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In 2018, three billion people used social media, and almost half of Americans have used it to interact with businesses. 90 percent of marketers report increased exposure due to social media campaigns, so it’s no surprise more and more companies are devoting time and money to these platforms.
As the first quarter of 2019 draws to a close and the digital landscape continues to evolve, one of the biggest challenges businesses face is determining which platforms are the best fit and which social media activities are worth pursuing. Let’s take a closer look at the new trends emerging in two of the biggest platforms and one newcomer arriving on the scene.
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- Facebook: the Importance of Groups
In terms of total users worldwide, Facebook is still number one. However, the reputation of the platform took a serious hit in 2018 following the Cambridge Analytica controversy. Emily Copp of Hootsuite observes, “Users have grown distrustful of social media companies and celebrity influencers. Trust has reverted to immediate friends, family, and acquaintances on social media.”
Does that mean brands should abandon Facebook altogether? Definitely not. The Book is still a valuable platform for community building and fostering meaningful dialogue. One way to create a circle of trust and make customers feel like family is to form Facebook Groups.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
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- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
In 2018, Facebook made updates to Groups allowing users with Business pages to participate. While your official page is best for posting general information, Groups can address core customer interests, explore niche content, and cater to long-time fans. Avoid using Groups to plug products; instead, ask for customer feedback, then stand back and let the conversation happen.
Groups come in three types: open, closed, and secret. Open groups are available to all users while closed groups are visible in search results, but users must request permission from the administrator to join. Secret groups are invisible to outsiders; the only way to join is by a current member’s invitation. While it may seem paradoxical, closed and secret groups often have higher engagement rates.
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- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Members know each other and feel more confident sharing opinions out of the public eye. Administrators keep trolling and spam to a minimum. The exclusive, VIP feel of closed and secret groups functions as a reward for long-time customer loyalty while encouraging members to invite friends and family into the fold increase organic reach. Best of all, Groups are not subject to Facebook’s algorithm, so you know all members will see your content.
- Instagram: the Rise of Stories
Instagram has only half the users Facebook boasts, but what it lacks in scope, it more than makes up for in engagement volume. The image-based platform has rapidly become a goldmine for brands targeting younger demographics. Millennial and Gen Z customers, however, have very different expectations of their favorite brands than older generations. They aren’t passive recipients of brand content; they want the opportunity to react, interact, and co-create.
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- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
That’s where Instagram Stories come in. Originally developed by Snapchat, the concept behind Stories is the creation of ephemeral content, 15-second slideshows or videos that disappear 24 hours after posting. Like a limited time offer, Stories leverage the fear of missing out, creating an urgent need to stay engaged.
The fleeting nature of this content appeals to audiences with a short attention span, but the candid nature of snapshots and behind-the-scenes glimpses entices followers to stick around for more. Stories also give customers a chance to participate. Engage your audience with “fill in the blank” or “tap for more” prompts, and insert a question or poll buttons asking for feedback.
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- TikTok: the New App on the Block.
One limitation of social media giants like Facebook and Instagram is that they’re banned or censored in several countries. For your brand to penetrate the Asian market, you’ll need more accessible alternatives that still allow you to harness the power of video marketing.
Formerly known as Musical.ly, TikTok is a short-form, mobile, vertical video platform. It has 500 million active users worldwide, ranking higher than Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Snapchat. The app gained popularity in the United States in November 2018 when Jimmy Fallon used it for his Tumbleweed Challenge on the Tonight Show. In January 2019, it beat out Instagram as the most downloaded app on Android.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
TikTok is the perfect platform for driving user-generated content and working with brand ambassadors and micro-influencers. Above all, its playful, unpolished content provides the authenticity and inclusion of Gen Z craves.
What social media platform is your business focusing on most in 2019? Let us know in the comments.
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