The 5 most effective types of social media content

The social media landscape is everchanging, which means while one thing may have worked last year, it might not be strategic this year. Social media content is very important; according to HubSpot’s 2023 Marketing Strategy Trends Report, 42 per cent of marketers leverage social media, and it has the highest ROI of any promotional channel.

With all of this in mind, it is a no-brainer that businesses should harness the power of social media to achieve their goals. Whether you are looking to refresh your strategy or get started on social media for the first time, it is vital to know what type of content performs well and is the most effective. Below we have identified the top five most effective types of social media content.

Video content

Behind-the-scenes filming for our clients.

This one likely will not take many by surprise, but one of the most effective kinds of social media content is video content. This is especially the case for short-form videos, making them a worthwhile investment. These videos have the highest ROI format for social media marketing. Creating short-form videos could include Instagram Reels and TikTok videos.

Long-form video content is also popular, but it doesn’t have the same ROI as short-form videos. Videos are an excellent way to target your audience because they allow you to grab attention quickly and be concise. Being successful on social media is all about condensing a lot of information but keeping your audience engaged and wanting more, which is exactly what video does. They are a brilliant way to convey your brand’s message seamlessly.

Educational content

An educational series we do with the NFC where we share key moments in the history of aviation.

Educational content also forms one of the most effective types of social media content. It refers to content that shares helpful information with audiences but is also quite strategic in enabling brands to achieve their goals. Educational content can come in the form of how-to guides, checklists, explainers, case studies, and tips and best practices.

Why does it work so well? The most vital component of educational content is offering value. Social media users appreciate when brands drop their usual promotional material and offer them guidance. This guidance could be something like how to style a specific piece of clothing for a variety of occasions or how to keep your laptop running fast. You are an expert in your industry, and everyone appreciates some free advice.

This advice could be just enough bait to encourage them to avail of your products or services soon. Educational content helps to establish your brand as an authority or thought leader in your respective field. As a result of this, it has long-term effects in establishing and maintaining trust with consumers, not to mention increasing credibility.

Storytelling content

A good story can encourage followers to act and remember your brand in a positive light. This is why storytelling content makes up one of the four most effective types of social media content. Storytelling evokes emotions and enables businesses to establish an emotional connection with their audience.

Examples of this can include testimonials and success stories, brand origin stories, user-generated content, team spotlights, and behind-the-scenes content. The reason it works so well is that it has the power to make followers resonate and relate but also grow a deeper connection with the brand.

Funny content

A trend we hopped on for the 1933 Furniture Company featuring Pedro Pascal.

We all love a good laugh, which is why we can’t forget about funny content. Trendy, funny, and relatable social media content can include using trending sounds or hashtags or jumping on viral memes and relating them to your company.

This sort of content requires an ear to the ground in terms of the latest happenings on social media, current events, and cultural moments. Funny content is incredibly effective because it is so memorable.

User-generated content

A UGC post we did for the 1933 Furniture Company.

Last but by no means least is user-generated content (UGC). For those unfamiliar with this term, it is essentially content that your following creates that features your business. For instance, someone could create an aesthetically pleasing reel showcasing one of your sofas in their home or do a try-on haul of clothing they purchased at your store.

People post this content on social media every day, and it is free promotional material for brands. This kind of content is fantastic to share across your social media channels since it helps your audience see that people use and like your products. They are vouching for your company in a very genuine way that people trust.

User-generated content pays off; customers trust reviews from family and friends a lot more than they trust branded ads. A whopping 79 per cent of people claim this kind of content directly impacts their purchase decisions way more than influencer or branded content. UGC content performs best on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Summary

The social media landscape is everchanging, but you can always count on our team of social media connoisseurs to update you on the latest trends, tips, and tricks. Knowing what is trending is essential to having a strong content strategy that will enable you to achieve your objectives.

If you’re interested in incorporating these most effective types of social media content and want to nail it, contact us today. Our team would be delighted to use the power of social media to take your business to new heights. Be sure to follow us on all our social media channels for the latest advice, insights, and best practices!

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