It’s been a big month of change in the space of digital marketing. Facebook is taking a page out of their subsidiary Instagram’s book. As well, Instagram continues to push for more meaningful online interactions (and a less toxic social media culture). Google has decided to provide advertisers with more precision than ever, here are the key platform updates and trends you should know about.
Check them out.
Facebook – Removing “Likes” As A Test
Having dipped their toe in the waters with their subsidiary, Instagram, Facebook has recently announced that they will be rolling out a radical new change… to hide likes. This is part of the company’s wider effort to promote more meaningful social interactions online, as well as to alleviate pressure from what has been regarded as a toxic economy of “perceived popularity.” Limited testing on Facebook itself reportedly kicked off on September 27th to begin gathering feedback.
Instagram – Removing “Following” Tab
In the spirit of promoting a happier and healthier social media experience, Instagram has opted to kill the “Following” tab from their app. Commonly referred by many as the “stalking function,” it previously allowed users to track the activities of others — causing some relationship problems that became embedded within the cultural zeitgeist. Initially, it had been intended as a way to discover other accounts similar to your own interests based on your social circles. But starting now, the only way to discover new content will be solely through the “Discovery” tab.
Google (Search) – Targeting Affinity and Seasonal In-Market Audiences
Google will now provide advertisers with more precision than ever when they target audiences. Announced last week, advertisers can now include both Affinity Audiences as well as seasonal In-Market Audiences in targeting via Google Search. This essentially affords opportunity to target far more relevant audiences categorised based on user behaviour and user interests. The hope is that this will drive an increase of desired action during peak periods.
Have any questions about your own marketing? Or maybe you’d like to take your own social and search strategy to the next level? Get in contact with headmark. today to find out how we can help you achieve real results!
