Mastering Social SEO: The Key to Amplifying Your Influence on Social Media

With more people increasingly turning to alternative platforms to find information, it’s no surprise that TikTok has emerged as one of the go-to platforms for finding specific and authentic recommendations over traditional Google Search. In fact, around 31% of consumers are now using social media to find answers to their questions. Whether it's to discover the best restaurants, seek out date night outfit inspiration, or gather holiday destination tips, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become the new go-to search spots for people seeking instant, visually engaging, and personalised recommendations.

As this shift in consumer behaviour continues to reshape the way information is sought and consumed, the significance of social SEO cannot be overstated. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of social SEO, exploring what it is, why’s crucial, and most importantly, providing actionable tips to help you leverage its power effectively. Let’s dive in!

What is social SEO?

Social SEO, or social search engine optimisation, refers to the practice of optimising your social media content to improve its visibility and ranking. Just like traditional SEO focuses on optimising content for search engines like Google, social SEO focuses on optimising content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and X. 

Consumers, particularly Gen Z,  are less reliant on singular or traditional search engines for knowledge. With the ability to see the reactions of content creators in real time, TikTok is a great way to find credible and reliable recommendations. Searching on TikTok is quick and easy; a search using one keyword like ‘Happy Hour’ yields a plethora of results, making it an invaluable resource. 

Why is Social SEO important?

Social SEO is the bloodline of social media, facilitating the visibility of millions of brands and bolstering credibility. 

Increases engagement

Optimising your social media content will increase the amount of time your audience spends on your page. Creating content that aligns with your niche and incorporates trending topics works to maintain the interests of your audience. 

Helps to grow following

Social SEO allows you to improve the visibility of your posts which can attract more followers to your social media profiles. .  Making your posts more discoverable to users who are actively searching for content related to their interests works to increase your follower base.

Increases visibility of your posts 

Effective social SEO techniques can help your posts stand out in crowded social media feeds. Leveraging apt keywords and hashtags will organically increase the ranking of your content, making it more likely that users will click through to your content.

Tips for maximising social SEO

Eager to boost the visibility of your social media posts? Here are some top-tier strategies to ensure your content stays on top of your audience’s feed!

Be strategic about the placement of your keywords 

Identify keywords aligned with trending topics within your niche. Incorporate these into your posts, bios, and descriptions to improve searchability. For example, in the beauty community, hashtags such as  #glasskin and #skincare unveil insights into Korean skincare regimes which have propelled the clean girl aesthetic. 

Optimise your profile 

Your social media profile acts as your digital pitch; it’s the first way to leave a lasting impression on your audience. Ensure your profile is fully optimised with relevant keywords, a clear profile picture, and a compelling bio that accurately represents your brand or persona. This helps search algorithms understand what your profile is about and improves its chances of appearing in relevant search results. 

Use alt-text to increase visibility

Alt-text is a written copy that allows you to describe images for visually impaired audiences. Using information-rich text allows users, as well as search algorithms, to understand the image context and relevance.

Invest in a good hashtag strategy 

Adding hashtags that are relevant to your niche can help get your content in front of new audiences who may not follow you. Combining a mix of trending and niche hashtags to ‘tag’ your content will help boost your content's discoverability. 

Create engaging captions

Compelling captions can capture attention and encourage them to engage with your posts. Use captions that spark curiosity, ask questions, or encourage users to take action, such as liking, commenting, or sharing your content. 

Post at the right time 

Timing is crucial when it comes to social media posting. Experiment with different posting times to determine when your audience is most active and engaged. By posting at the right times, you can maximise the visibility and reach of your content. 

Summary 

Social SEO holds value for both influencers and brands seeking to organically amplify their reach and impact. Integrating SEO techniques into your content strategy can significantly improve the visibility, engagement, and growth of your social media presence. By optimising your content for search and following these tips, you can increase the discoverability of your posts, attract more followers, and build a stronger online presence as an influencer or brand.

The Power of Storytelling in Social Media

In the realm of social media, where trends come and go in the blink of an eye, influencers constantly strive to find that magical formula that will captivate their audience. Amidst the myriad of strategies and tactics, one approach stands out as timeless and effective: storytelling. For those seeking to master this skill, our essential guide delves into the intricacies of using storytelling to build and sustain your audience! 

What is social media storytelling?

Social media storytelling is the art of using narrative techniques to engage and connect with your audience on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and more. It's about going beyond mere promotion and creating content that resonates with people on a personal level. 

Whether it's through anecdotes, testimonials, or creative visuals, storytelling allows influencers to share their experiences and values in a way that sparks emotion and fosters connection

Why is social media storytelling important?

As humans, we’re addicted to stories; they create new worlds, inspire us to act and take us on awe-inspiring adventures. Storytelling is an intrinsically psychological act designed to connect us to each other and help build our understanding of the world. 

Creating authentic connections

People naturally gravitate towards experiences that feel genuine - as though they’re speaking with a long-term friend. Sharing personal narratives establishes a connection within your community, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty to your personal brand.

Engagement 

Stories have the power to capture attention and keep your audience engaged. When done right, storytelling can increase likes, comments, and shares, boosting your overall reach and influence. 

Memorability 

Being memorable is a crucial objective when creating your content. A story that can stand the test of time becomes more than escapist entertainment, instead, evolving into an endless saga that continues to provoke thought and offers fresh discoveries with each encounter. 

How to structure your storytelling

The way you structure your story can make or break its impact on your audience. Too long and you risk losing their interest but if too brief, you might leave them craving more. Find the perfect balance between engagement and brevity to keep your viewers hooked.  Tailor your story with your audience’s interests and behaviours in mind to ensure they'll eagerly anticipate the next instalment.

