Social Media & Digital Marketing June 2024 Roundup
Posted on 27th June 2024
June is coming to an end, which means it’s time for another social media roundup!
We’ve seen quite a few updates to digital platforms over the last month, so let’s take a look at what’s been hitting the headlines over the last few weeks…
AI Insights Added To Google Ads
Google Analytics 4 has been updated, now offering AI-powered notes created to highlight key data events, using more simplified language for better understanding. Google have explained this by saying: “Imagine your “Purchase” events spiked on a series of individual dates. Our AI engine works through the countless combinations of dimensions and metrics to proactively connect the dots, explaining why these spikes are happening. These insights will be written in a natural, easy-to-understand way, almost like a colleague summarizing the key takeaways for you.”
With Google Analytics 4 becoming the standard platform from July 1st, they’ll be adding aggregated impressions from the linked Campaign Manager 360 accounts. Cross-channel budgeting will also be added so users can see their projected performance against target objectives.
AI Assistance Tools Expanded For YouTube Creators
Struggling for video ideas? YouTube has updated their ‘Research’ tab – renamed the ‘Inspiration’ tab - in YouTube Studio to provide AI recommendations for creators looking for some ideas on what videos they should make. YouTube have commented on this: “Breakout Videos will highlight videos from similar channels that have performed exceedingly well. The goal is to give creators a more holistic understanding of channels similar to them, what content is resonating with their audience, and inspiration.”
They’re also adding A.I. tips, where creators will add a topic into the search bar so YouTube’s AI can provide ideas and notes based on what viewers may be interested in watching, and can generate a bullet pointed outline to help you get to grips with these suggestions.
They’re rolling these out currently, and hope to have them in the EU and the UK soon.
TikTok to Add ‘Virtual Influencers’
TikTok stay ahead of the curve by taking the AI boom further – now allowing businesses to choose from digital characters in their ‘Symphony’ Platform that can advertise their products and services on TikTok Live.
If you don’t want to use one of their digital creators, you can create your own, which have the ability to advertise in multiple languages.
The feature has been used in China since 2022, and has seen huge results for business owners who have seen their sales rocket thanks to these 24/7 livestreaming virtual influencers.
TikTok have added further detail on this new innovation: “To help creators and brands captivate global audiences and deliver impactful messages in an immersive and authentic way, we are excited to announce Symphony Digital Avatars. Digital Avatars help breathe life into branded content with generative A.I. avatars of real people, which will enable new ways to scale creative strategies on TikTok.”
Meta Adding New Features
AI seems to be the topic for June – and Meta aren’t getting left behind.
First of all, they’re rolling out an A.I. Q and A feature to help streamline the query process for businesses and their customers.
They’re also offering users the chance to sign up to business’ marketing – from then on, any messages, offers or information from businesses will be sent directly to a user’s Messenger inboxes.
Broadcast Channels are set to be rolled out for Facebook Pages with 10,000 or more followers, allowing businesses with smaller audiences the chance to get their followers into one channel and communicate with them directly.
X Analytics Updated…For Premium Users
Probably the most significant update this month for marketers on X – they’ve finally switched over what was Twitter Analytics to X Analytics, with a catch.
The previously free-for-all feature has been locked behind a paywall, with users signed up to X Premium or the tier above the only ones able to access their advanced analytics.
These analytics are now offering the following: total impressions, engagement rate, profile visits, video performance, link clicks and a new display to allow ease of access to different data.
X have been slowly trying to drive up subscriptions in the last 2 years, with little success of hitting any of their targets to do so. By putting analytics behind a paywall, it’s just another way they hope to get people to pay for previously free features. The question remains whether they will – analytics are imperative to businesses whose main marketing is done on X, but often they’ll be using multiple platforms – so using another website who can provide the same info in one central place is probably the way many will go.
That’s all for June! Have a great July and keep an eye out for any updates to come over the next month.
Your social media tip this month is: Many business owners I speak to struggle to get their ads in front of the right people, pouring money into campaigns but seeing little return.
You see the key to cost-effective, profitable paid ad campaigns is understanding your audience better.
By using detailed targeting options and creating content that resonates with your ideal customers, you can turn your ads around and start seeing some real results.
So, here are three tips that when used will help improve your ad performance:
✅️ Research Your Audience - Dive deep into their interests, behaviours, and demographics.
✅️ Test Different Ad Formats - Experiment with images, videos, and carousels to see what works best.
✅️ Monitor and Adjust - Regularly check your ad performance and tweak your targeting and content as needed.
These 3 simple steps can transform your ad strategy and help you see much better results. 💡
