service and are ready to scale rapidly. They focus on accelerating growth and reaching key milestones quickly.
  • Stage. Incubators are well-suited for startups that are still refining their business models, conducting market research, and building their initial product or service. Accelerators, meanwhile, are best suited for startups that have a minimum viable product (MVP) and are seeking to refine their business model, gain traction, and secure funding to scale.
  • Mentorship. A startup incubator provides mentorship and guidance, often with a focus on helping founders refine their business ideas, develop prototypes, and validate their concepts. On the other hand, an accelerator’s mentorship is often geared towards specific aspects of growth, such as scaling operations, marketing, fundraising, and product-market fit.

Startup Incubator Examples

man using post-its

If you’re looking for the best startup incubators in the world, here are a few you of the most popular ones to consider.

1. Y Combinator

Situated in the USA, Y Combinator is considered one of the best startup incubators which has played an instrumental role in fostering the growth trajectories of some of the most renowned startups globally. The Y Combinator program spans a duration of three months, during which startups receive a funding injection of $500,000, albeit subject to certain conditions.

Subsequently, founders are immersed in a sequence of mentoring and refinement initiatives that culminate in the prestigious Demo Day. Here, founders showcase their concepts to an audience comprising investors and handpicked media representatives.

Mentees: Airbnb, Dropbox, Coinbase, Gitlab

2. Techstars

Techstars directs its energy toward nurturing startups rooted in technology. Since its inception in 2006, Techstars has been a driving force behind the growth of numerous startups. Annually, they select more than 500 fledgling companies, providing them with up to $120,000 in investment and the invaluable chance to partake in mentorship programs.

Backed by an impressive funding sum of $21.3 billion, Techstars stands out as a reliable choice for technology-oriented startups. Within its portfolio of activities, Techstars hosts several high-profile events and initiatives, including Startup Week and Startup Weekend.

Mentees: Uber, DigitalOcean, SendGrid

3. 500 Startups

500 Startups operates as a dual-purpose platform, functioning as both an accelerator program and a seed fund dedicated to startups. Positioned primarily as a venture capital entity, they proudly proclaim a management portfolio worth $2.7 billion. Their primary interests converge on sectors where technology, innovation, and capital growth converge harmoniously.

Their extensive investment history spans more than 2,600 startups worldwide, underscoring the maturity and comprehensiveness of their accelerator program across diverse markets. 

Mentees: Grab, Canva, Credit Karma

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need an incubator for my startup?

If you’re in the early stages, lack experience, and could benefit from structured guidance, resources, and mentorship, an incubator might be valuable. However, if you’re aiming for rapid growth and have a clear roadmap, an accelerator could be more appropriate. 

Do startup incubators provide funding?

Yes, many startup incubators provide funding as part of their support package. However, the funding offered by incubators can vary widely depending on the specific program, location, and the terms of the agreement. Some incubators offer direct funding to startups, while others may connect startups with potential investors or provide resources to help them secure funding elsewhere.

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