Establishing an emotional connection 

Forge stronger connections with your audience by addressing their pain points and offering solutions. Learn from the success of influencers like ReesaTeesa (@reesateesa), whose viral fifty-part TikTok series, ‘Who TF Did I Marry?’, united millions around common experiences and struggles - proving that long-form content is taking the world by storm. As TikTok is a platform rich in relationship advice, ReesaTeesa cleverly taps into the universally relatable theme. 

Using visual cues 

If you want to create compelling visuals, using visual cues is a great way to capture the attention of your audience. The more odd, the better. For example, doing your makeup whilst retelling true crime stories or always having the same set-up when communicating a dating horror story. Visual cues are a great affirmation of your personal brand and a way to trigger your audience’s anticipation for your epic storytime.

Nail your script

A well-crafted script is the backbone of any compelling video. Take the time to develop clear dialogue and action plans, ensuring seamless execution and confident delivery that keeps your audience captivated from start to finish.

5 social media storytelling tips

Want to be a better storyteller? Check out our top tips to increase your chances of your story going viral!

Tailoring content to your audiences 

Understand who your audience is and what resonates with them. Assessing your metrics to see what content appeals to your community will help you begin to identify your audience.  Tailor your stories to address their needs, interests, and pain points, ensuring they feel seen and heard.

Hooking your audience in the first three minutes 

A winning intro - be it voiceover or written is an absolute must to spark the curiosity of your audience. With 1.1 million creators on TikTok and over 65 million active influencers on Instagram, competition for views is fierce, and why it is that you master how to capture your audience’s attention within the first three seconds. 

Use a customer’s tone of voice

Speak the language of your audience. Whether it's through casual banter, inspirational quotes, or witty humour, use a tone of voice that resonates with your followers and makes them feel like you're speaking directly to them.

Developing a strong story arc 

One of TikTok’s most prominent story arcs is a ‘Day in the life’ that sheds insight into a person or product’s daily routine. A strong story arc will guide your audience through a satisfying emotional journey that will make them hungry for the next story. 

Be honest and don’t be afraid to go deep 

Sharing the real tea will gain you favour with your audience as it demonstrates your willingness to connect and relate with your audience on a deeper level.  With authenticity waning, being transparent and vulnerable allows you to establish a foundation of trust and openness with your audience which is essential for long-term support. 

Summary 

Storytelling remains a powerful tool for influencers looking to make a meaningful impact. By crafting authentic narratives that resonate with your audience, you can forge deeper connections, boost engagement, and leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from the crowd. So, the next time you're crafting content for your social media channels, remember the power of storytelling—it just might be the key to unlocking your true influencer potential.

How to Beat Instagram's Algorithm in 2024

How to Beat Instagram's Algorithm in 2024

Heard about Instagram’s algorithm but don’t quite understand it? You’ve come to the right place! Instagram - one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, boasting two billion active users a month, constantly eludes influencers and veteran marketers alike with their ever-changing algorithm. Whether you’re just getting started or a well-seasoned influencer, mastering the ins and outs of the algorithm will guarantee the continued success of your content. 

What is the Instagram algorithm?

Introduced to the world in 2017, the machine-learning algorithm is a unique set of rules designed to analyse a user’s behaviour to prioritise the right kind of content for a user’s Instagram feed. 

The sophisticated process is reliant on “signals”: specific information about recent posts you’ve engaged with such as likes and the time of posting. From this metadata, Instagram makes predictions about the likelihood of your future interactions with these kinds of posts. 

How does the algorithm work?

Instagram has multiple algorithms at play, each one for a different part of the app. These different algorithms ranks content based on different factors:  

Feed 

Your Feed page is home to content shared by your friends, family and your passionate interests.  Instagram personalises your Feed by introducing posts from pages that you don’t follow but they determine you might be interested in based on content you’ve engaged with recently. The more likely you are to take action (i.e like or share the predicted post), the higher up the feed you’ll see those kinds of posts. 

Stories

Instagram Stories are a great way to share behind the scenes of your life. Instagram considers your viewing history and engagement history to prioritise stories they don’t think you would want to miss. 

Explore page

Instagram’s Explore page is a special curation of content designed to help you discover new interests. To rank explore, Instagram considers your likes, comments, shares, as well as information on the content and the person who posted it. Your recent engagement on the app will present the best profiles and content.

Reels 

Instagram Reels are ranked through likes, comments, shares, and saves. Instagram incentivises creators to use Reels by giving them additional exposure on the Explore page and their very own Reels tab. 

Key factors affecting the algorithm 

As the algorithm prioritises popular posts, it is important to know what “signals” play a part in pushing your posts to the top of your audience’s feed. 

User Engagement

Instagram will curate content for your explore page based on posts you have previously liked, shared, saved and commented on. For example, the more you interact with animal-friendly content, the more Instagram will push the visibility of that kind of content on your feed. 

Relevancy 

Instagram aims to deliver content that aligns with users' interests. It evaluates factors like past interactions, search history, and content preferences to determine relevance.

Relationships

Content from accounts with which users frequently interact, such as friends, family, or favourite brands, is given priority.

Timelines

Posting frequency and timing are crucial components of the Instagram algorithm. The timing of your posts significantly impacts their visibility, as sharing content when your followers are most active increases the likelihood of engagement. Consistent posting ensures that your content appears regularly in users' feeds, increasing the chances of reaching a wider audience. 

How to beat the Instagram algorithm  

Want to know how to make the algorithm work for you? Check out our top-tips on how to beat the Instagram algorithm!

