The Three Traffic Sources For Startups

Traffic Sources For Startups

The Three Traffic Sources For Startups

I was recently re-reading Randall Stross’s book, The Launch Pad: Inside Y Combinator, Silicon Valley’s Most Exclusive School for Startups. Inside is a quote from Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham about growth rates for start-up

A good growth rate during YC is 5-7% a week. If you can hit 10% a week you’re doing exceptionally well. If you can only manage 1%, it’s a sign you haven’t yet figured out what you’re doing. A 5%-7% weekly growth rate is extremely aggressive but if you want your start-up to get traction in the market, it’s a good growth number to aim for..
Y Combinator Logo
Paul Graham
Y Combinator

The big question then is “How do you do that”? There are three traffic sources for  startup. In order to be successful and meet Paul Graham’s growth target you need to master at least one of these, if not two of these traffic sources.

Rented or Paid Traffic

The first traffic source that most start-ups use is paid traffic. Paid traffic gives you time to allow your other traffic channels to grow and evolve. It allows you to get product market fit, find those first customers, and find out if you have product market fit
The most common paid traffic sources are Google Adwords (PPC), Facebook ads, display ads, retargeting, paid influencers, and paid content promotion.
With paid traffic, you can contribute content and engage with the audience. You might be able to control the conversation, but you do not own anything else (data, relationship, creativity, etc. etc.). Hence the name rented traffic.
Without the initial steady stream of visitors from paid traffic, you might never get enough data to growth hack your way to success. That is why paid traffic is many startups’ most important traffic source. Over time, that might change, but it is rare to see a startup succeed that does not buy its initial visitors.
traffic sources for startups

Owned Traffic

The second most common traffic source is owned traffic. Owned traffic is traffic from properties that you own. You own the customer relationships. You make the decisions around content, creativity, and evolution. The more owned properties you have, the more chances you can drive traffic to your website.
Examples of owned properties are websites, blogs, and customer forums. Social media properties like Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Twitter can also be considered “owned sites”.
One of the most overlooked traffic sources is your email list. You have total control over the timing of the messages you send to your subscribers. And when you click “send,” your messages get delivered straight to them.
The challenge for start-ups is that owned traffic takes time. It takes time to organically grow a following via social media or build an email list. That is why owned traffic is usually the second traffic source that startups tackle.

Earned Traffic

The third traffic source is Earned or influenced traffic. This traffic is online word of mouth, usually seen in the form of mentions, shares, reposts, reviews, recommendations, or content picked up by 3rd party sites. It is a traffic source that you cannot directly control. For example, you cannot directly control whether people will “Like” you on Facebook, follow you on Twitter, and then visit your website and become your customer.

Nor can you control whether a piece of content you have produced goes viral. Earned traffic also includes organic traffic from search engines. Traffic from organic search is considered earned traffic as you cannot control how much traffic the search engines can send you. But like other influenced traffic you can impact this by following SEO best practices. The challenge for startups with earned traffic is that it is too difficult to predicate, especially in the early stages.

You cannot build a growth strategy hoping that you make it to the front page of Hacker News or Business Insider. This is usually the third traffic channel that startups focus on.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Sources For Startups

How can I determine which paid traffic sources are best for my startup?

To determine which paid traffic sources are best for your startup, you should begin by identifying your target audience. Understand who your customers are and where they spend their time online by using tools like Google Analytics and social media insights to gather demographic data and behavioral patterns. Knowing your audience helps you select the right platforms where they are most active.

Next, evaluate your budget. Different paid traffic sources come with varying costs. For instance, Google AdWords and Facebook ads offer flexible budgeting options, while paid influencers or display ads might require a more substantial investment. Determine your budget and allocate funds to the platforms that offer the best return on investment (ROI).

Analyzing competitor strategies is also beneficial. Look at where your competitors are investing their advertising dollars using tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs. This can provide valuable insights into effective paid traffic sources for your industry.

Start with a small budget and test ads on multiple platforms like Google AdWords, Facebook ads, and LinkedIn ads. Monitor the performance of each campaign in terms of clicks, conversions, and cost per acquisition (CPA). Testing allows you to see which platforms yield the best results for your business.

Additionally, leverage retargeting to reach users who have previously visited your website but did not convert. Retargeting on platforms like Google Display Network and Facebook can help increase conversions by keeping your brand top-of-mind for potential customers.

Once you identify the platforms that perform best, focus on optimizing your campaigns by refining your targeting, ad copy, and creatives. Scale up your budget on the top-performing platforms to maximize your reach and conversions. By following these steps, you can effectively determine the best paid traffic sources for your startup and achieve your growth targets.

What strategies can I use to effectively grow my owned traffic?

To effectively grow your owned traffic, start by focusing on creating high-quality content that resonates with your audience. Develop a content strategy that includes blog posts, videos, infographics, and other types of content that provide value to your visitors. Ensure that your content is informative, engaging, and relevant to your target audience.

Next, optimize your website for search engines (SEO). Use keyword research tools to identify the terms your potential customers are searching for, and incorporate these keywords naturally into your content. Make sure your website is technically optimized with fast loading times, mobile responsiveness, and a clear site structure. Regularly update your content to keep it fresh and relevant, which can help improve your rankings on search engine results pages.

Building an email list is another crucial strategy. Encourage visitors to subscribe to your newsletter by offering valuable incentives like exclusive content, discounts, or free resources. Once you have a list of subscribers, send regular, high-quality emails that provide value and keep your audience engaged. Email marketing is a powerful tool for driving repeat traffic to your website.

Leverage social media to drive traffic to your owned properties. Share your content across various social media platforms and engage with your audience by responding to comments and messages. Use social media to build relationships with your followers, and encourage them to visit your website for more in-depth information.

Another effective strategy is to utilize internal linking within your website. Link to related content on your site to keep visitors engaged and encourage them to explore more of your pages. This not only improves user experience but also helps search engines understand the structure of your website, potentially boosting your SEO efforts.

Collaborate with influencers and other businesses in your industry to expand your reach. