Learn More About Social Media Advertising Software
How to Buy Social Media Advertising Software
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Social Media Advertising Software
Requirements should include offering the ability to upload and create social ads, being able to buy and launch campaigns on at least one social media platform, provide clear and effective workflows to manage trafficking ads, and be able to track key success metrics such as reach and conversion.Â
Compare Social Media Advertising Software Products
Create a long list
Buyers must start from the very beginning of the buyer journey by understanding which products won’t be a good fit. The next step is to compile the features that would be essential (such as, automation, real-time analytics, or content creation) and remove any products that don’t include those features. If there’s one specific thing from a product that others don’t have—but isn’t critical to the business goals—buyers can consider leaving that product behind to find one that checks all the boxes. It is recommended to check if these tools can integrate with other social media marketing software and digital advertising platforms to ensure a full-circle approach to advertising a brand online.Â
Create a short list
Once a main selection of features is made of needs and wants, buyers must start identifying products that fit into this mold and make sure that these shortlist products meet all requirements important to the key business objectives. Once the options have been narrowed down, businesses should take into account reviews and objective third-party analysis. Potential mobile marketing campaign needs must be met too, and buyers should ensure that the product of choice will work across iOS and Android. This will help better identify an all-encompassing product. After this, there should be about two to three options that are under consideration for purchase.Â
Conduct demos
For this type of software, there will be an option to take part in a free trial (usually ranging from a week to a month of use) that will help make the decision. Often after the trial period, vendors will include a tiered pricing plan that best suits the needs and size of a business. Â
Some options will even have a pop-up that encourages a prospective buyer to discuss a plan to purchase with a member of their sales team. This could lead to a demo where the sales team will walk through the product, but buyers must keep in mind that most social advertising software will either have an account manager or an internal onboarding team that will help answer questions too.Â
Selection of Social Media Advertising Software
Choose a selection team
Unless the decision is made to use the free version of a product, internal stakeholders (immediate manager or department head) must be included in this purchase. They will be the ones directing the strategy, and in order to collaborate effectively they will need to have visibility over cost and implementation. Smaller teams (startups or new businesses) must evaluate why they need the software and how it will help them achieve their business goals.Â
Negotiation
Most of these products won’t require negotiation but that doesn’t mean buyers should compromise on features, add-ons, services. If there is a specific feature that might cost extra but will garner better results, buyers should consider it. It is also important to look for any opportunities to get discounts or contract riders that would benefit the contract length. Before making the final decision, buyers must go over the details with the team to ensure a confident purchase of any specific social media advertising software.Â
Final decision
This decision to purchase should be made with team goals and budget top of mind. Making sure all internal parties are aligned on how this purchase or addition will benefit the business is critical. It should be based on the digital advertising needs of the business.Â
Social Media Advertising Software Trends
Transparency
Paid social advertising should be reflective of not only the brand but also the company behind it. Users must leverage a social media advertising platform to showcase exactly what the business does in order to further prove trust to the customer. Misleading them or overpromising capabilities is the fastest way to lose customers. It is important to evaluate what the business stands for, what makes it different in this industry, and why should a customer go with this specific product instead of the other one.
Customer-first content
Knowing the specific target audience determines the type of content that’s going to be created and promoted with social media advertising. With customer-first content, there is a higher chance of conversion and retention. Engaging content makes the customer feel that they’re being seen. This builds trust between the two parties and eventually leads to loyalty.
A way to create customer-first content is by knowing what type of content the target demographic will respond to. Short-form content and entertaining videos would work for generation-z clientele. For generation-x and above, static and clickable ads work best. No matter the industry, there are proven methods of acquisition that will be successful.Â
Diversifying platforms
Businesses should use diverse social media platforms to reach a wider range of demographics. Businesses should take stock of where their target market is online in order to make an educated buyer-focused choice. Social media advertising is still a relatively new playing field and there’s no one right or wrong way to be successful with it. But knowing where the ideal customers are and how to reach them is a step in the right direction.