Be consistent

Instagram needs a constant supply of content to keep their ever-growing audience engaged. Create a fool-proof content strategy that includes a consistent posting schedule to help you build a loyal community of followers that eagerly anticipate your content. 

Engaging captions

Captions are an opportunity to captivate your audience and encourage audience interaction via comments and shares. Engaging captions shows that your content is valuable, leading to an increase in visibility and a higher ranking in Instagram’s algorithm.

Hashtags and keywords 

A strategic hashtag strategy can prove an effective tool for maximising your content’s reach. By selecting trendy hashtags that suit your niche and target audience will help improve the discoverability of your content, which means more ‘views’ for the Instagram algorithm to take into account 

Interact with your audience 

When posting, it is important to actively respond to comments and direct messages. Acknowledging your audience will help increase engagement and foster a sense of community. 

Timing content 

Timing your content right can dramatically increase the exposure of your content to different kinds of audiences. By learning and understanding your audience’s behaviour, you can determine the most effective posting times to maintain a steady presence on user’s feeds. 

Instagram Reels

Instagram reels have grown to become a prominent feature on Instagram, often garnering more engagement than any other types of posts. Leveraging this feature is a great way to fast track engagement and humanise your brand in a more creative way.  

Instagram analytics 

Instagram provides valuable insights into your audience demographics, engagement metrics, and post performance through its built-in analytics tools. By analysing these data points, you can gain valuable insights into what content resonates best with your audience and tailor your strategy accordingly.

In Summary

While tackling Instagram's algorithm may feel like a challenging task, it's not impossible. Understanding how the algorithm functions, creating an effective content strategy and staying engaged with your audience will allow you to cultivate genuine connections which is fundamental to beating the algorithm. So why not embrace the challenge today?

Frequently asked questions

How is the Instagram algorithm calculated? 

Instagram utilises a blend of algorithms, processes, and classifiers to ascertain the most pertinent content for each user. It takes into account an array of signals including user activity, post details, interaction history, and information regarding the content creator. These elements are meticulously analysed to curate personalised feeds tailored to individual preferences and interests.

How often shall I post to beat the algorithm? 

There’s no one-size fits all answer to this question. It’s essential to strike a balance between consistency and quality. Experient with posting frequencies to see what works best for your audience. The behaviour and habits of your audience should inform your content schedule. Posting at the right time will bolster your presence on a user’s feed which in turn increases the ranking of your content.

How do I get my Instagram post to the top of the feed?

A combination of regularly engaging with your audience and posting relevant content for your audience will help keep your Instagram posts at the top of your audience’s feed.

Shadowbanned: What is it and how to avoid it?

In the vast and ever-evolving world of social media, there are numerous hurdles and challenges content creators face. One of these is the dreaded shadowban, a silent and often perplexing restriction that can have a significant impact on your online presence. 

But what actually is it? How do you know if it’s happening to you? What are the reasons behind it? And most importantly how can you avoid it? We’ve got all the answers right here to give you a helping hand. 

What is shadowbanned?

Though there isn’t one shared definition, people use the term “shadowban” to imply that a user’s account or content is limited or hidden without a clear explanation or justification. Essentially, it makes your content almost invisible to your followers and potential new audiences. The result? Reduced engagement, lower reach, and a decline in the overall impact of your social media presence.

How does it work?

Shadowbanning primarily operates through algorithms that identify and limit accounts or content that may violate platform guidelines or exhibit suspicious behaviour. This can range from using banned hashtags to participating in controversial discussions. The algorithms track these activities and, if they detect any violations, your content becomes less discoverable.

How long does a shadowban last?

The duration of a shadowban can vary widely depending on the severity of the violation and the platform's policies. In some cases, it may last only a few days, while in more severe cases, it can persist for weeks or even months. The good news is that it's not a life sentence, and you can take steps to rectify the situation.

Am I shadowbanned? Detecting the silent restriction

Detecting a shadowban can be tricky because platforms don't typically notify you when it happens. Here are some signs to look out for:

Reasons for shadowbanning: Unveiling the algorithms 

Understanding why shadowbans occur can help you avoid them. Here are some common reasons:

Violation of community guidelines 

Platforms have strict rules regarding hate speech, harassment, and other harmful behaviours. Violating these guidelines can lead to shadowbanning.

Misuse of hashtags  

Overusing or using banned or irrelevant hashtags can trigger a shadowban. Make sure your hashtags are genuinely related to your content. To give you guidance, here is a blog on what hashtags to avoid on Instagram.

Rapid growth in follower account 

Sudden, unnatural spikes in your follower count can raise suspicion and result in shadowbanning. Aim for organic growth.

Bot activity

Engaging with bots or using automated tools for liking, commenting, or following can lead to a shadowban.

Participation in controversial topics

Discussing controversial or sensitive topics, especially without appropriate context or sensitivity, may flag your account for shadowbanning.

Platform specific shadow banning

When it comes to shadow banning, each social media platform has its own set of rules, algorithms, and triggers. What constitutes a shadow ban on one platform may not be the same on another:

Instagram 

Whilst Instagram initially claimed that “shadowbanning was not a real thing, they later acknowledged that posts categorised as “inappropriate for our international community” would not be featured on the Instagram Explore Page even if they were within their Community Guidelines. 

The most common reasons for shadowbanning on Instagram are for using third-party automation tools, engaging in fake likes and follows, or posting inappropriate content. To avoid any issues on Instagram, it’s essential users need to be aware of these platform-specific shadowbanning triggers and abide to community guidelines.  

