The changes to social media platforms are happening faster than ever before. In this blog post I will be sharing the latest updates on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and TikTok.
This blog post is created to help you boost your business growth using social media as a profitable business tool. Being aware of the latest changes can be very overwhelming, especially if you are a one-person band.
Not to worry this article will help you navigate all the changes, and show you how to apply these changes to grow your business.
YouTube
TikTok
Facebook updates
(Published on 13th December 2022)
This feature on Facebook has been available for some time already but I personally used it only once and think that if you publish on Facebook business page regularly this feature can help you to improve your organic (unpaid reach) and allows you to choose the best creative for future ads.
I am talking about the A/B testing feature on Facebook business page.
You need to switch to Meta Business Suite and go to Content tab and choose the option to create post.
You can choose up to four options. Facebook will show all these variants for 30 minutes and the “winning” variation will be published on your page after 30 minutes.
Facebook will be testing which of the post variations bring the most reaction aka likes or comments.
You can choose whether you add photos or links in your posts.
It’s better to test one element at a time – either graphics or copy of the post. Before posting you will be able to preview all the variations.
Before you publish any A/B test posts make sure that you post it at the time when your audience is present online. Otherwise your test will come back with “no results’ verdict.
I published mine around 10 pm when majority of my audience is not active (I wanted to grab screenshots), besides I haven’t published regularly on the page lately.
Before you try this feature:
- find out when your audience is active;
- do regular posting for at least 7 days in a row.
Instagram updates
Instagram is constantly introducing new changes.
(Published on 15th November 2022)
One of the latest updates is the option to add topics to your reels.
This feature helps Instagram to understand better what your content is about so they can recommend your Reels to the most suitable audience.
It’s early days to see how useful this feature is but I would still recommend using it as it might increase your reach.
I have to say though that choices are limited, especially if you are a coach, healer or service provider. I can choose only topics like business and entrepreneurship.
Choose your topics based on what you want to be known for, what topic you discuss in your reel and your audience interests.
You can choose up to 3 topics.
Another feature that has become available recently on Instagram reels is to add the Message button.
People can send you a message straight away after they have finished watching your reel.
If you want people to contact you or click a particular link rather than saying link in bio – you can say “DM me for details”.
When somebody is watching reels they need to make an extra effort to go to your profile and click the link in the bio.
Answering messages may be time consuming but the easier you make for your audience to reach out to you the more sales you will generate as a result.
You can see a short video about these features below.
YouTube updates
(Published on 15th October 2022)
The Community Tab.
Previously this feature was available only when you had 500 subscribers. Now it is available to smaller accounts. Mine has only 84 subscribers but a few days ago I received a notification that I can publish posts now.
Why would anyone want to publish posts on a video playing platform?
This feature helps you to connect with your audience (no matter how small your audience is).
- You can publish polls. Feature upcoming videos or past videos.
- If you don’t have this feature available yet check your channel’s settings.
- You need to make sure that your advanced features are enabled.
See the image below.
I plan to use this feature to see if it increases my channel’s visibility on YouTube. Obviously if I post polls and my audience is not engaging it doesn’t do any good for my channel. I plan to upload affirmations and see how it will work out.
The posts can be scheduled.
Watch the video below how this feature can be used on YouTube.
TikTok updates
(Published on 22nd November 2022)
Even if you don’t publish anything on TikTok and just use it to consume its content. Now you can participate actively by using the newest feature called TikTok Now.
What is TikTok Now?
“TikTok Now” is a feature that allows you to take 10 second videos or pictures of what you are doing in the moment and share them with your friends.
You will receive a daily prompt at the same time as your friends to capture a 10-second video or a static photo and share it with your friends.
You can use it to feature what you are doing, what you are working on, behind the scenes of your launch or product creation.
Give it a go.
How to learn more about TikTok for business?
If you want to learn more about TikTok there is an absolutely free course offered by TikTok Academy – TikTok for business.
Pinterest updates
If you have a website I would highly recommend using Pinterest to draw traffic back to your website.
One of the latest features available on Pinterest is Pinterest Live. It is still in Beta Mode and you need to apply to be considered.
If you want to explore Pinterest in the future you can use this option to apply for the new feature. People who use new tools offered by app always get additional exposure on the platform.
Bookmark this article and come back every Tuesday to check the latest updates. I will be covering YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and TikTok.
If you have any questions about how to turn your social media into a profitable business tool. Post them in the comments.
Fabulous info thank you Inga.