Facebook and Twitter are giants of social media with a reach that cannot be rivalled by any competing platforms. In this article we take a look at how you can leverage these two platforms to your best benefit as an SME. Paid advertising on Facebook and Twitter are the two most immediate ways to increase your reach and engagement. However, each network comes with its own inherent benefits and specialisations. This post will point out the strengths of ad campaigns on Facebook Ads and Twitter Ads, giving a concise comparison of how each network can help you.
Facebook Ads can be used to increase traffic from Facebook to your website, increase event attendance, facilitate new leads, increase the reach of your Facebook audience, or to boost engagement on a Facebook page. 79% of all internet users use Facebook, which equates to roughly 1.18 billion active users each day. The exposure which is possible is enormous. The Ads Manager offers you three basic goals/categories, grouping the benefits of each means of promotion. They are as follows:
These objectives generate new interest in your product, brand or service. They are typically the most affordable means of promotion. Your options are as follows:
These objectives coax people into seeking more information about your business or brand. Here are your options:
These objectives have a focus on maximising conversion, leading people to purchase or use your product or service. Here is how Facebook helps you convert:
Facebook Ads then allows you to name your campaign and customise your target audience. Detailed demographic choices are offered, as well as interest-based options. Once you have configured your campaign, Facebook then gives you an estimate of the reach possible. If you are happy with the level of exposure, then you can continue to set a budget and schedule before creating your ad. You have the choice between using an existing post or creating a complete new ad using the intuitive wizard. Ad placement is then offered.
Twitter is one of the most powerful marketing platforms available. In a recent survey, over 60% of marketers voted Twitter as one of the best performing platforms for advertising ROI. When advertising on Twitter, you have the following campaign options available:
After choosing the type of campaign from within the Twitter Ads Manager, you then need to name it and define a target audience. Detailed demographic isolation is supplied, and you can also select an audience based on interests, behaviours, keywords and information such as businesses Tweeted about. Define a budget and then proceed to either selecting an existing Tweet to promote, or create a new one.
Facebook is the more affordable platform, with Twitter recently falling under harsh criticism for its rising advertising rates. However, the power of both platforms should never be underestimated. Twitter Ads cost on average six times more than they do on Facebook, but the CTR is between 8 and 24 times higher. This does not mean that Facebook is not lucrative. It gives the greatest degree of flexibility to fine-tune your audience. Here is a look at where each advertising platform excels:
A comprehensive marketing strategy needs to include a balance of both Facebook and Twitter Ads. It is often advisable to begin growing your brand online through Facebook, as it proves most affordable. However, once you are looking for targeted product promotion, or need the attention of a notable person, brand, movement or institute, Twitter has you covered, at albeit a higher rate.
Split-testing your campaigns across both networks is a good way to establish what is needed at which stage of growth. A partnership with a knowledgeable marketing agency – such as JDR – will also give you the guidance needed to include facets of both Facebook and Twitter advertising in your strategy. Tested techniques and strategies can be applied to your product or brand, melding exposure from multiple social platforms in order to facilitate the greatest ROI.