TikTok

A TikTok shadowban occurs when your account is inadvertently blocked or partially restricted on the app. Consequently, your content no longer appears on the coveted “For You” page, and you may not notice a decline in likes, views, and comments. 

This form of restriction is an automatic process implemented by TikTok’s algorithm, primarily designed to safeguard users from copyright issues, spam, inappropriate content and threats. The common reasons for shadowbanning are similar to those on other social media platforms. 

How to avoid being shadowbanned: Best practices and strategies 

Prevention is the best approach when it comes to shadowbanning. Here are some strategies to stay in the clear:

Create authentic and engaging content

Focus on producing high-quality, original content that resonates with your audience.

Use hashtags wisely

Occasionally, a well-loved hashtag can fall victim to misuse by inappropriate users, prompting platforms to take action by either removing the hashtag from search results or restricting its content. Although there isn't an official roster of banned hashtags, exploring various sources of suggested hashtags can provide valuable assistance in navigating this challenge.

Build an engaged community

Promote authentic engagement with your followers by actively responding to their comments and messages. Paying for likes may seem tempting, but it's not only an ineffective strategy; it can also raise alarms with social networks. 

Therefore, it's advisable to steer clear of such practices entirely and focus on creating content that genuinely resonates with your audience and encourages their natural engagement.

Engage authentically

Avoid automation tools and engage with others in a genuine, human manner.

Follow platform guidelines

Familiarise yourself with and adhere to the rules and guidelines depending on the platform you're using.

Stay informed

Keep up with changes in platform policies and algorithms to adapt your strategy accordingly. 

How to remove a shadow ban

If you suspect you've been shadowbanned, here's how to address the issue:

Identify the shadow ban

The first step in resolving a shadow ban is to identify whether you're actually facing one. Look for the signs mentioned earlier to confirm if you are indeed shadowbanned. To confirm your suspicions, try searching for your profile using a different account or an incognito browser window. If your posts or profile aren't showing up as they should, you may indeed be shadowbanned.

Analyse the possible causes

Understanding why you received a shadow ban is crucial to its removal. Take a moment to review your recent activity on the platform. Have you posted content that may have violated the platform's community guidelines or terms of service? Are you using hashtags that have been banned, or have you engaged in spammy behaviour? Reflect on any recent changes in your posting habits that might have triggered the shadow ban.

Address the issue

Once you've identified potential issues that led to the shadow ban, it's time to address them. Start by removing or editing any content that might have violated the platform's rules. Adjust your posting behaviour to align with the platform's guidelines, avoiding spammy tactics, excessive use of hashtags, or other suspicious activities. It's also a good idea to take a brief break from posting to allow the platform's algorithms to reassess your account.

Contact platform support

If you've taken steps to address the shadow ban but still face restrictions, don't hesitate to reach out to the platform's support team. There are a few ways to report your shadowban: 

  1. Go to the Account Status feature to see if a post has been taken down and then request a review directly from the page. 
  2. Use the native “Report a Problem” option within the Instagram app. To do this, go to your Instagram Settings, click Help, select “Report a Problem,” and describe your issue.

Overall, shadowbanning is a nuanced challenge in the world of social media, but with awareness and adherence to platform guidelines, you can minimise the risk and continue to grow your online presence authentically. 

By creating engaging content, fostering a genuine community, and staying informed about platform changes, you can navigate the digital landscape while avoiding the shadow of a shadowban.

What are Instagram Broadcast Channels? Everything you need to know

As we all know Instagram continues to lead the pack with its innovative features and updates, and its Broadcast Channel is the latest addition. 

If you’re an Instagram user, you would have recently noticed an influx of notifications popping up on your phone from users inviting you to join their broadcast channel. But if you’re wondering what it is and how it can benefit you, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s jump straight in!

What are Instagram broadcast channels? 

Instagram's new broadcast channel is a feature designed to enhance the user experience by allowing creators and businesses to connect with their audience in a more dynamic and engaging way. 

It allows creators to send one-way messages to their Instagram followers or paid subscribers with text, photos, videos, polls and voice messages. 

Creators can reach all followers who’ve joined their channels, but followers can’t reply. But what they can do is react to messages with emojis and vote in polls. This allows creators to have a more direct line to communicate with their followers. They can use their broadcast channels to share their latest updates and behind-the-scenes moments, and even create polls to crowdsource feedback from their audience.

How do you create an Instagram broadcast channel?

As an Instagram Creator you can create a broadcast channel in a few simple steps. Here’s how:

How do you invite followers to join your channel?

Once you’ve created your channel, you probably now want to invite your followers to join. You can invite people to join your channel in a few ways: 

Tips for using Instagram broadcast channels

When it comes to maximising the effectiveness of Instagram broadcast channels, take into account the following tips to elevate your communication and engagement with your audience:

Share voice notes

Add a personal touch to your channel by sending a positive message or signing a song. Whatever it is, voice notes create an intimate connection with your followers. 

Promote your channel

Once you’ve created a channel, make sure you add it to your profile or share it to your stories to ensure easy access for all your followers to find and join.

Personalise your channel

To help set the tone and expectations for your audience, give your channel some personality. Make sure your channel stands out by giving a descriptive title, adding a welcome message and setting the intentions of your channel. 

Collaborate with others

Collaborators can play a valuable role in your channel. They can engage in conversations, moderate discussions, and contribute to the overall content.

Use interactive features

By using features such as polls and question cards it enables you to gather real-time feedback from your audience.

Direct line to different audiences

If you have multiple groups or topics to address within your follower base, then create separate channels so you tailor your content accordingly to each group.

