Maryland Social Media Marketing: More Than Just Likes
The Evolution of Social Media
It’s 2005 and you just found out you were accepted into your dream university. You jump up and down, call your friends & loved ones, and then…create a Facebook account with your university email address. From college party invites to updating the world with your innermost-thoughts, Facebook was it. These were the good ole days, fast forward 20 years and you’re in your mid-30s using Facebook to engage with local Maryland Moms or your Columbia, md community yard sale group. Generation Z is now in your old college shoes, but was raised with screens nearby and access to Instagram as early as 10-years-old. They’re busy watching prank videos and makeup tutorials, but as they age they’re doing something that’s having even more of an economical impact, they’re shopping.
The days of social media being solely a platform for sharing personal updates and cat videos are over. Don’t get us wrong, people still love watching zit-popping videos and transformative art, but there’s a larger picture. The bottom line is simple, META and TikTok are breeding grounds for the next phase of search results using one thing, video. Why? Because the average person spends 17 minutes a day watching video more than looking at still images. Videos can have higher click-through rate and more engagement than photos. A DataBox study even found that video ads had a 59.3% click-through rate, while images had a 29.6% click-through rate.
Showcasing the search feature on Instagram.
Today, META and TikTok act as a powerful marketing tool that can significantly impact a business's success. This is particularly true for Generation Z because they’re “continually feeding the beast” by watching content and engaging on these platforms, thanks gen Z!
Social Media as a Search Engine
One of the most significant shifts in social media usage is its evolution into a search engine. When Gen Zers are looking for products or services, they often turn to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. They search for relevant hashtags, explore trending sounds, and discover businesses through the recommendations of influencers and friends. Key phrases that a millennial may type into google are now being typed into the search bar feature within META and TikTok. Even better, they can see someone using the product or service before they buy it.
The Cost of Not Being on Social Media
If your business isn't actively engaging with Gen Z on these platforms, you risk falling behind. With the top age of a gen zer at just 22, in a mere 5-10 years from now they’ll be searching for doctors, lawyers and childcare providers, all on an app that was previously used to watch silly videos. In addition, this generation is increasingly loyal to brands and influencers that they discover and interact with on social media. They’ve developed years of trust in influencers to show and bring them content that they feel they need. If you're not present, you're missing out and will miss out on a massive opportunity to connect with potential customers and drive sales.
Key Strategies for Effective Social Media Marketing
To leverage social media effectively, consider the following strategies:
Create High-Quality Content: Produce engaging content that resonates with your target audience. This could include short videos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or informative posts.
Utilize Relevant Hashtags: Research and use popular hashtags related to your industry and location to increase your visibility.
Engage with Your Audience: Respond to comments, messages, and mentions promptly to build relationships with your followers.
Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers who align with your brand values to reach a wider audience.
Dedicate at least 40 hours per month to Social Media Marketing: Social media marketing is a full-time job. As much as we put it off as a minimal marketing, by 2025 it will be a full-time position that college
Looking Ahead to 2035
As social media continues to evolve, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve. By understanding how Gen Z is using these platforms and implementing effective strategies, your business can thrive in the years to come.
Social media marketing is not just about getting likes. It's about building relationships, driving discovery, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing digital landscape. If you're not using social media to reach Gen Z, you're missing out on a significant opportunity to position yourself for successful sales come 2035 and beyond. If you’re looking for a local social media marketing company in Maryland, we would love to set up a time to chat with you. Based in Columbia, we’re happy to travel or zoom to get your business active on social media.
