The Digital Marketing industry changes daily; online platforms have updates, and new channels are introduced often, meaning that we have to adapt to these different platforms and updates.
A strategic way of marketing in the current trends is inbound marketing and social media marketing, which have proven to be powerful. Inbound marketing and social media work hand in hand together to provide successful outcomes.
Meeting Consumer Expectations
Mobile phones and social media are a vital part of today’s society; consumers expect brands to be active and engaging on social media platforms. According to studies, eight out of ten consumers anticipate brands to have a presence on social media. This presence includes being readily available to answer queries, offer advice, and provide expert insights. By meeting these expectations, businesses can establish a close relationship with their audience, fostering trust and credibility.
Building Brand Awareness and Authority
One of the fundamental goals of inbound marketing is to build brand awareness and establish authority in the industry. Social media platforms serve as the perfect stage for this marketing strategy.
Businesses can share webinars and how-to videos through channels like YouTube, catering to specific target audiences. If a social media post goes viral, it can drive substantial traffic to a website, with a high potential for conversion. This dual impact of increased visibility and credibility can significantly boost a brand’s presence in the market.
Tailoring Content for Diverse Audiences
Every business caters to a diverse audience base. Social media empowers businesses to tailor their content according to the preferences and needs of different target demographics. Businesses can craft content that connects with specific audience groups through engaging Instagram Stories, informative videos, or influencer collaborations. This personalised approach enhances the effectiveness of inbound marketing strategies, ensuring that the right message reaches the right people.
Staying Updated with Industry Trends
In the digital world, staying informed about industry trends is essential for relevance and competitiveness. Social media platforms serve as valuable sources of real-time information. Businesses can identify and incorporate emerging trends into their strategies by following influencers and observing discussions within the target audience. This adaptability is a cornerstone of successful inbound marketing, ensuring businesses remain at the forefront of their respective industries.
Nurturing Relationships and Building Trust
Inbound marketing revolves around building meaningful relationships with customers. With its interactive nature, social media facilitates this process by providing value to the audience rather than bombarding them with sales pitches. Businesses can nurture relationships based on trust.
Integrating inbound marketing and social media is not just a choice; it’s a strategic platform for businesses aiming for sustainable growth.
By aligning these two powerful tools, businesses can:
- meet consumer expectations
- enhance brand awareness
- tailor content for diverse audiences
- stay updated with industry trends
- build authentic relationships based on trust
Satisfied customers can transform into brand ambassadors, boosting the brand’s reach through positive word-of-mouth. This organic growth, fostered by the alliance of inbound marketing and social media, results in long-lasting customer loyalty.
Social media can be used at almost every step of your inbound strategy:
- Brand awareness – reaching a cold, new audience
- Lead generation – lead form ads, etc
- Consideration – retargeting people who have engaged, maybe with offer #2 or booking a free
call - Re-engage – retargeting
So, whether you’re a growing entrepreneur or an established enterprise, remember, the close relationship between inbound marketing and social media isn’t just a trend – it’s the future of successful business.
Inbound Marketing and Social Media FAQs
What is inbound marketing and how does social media support it?
Inbound marketing attracts customers by providing helpful content instead of pushing sales messages. Social media supports inbound marketing by distributing that content, sparking conversations, and driving traffic back to your website.
Why do consumers expect brands to be active on social media?
Consumers expect brands to be active on social media because it’s where they spend time and seek quick answers. Being responsive helps build trust, credibility, and stronger relationships with your audience.
How does social media help build brand awareness and authority?
Social media helps build awareness by increasing reach and visibility, and it builds authority by sharing educational content like webinars, how-to videos, and expert insights. If content performs well, it can drive high-intent traffic and conversions.
How can businesses tailor inbound content for different audiences on social platforms?
Businesses can tailor content by matching formats and messages to different demographics, such as Instagram Stories, videos, or influencer collaborations. ExtraDigital recommends personalising content so the right message reaches the right audience segment.
Where does social media fit into the inbound marketing funnel?
Social media can support nearly every funnel stage, including brand awareness, lead generation, consideration through retargeting, and re-engagement. ExtraDigital uses this approach to help businesses build trust over time and turn satisfied customers into brand advocates.