Instagram Broadcast Channels FAQ

How do you join an Instagram broadcast channel?

To join a broadcast channel, tap the notification and then tap "Join broadcast channel". Once you've joined a broadcast channel, you can view messages in your inbox. Only followers who join the channel with receive subsequent notifications for new updates. 

How do you turn off Instagram broadcast channel notifications?

If you find yourself overwhelmed by notifications, here’s how to turn them off. 

1. Turn off broadcast channel invitations from all creators:

2. Mute broadcast channel message notifications:

Getting Started with Influencer Paid Partnerships

If you’re a brand you’ve likely heard many people stress the importance of paying the right person to represent your brand, delivering the perfect message to the right audience in the right way. It could be quite challenging to reach the right person, like how Haig Club needs a David Beckham, and L’Oreal seeks collaborations with someone like Eva Longoria. But it’s all about investing in your heroes for mass visibility and developing a distinctive brand identity. 

The effort will always be on the brand, and the power in the hands of the talent, celebrity or influencer. This is where paid partnerships or paid collaborations come in place, where brands and influencers collaborate to reach a mutual benefit and a value exchange. 

We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about paid partnerships with influencers and content creators on social media like Instagram and TikTok. 

What is a paid partnership?

Paid partnership is a collaboration between a brand and an influencer or content creator to promote specific products or services in exchange for payment or commissions. Normally, the brand pays the influencer to promote their products on social media channels like TikTok and Instagram. Paid partnership content can take various formats including a static image, carousel posts, or video content—it’s all up to what works best for your brand, the influencer, and your target audience.

How paid partnership works?

Brands can do a paid partnership campaign with an influencer across various social media platforms depending on where their audience is. The most common social media to do paid partnerships are Instagram and TikTok. Here is what you need to know about paid partnerships on Instagram and TikTok:

Paid partnership on Instagram

Instagram paid partnership is when a brand compensates an influencer or a content creator to promote a specific product or service through branded content on Instagram feed, story, reels, or live videos. But what does paid partnership content on Instagram actually look like?

Instagram comes with a convenient paid partnership tool that simplifies your collaboration, makes it more trackable, and helps it stand out. This tool includes a tag that says “Paid Partnerships With…”. Influencers can use this tag to show that they have a commercial relationship with the brand, which also means they get compensation for their posts. This feature aims to increase the level of transparency and make it clear that the content is an advertisement. Brands could also incorporate a discount code or affiliate links into the influencer’s sponsored content to drive more sales or conversions. 

Paid partnership on TikTok

In addition to Instagram, brands can collaborate with TikTok influencers or content creators to promote specific products or services through the creator’s content and provide monetary compensation in return. TikTok's storytelling format has created valuable opportunities for brands and creators to work together in developing more personalised, natural, and engaging advertisement videos on TikTok.

On TikTok, ads created in partnership with brands are categorised as branded content and must follow the platform’s guidelines regarding sponsored TikTok posts. It needs to be clear which product or service you promote through the video or the caption. Also, influencers must disclose that the partnership video is a branded content by activating the Branded Content toggle on the app. 

In an effort to support advertisers, TikTok has recently launched several paid partnership programs. For example, TikTok Pulse is a new service that guarantees brands’ videos to appear alongside the top 4% of videos on the platform at any given time. Additionally, there is the “Branded Mission” initiative, which allows advertisers to source authentic videos from creators and convert the most performing content into ads. Then creators will receive cash payments if their videos are chosen. 

What are paid partnership benefits for brands?

Paid partnership is one of the most effective ways to collaborate with influencers. Here are the benefits brands can expect when partnering with influencers:

Raising brand awareness and exposure

Influencers have a large circle of niche audiences who are highly engaged individuals with specific interests. Partnering with an influencer to create branded or promotional content can get your brand in front of many new potential audiences and raise awareness of your products or services. The more people are aware of your brand, the more likely they are to engage with your products or services, consider your offerings when making purchasing decisions, and become loyal customers over time. 

Gain credibility and trust

Influencers are trusted by their audience, who regard their content as authentic and reliable. When influencers genuinely enjoy a brand’s offerings, they will provide authentic endorsements of the products and willingly promote them to their audience. Plus, influencers consistently create content that resonates with their followers. Therefore, partnering with influencers helps brands earn more trust and credibility with their desired audience.

Increase conversions and sales

Paid partnerships with influencers can help to drive more traffic to your brand’s website as your brand will be exposed to a new audience base that could be interested in your products or services. Also, endorsement content from paid partnerships can motivate audiences to make purchases based on the influencer’s recommendations, as they perceive the influencer’s content as credible. Therefore, by partnering with the right influencers, a brand can enhance their website traffic, boost conversions, and increase sales.

In most cases, influencers' paid partnerships can be tracked and measured, allowing brands to assess the impact of the collaboration on sales and ROI. Most of the social media platforms also already have a metrics tool to measure and analyse the results of the campaign. For example, on Instagram, you can see the paid partnership content insights which include the reach, engagement, impressions, reactions and comments, CPM, CTR, and many more.

Paid Partnership with Room Unlocked

Sometimes, the only thing you’re trying to sell isn’t the only thing they want to buy, and, in listening to our clients, they’ve held up a mirror to one of the truisms we’ve always championed.

For every one of you who’s heard us trumpet the benefits of paid collaborations, as sure as night follows day - the follow up is always our ‘but…’. Altogether, here’s the catch: “There are too many brands paying too much money to too many people to promote them.” This is where we come in with our unique selling point (USP): connecting brands and influencers for a mutual benefit, a value exchange. 

