Words are a powerful part of your business. Content is king, as they say. That’s why companies are not only creating content marketing plans but extending them to their social media marketing strategy.
What are the different types of content for social media, though?
Keep reading to find out, as we’re outlining the seven types of content for social media that engage and entertain users across social media platforms, from Facebook to Instagram.
1. Product and service announcements
Whether you’ve built a strong following on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, you can use your increased following to highlight your newest line of services or products. All you need to do is create compelling copy for each of your accounts.
Since every business churns out new products and promotions to remain on top of its industry, it’s imperative for your team to write original and inspiring copy for launching a new product. Not only will this content announce your new offerings — but it’ll also encourage users to buy them.
Don’t just stop short at advertising your services and products, though.
If your business recently received an award, recognition, or press coverage, share your accomplishments with your audience. This kind of content for your social media instills a sense of trust in your business and shows that your team continues to grow and hit new milestones.
Depending on your social platform, you may also want to include images with your announcement content. For example, if your team won an award, share a picture of them celebrating. Or, post some photos of your new product in action to encourage users to buy.
2. Ebooks
Customers love free content.
If you have the chance to offer free information or valuable data to your target audience, do it. One way you can provide free and relevant content? With an ebook, which you can easily share on social media platforms.
An ebook also makes it easy to direct followers to your website.
Not sure how to develop or write an ebook? Start by researching your audience.
What kind of ebook — that relates to your business and market — do they want? If you’re in the food industry with a focus on healthy eating, for instance, your target audience would probably appreciate an ebook with healthy recipes.
In comparison, an online security company may want to offer an ebook that describes how people can keep their information safe and secure online. Or, they could make an ebook that highlights the most common online identity scams.
When you create this type of content for your social media, remember to create an ebook that complements your brand. That may mean working with a professional graphic designer, for instance, to design your ebook’s layout, images, and graphics.
3. Livestreams
Do you own a clothing business that’s launching a new line of products for the season? Are you running a sale in the automobile industry? Are you a bakery shop owner looking to provide a sneak-peek at your latest creation?
No matter your business or industry, you can use livestreaming to achieve these kinds of goals!
Livestreams are perfect for platforms like Instagram and Facebook. The best part is that if your viewers miss the video while it’s live, they can re-watch it afterward. Take advantage of livestreaming to advertise your business or inform your audience about your brand.
4. Testimonial videos
Nothing is as reassuring as knowing that a business makes its clients happy.
In fact, your customers — and target audience — are probably thinking the same about your company. Why not show your social media followers what they’re missing by producing testimonial videos from raving clients?
Testimonial videos instill a sense of trust and confidence in your audience.
Users can rest assured that other clients have invested in your company and experienced positive results. That can motivate your social media followers to become a customer.
Not sure about creating a video? Use images to highlight written customer testimonials. Create a reusable design that incorporates your branding. Then, pick some of your best reviews to share.
5. Infographics
Infographics — they’re one of the most popular and shareable types of content. That’s why so many businesses use infographics when developing a content marketing and social media strategy.
For companies, social media is the perfect way to share bite-sized pieces of information. From sharing highlights of a blog post to posting a company picture that says it all, social media is an excellent platform for to-the-point content.
That’s why infographics are a useful type of content for social media. They use text, plus creative visuals to engage users and convey a ton of information in little-to-no time. Infographics are also useful for stopping users as they scroll through their news feed.
The shareability of infographics also makes it easy for your content to go viral. While a viral piece of content doesn’t always translate to new followers, it can help your company earn valuable exposure.
6. Tips and tricks
Want to grow your following on Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media site?
Start by offering helpful advice and tips to your target audience.
When people are looking for brands to follow, they want to feel as though they’re getting something valuable from your page. They’re not following you to only hear about your products or services, which is why you need to diversify your social media content.
For offering quick pieces of advice, use a visually-appealing format that catches your social media users’ eyes as they scroll through their feed. A quick tip is a perfect way to redirect your audience to a blog post or another part of your website too.
7. User-Created Content
Whether your company offers products or services, you can take advantage of user-generated content. In most cases, businesses that sell consumer goods tend to have more user-generated content at their disposal.
If you head a grocery store with a bustling meat department, for example, reshare a photo of shoppers grilling up some of their favorite products from your store, like hamburgers, sausage, and hotdogs.
Another example? If your company sells cameras or video equipment, share a video created and posted by a user with one of your cameras. That way, other shoppers can see your product in action — and in the hands of an everyday user.
User-created content is one of the best types of content for social media because it shows your products in use, which can motivate other followers to buy. This content also builds your company’s credibility.
If you use any user-created content, make sure to receive the person’s permission beforehand.
Putting your content into action
Now that you know all about the different types of content for social media platforms, you’re ready to get started. But before you do, make sure you develop an effective marketing strategy. With a well-researched plan, you can determine the best content for your business and goals.
No matter what types of content you use, prioritize the quality of your content. Social media and content go hand-in-hand, so the success of your marketing efforts on these platforms often depends on the strength and effectiveness of the words you post.
Need some help launching your social media marketing campaign?
With more than 20 years of experience, plus 200 team members, WebFX can provide you with the quality content your business needs. Discover what our award-winning team can do for you by contacting us online today!