We’ve banged the drum, hung out the banners and advertised hard and in doing so, we’ve been told we’re ignoring a large piece of the jigsaw.  The importance of ‘meeting in the middle’ and mutual benefit, doesn’t need to live in the non-paid space only. Cue ‘light bulb moment’. 

Our longest serving client said they were really interested to see what Room Unlocked could do for their paid collaborations.  Brand love, they suggested, could still be factored into commercial relationships. So, after a bit of internal reflection, we ran a campaign for them.  And saved them 70% of their allocated budget because the perfect match was so desperate to work on the opportunity.

So we ran another, and the same thing happened - the client’s budget went far further because people who wanted to represent the brand offered their services at better rates.  And another brand, another example, same result.  

And so paid collaborations are now live at Room Unlocked - where brands will use us to unlock their influential advocates who are available, interested and keen to partner; for the love - not just the money.

That’s the beauty of Room Unlocked, the space where collaboration and brand love are still the most important factors.  So join us, save time and save your money.  Unlock your heroes to create your identity, and then reward your advocates to spread this message further and wider.

Business is always better when it’s a meeting, not a chase. Book a free platform demo today and find out how Room Unlocked can make a difference for your paid partnership campaign. 

The Rise and Fall of Threads: Is it Worth the Hype?

In the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms, the story of Threads on Instagram is a captivating one. It's a tale of soaring popularity followed by a rapid descent, raising questions about its viability and value in the world of social networking. In this blog post, we'll delve into the journey of Threads, explore its features, examine its potential for brands, and ultimately determine if it's a platform worth investing in.

What is Threads?

At its inception, Threads burst onto the scene with immense promise. Developed by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Threads was hailed as a revolutionary tool for intimate communication and content sharing. The platform allowed users to create custom "Close Friends" lists and share photos, videos, and messages exclusively with these select individuals. It aimed to be a more focused and personal alternative to the broader Instagram feed.

The deal with Threads?

Threads made quite a splash upon its debut, attracting millions of users who were intrigued by the idea of a more private and curated social experience. However, the initial excitement was soon met with disappointment as users encountered the platform's limited functionality. Within just three weeks of its launch, Threads faced criticism and a significant drop in active daily users. The numbers spoke for themselves: from a peak of 49 million users on July 7th to a mere 11 million by July 22nd. The primary complaint was the lack of robust features, leading to an exodus of users seeking richer experiences on other platforms.

What should you expect from Threads?

In response to the dwindling demand, Meta took action by introducing several new features to Threads. The addition of "following" and "for you" feeds aimed to give users more control over their content consumption. Expanded language translation capabilities were also implemented to enhance accessibility. Importantly, Meta pledged to continuously introduce more features, promising a better overall experience. Additionally, Threads unveiled plans for a stricter moderation policy, improved verification process, and enhanced ad-buying experience to address concerns about privacy and security. 

Why should brands be on Threads?

Brands can harness Threads as a powerful tool for various reasons:

Instagram integration

Threads is an extension of Instagram. It offers a unique opportunity for brands to seamlessly integrate their Instagram content into users' Close Friends feeds in the form of a text-based narrative. This close-knit setting allows for a more personal interaction, potentially enhancing brand-customer relationships. You can also easily transfer your existing Instagram profile and followers, so there’s no need to build an entirely new audience.

Direct customer interactions

Engaging directly with customers becomes more attainable through Threads. Brands can communicate exclusive offers, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and other personalised content directly to their Close Friends, fostering a stronger sense of community.

Boost reach and shareability

With its Close Friend feature, brands have the ability to filter and categorise their content to reach a smaller, targeted audience.This concentrated exposure can increase engagement and shareability, amplifying brand messages. Additionally, well-crafted Threads content has the potential to become viral or attract substantial attention. When users find value in content, they are more likely to share it with their own followers, thus expanding the brand’s visibility and reach.

Build credibility through collaborations

Threads presents brands with a unique opportunity to partner with influencers on topics that spark engaging conversations. This presents an invaluable chance for brands not only to gain insights into consumer sentiments but also to leverage these insights for tailoring their future marketing endeavours, making it a golden opportunity for meaningful engagement and personalisation.

Privacy and security

Threads' dedication to privacy and security can appeal to brands looking to protect their content and establish trust with their audience. Its privacy settings allow you to control who can interact with you and the option to filter out certain words from your replies. The promise of a stricter moderation policy and improved verification process can further enhance this appeal.

How are brands and influencers using Threads?

Customised “Close Friends”

Brands are leveraging the customisable nature of Close Friends lists to create tailored content for different segments of their audience. This approach allows for targeted messaging and a more personal touch.

User-generated content

Brands have the ability to inspire users to create and share content related to their branded offerings. This user-generated content (UGC) can take on various forms, such  as endorsements, critiques, or artistic expressions, all aimed at amplifying the brand's message.

Through UGC, brands not only amplify their own voice but also tap into the collective voice of their audience, encouraging them to actively participate and share content. This approach fosters brand loyalty, generates excitement, and creates a buzz around the brand.

Creating authentic and personalised content

Threads' intimate setting encourages brands to showcase their human side. By sharing authentic stories, day-to-day moments, and relatable experiences, brands can establish deeper connections with their audience. 

Gathering audience insights

Direct interactions on Threads provide valuable insights into customer preferences, pain points, and aspirations. Brands can use this feedback to refine their strategies and offerings.

Conversations and direct messaging

The platform's messaging capabilities enable brands to engage in one-on-one conversations with customers, addressing queries, concerns, and feedback in a personal manner.

Leveraging various content formats

From photos and videos to text-based updates, Threads accommodates various content formats. This versatility allows brands to experiment with diverse storytelling methods.

Cross-posting

By repurposing content from other platforms for Threads' Close Friends, brands can maintain consistency across their online presence while tailoring content to fit the platform's unique vibe.

Is Threads worth it for your business?

While the journey of Threads has encountered bumps along the way, its value for businesses is not to be dismissed outright. Much like the trajectory of TikTok, which initially faced scepticism from brands and marketers, Threads has the potential to evolve into a robust advertising platform. To capitalise on potential future advertising opportunities, establishing an organic presence on Threads in advance is advisable. Just as TikTok proved its worth to brands over time, Threads could follow a similar trajectory of growth, especially among influencers and ads. 

In conclusion, the rise and fall of Threads is a testament to the ever-changing dynamics of social media platforms. The platform's journey reflects the importance of continually adapting to user demands and preferences. For brands willing to invest time and effort, Threads could hold promise as a unique channel for fostering deeper connections and meaningful engagement with their audience. 

Guide to Affiliate Marketing on Instagram

Affiliate marketing on Instagram can be an effective strategy for both brands and influencers. Read on to find out how affiliate marketing works and how to make the most out of your affiliate marketing strategies on instagram. 

Table of contents:

What is affiliate marketing?

Affiliate marketing is where brands pay someone commission for attracting people to buy their product or service. The amount of commission they receive is tracked through either a unique code or URL. One of the best ways to attract people to a product or service is through social media content, on platforms like Instagram. Brands can use affiliate marketing to collaborate with influencers who will promote their products or services. The commission can be paid for each successful sale, click or other action depending on the defined objective.

How does affiliate marketing work on Instagram?

Affiliate marketing on Instagram is an easy and effective way to make money from an Instagram account, whether you’re a content creator or a business. Instagram affiliate marketing works similarly to other channels where brands collaborate with content creators or influencers to promote their brands or products, and in exchange, these influencers earn a cut from the sales that roll in from their followers. Influencers use a unique coupon code or affiliate link in their content to track the sales amount. So when customers buy stuff, they can use these codes or links to get a special offer or benefit, which is how everyone keeps track of sales. 

How to start affiliate marketing on Instagram?

If you’re looking to grow your presence on Instagram with affiliate marketing, below is a step-by-step guide for brands and influencers to start a successful affiliate marketing campaign.

1. Create or switch to a professional account

First, you need to have a creator or business account on Instagram. You can either switch your current Instagram account or make a new one. Professional accounts are specialised for businesses, brands, influencers, and public figures; they can get additional features and tools to help them manage their online presence, connect with their audience, and analyse their performance.

Here are the steps to switch your personal Instagram account to a professional account:

2. Choose the right affiliate partners

If you’re a business looking to kickstart affiliate marketing on Instagram, your first move is to collaborate with the right influencers. It’s important to choose influencers whose followers are similar to your target market—this way, you’re reaching out to people who could really be interested in what you’re offering. If you’re currently searching for the right influencer to work with, explore how Room Unlocked can help you connect with a perfect match and book a platform demo today

As an influencer, you will need to find brands that run affiliate programs and are willing to pay commission on the sales you make from your content. You can find the perfect match affiliate partners in a few different ways, including:

1. Affiliate programs:

Many companies run affiliate programs on social media platforms. As an influencer, you can join these programs, then promote the brand’s products and earn commissions on the sales you drive. To get started, you can find more details about the affiliate program and sign up through the company’s official website. Some examples of affiliate programs are Charlotte Tilbury, Amazon Associates, Shopify.

2. Affiliate networks:

You can also become part of an affiliate marketing network or platform that helps connect influencers with suitable brands, such as Room Unlocked. At Room Unlocked, we streamline the process, provide a variety of brands to choose from, and offer tracking tools for your campaign performance.

3. Reach out to businesses directly

Another option is to approach brands directly through email or social media. Introduce yourself, explain your niche and audience, and let them know how your profile relates to what they offer. You should also highlight your reach, engagement metrics, and the value you can bring to the table. 

If you’re an influencer looking for a successful collaboration with a brand, apply and see how Room Unlocked can give you the opportunities to collaborate with top brands around the world. 

3. Create compelling content

Brands and influencers should work together to create appealing content that aligns with both parties' needs and requirements. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when creating content:

4. Use affiliate links

After partnering with a brand, influencers will receive a unique affiliate link or special promo code that is specific to them. These affiliate links are an essential part of tracking sales and conversions generated through influencers’ content. 

The benefits of affiliate marketing on Instagram

Instagram is a great place for affiliate marketing because over 2 billion people use it routinely and around half of them shop through the platform almost every week. It also offers various types of content, like posts, stories, carousels, videos, reels, and live streams.

Affiliate marketing benefits for brands

1. Boost sales

Affiliate marketing allows brands to showcase their products or services to a niche customer segment through influencers. Nowadays, people come to Instagram for inspiration, information, reviews, and shopping, making it a great platform for boosting sales. People trust the influencers they follow, so their followers will be more likely to shop with you if they give your brand a good review. Plus, they can easily purchase your products through those affiliate links in the influencer’s posts. 

2. Convert new customers

Affiliate marketing on Instagram is a smart move for brands to win over new customers because it allows brands to reach wider audiences who haven’t yet heard about their  brand through influencers' content. When the products match audiences’ preferences, they will be interested to know more about their  product, connect with their  brand, make a purchase and eventually become loyal customers. 

3. Track sales and campaign performance effectively

By utilising affiliate links or special coupon codes, brands can easily track the sales generated by the influencers. Instagram also provides insights into  the posts to see which content or products performed best. 

4. Build relationships

A successful collaboration with Instagram influencers could turn into a long-term partnership which can yield mutual benefits for both the  brand and the influencer. These relationships can help to build trust and establish credibility, which paves the way to further opportunities for more collaboration and growth, including regularly created creatives and promotional content.  

5. High ROI

Instagram affiliate marketing is a strategy that can make your investment grow rapidly at relatively lower costs. Starting an affiliate marketing program on Instagram doesn’t require a ton of cash upfront—you only spend when you see the results. Your spend will also depend on how many sales are generated from the affiliates' campaign, meaning you only pay based on results. 

If you want to know more about the power of influencers' collaborations on your marketing campaigns, download our Love Trust Barometer for free!

Affiliate marketing benefits for influencers

As an influencer,  there are a number of benefits of Instagram affiliate marketing, these include:

1. Monetise your Instagram account

You can earn money from commissions on sales when customers use your affiliate link or apply your special coupon code to purchase a product or service. 

2. High engagement rate

Collaborating with a brand to create content about products or services that your audience enjoys can drive higher engagement because followers will be willing to interact with your content—comments, like, share, or repost. This also helps build relationships with your followers. 

3. Collaboration opportunities

Successful affiliate marketing can strengthen your personal branding and lead to more collaboration opportunities with well-known brands, which will then increase your profile popularity and followers. 

4. Niche expertise

By leveraging your niche expertise, you can curate and recommend products that genuinely benefit their followers

5. Performance insights

Instagram’s insights provide valuable data about your profile and content performance that can be leveraged to optimise your affiliate strategies. On Instagram, you can dive into Content Insights to see how each of your posts is doing in terms of engagement and discovery, this helps you to see the top-performing content and which products resonate the most with your audience. You also can easily track your profile growth by checking out recent highlights, reach, engagement, and more.

Are you an Influencer looking for help with managing and tracking your brand partnership campaign? Room Unlocked can help with that, apply now and explore how we can support your growth. 

Affiliate marketing strategies on Instagram

There are several ways to do affiliate marketing on Instagram, depending on your campaign objectives and budget. Below are the most effective affiliate marketing strategies on Instagram:

Links in Instagram Bio

Lots of influencers like to put a brand’s website or affiliate links into their Instagram bio. Then, these influencers will simply ask their followers to tap that link in their bio whenever they share some relevant content in their posts—for example on their Instagram feed, stories, or reels.  This is one of the simplest ways to generate sales from their traffic. Some influencers also use Linktree to feature multiple affiliate links, coupon codes, or brands they work with. 

Coupon codes

Using a coupon code is everyone’s favourite affiliate marketing strategy whereby brands share an exclusive coupon code with influencers to promote their products. Commonly, an influencer’s special coupon code is a sweeter discount than any other, making it a win-win for everyone. Brands can get more products sold, customers will get a product at a lower price, and influencers get a higher engagement rate. Influencers usually share the coupon code through their Instagram posts, whether in the Instagram story, feeds, reels, or bio.  

Swipe-up link in Instagram stories

Business or creator accounts are able to use the swipe-up links in Instagram stories. Affiliates usually utilise this feature when showcasing a product or service through their Instagram stories, then encourage the viewers to swipe-up and visit the brand’s website. This is also one of the most effective ways to increase traffic and attract new potential customers since 70% of Instagram users watch Instagram stories daily!

Giveaways or Contests

Hosting digital activity like a Giveaway or Contest is a fun and engaging way to do affiliate marketing on Instagram. Brands collaborate with influencers to inspire users with creative challenges related to the affiliate products. For example, brands can get user-generated content from influencers who encourage people to post content using the brand’s affiliate product. The best content will be crowned the winner and receive a prize. This will help to create buzz around the brand, increase engagement, reach a broader market, and potentially drive more product sales. Another example of simple digital activity is encouraging users to follow an Instagram account or comment on posts in order to be in for a chance to win. This not only benefits the participants but also can improve both influencers' and brands’ organic reach and engagement. 

Shopping tags on Instagram posts

Tagging products on Instagram posts is also one of the most effective affiliate marketing strategies on Instagram. Brands often collaborate with influencers to create creative content featuring their products on influencers’ Instagram posts and tag the product with a checkout-enabled Instagram shop link or checkout on another website. By doing this, users can easily see how the products are used by the influencers, see the products' details, and  purchase the products easily. 

Affiliate marketing tips

Affiliate Marketing can be a great success when done right. Here are a few top tips for affiliate marketing on Instagram:

  1. Choose a niche 
  2. Understand your target audience
  3. Disclose affiliate links
  4. Use KPIs to track your progress
  5. Design a mobile-friendly campaign
  6. Offer discount codes

Affiliate marketing on Instagram FAQs

Can I do affiliate marketing on Instagram?

Yes, you can definitely do affiliate marketing on Instagram! Instagram is a popular platform for affiliate marketing, and many individuals, influencers, and businesses use it to promote products and earn commissions. Instagram also has many content formats, allowing you to explore and test various content formats creatively. 

Is affiliate marketing worth it?

Yes! As a brand affiliate marketing is a great way to reach new audiences, boost your sales and build lasting influencer relationships, all at a relatively low cost.

What are the benefits of having an Instagram Business Account?

You’ll need an Instagram Business or Creator account to start affiliate marketing on Instagram. Instagram business accounts provide additional features and tools beyond what personal accounts offer.  Here’s what you can get with Instagram Business Account: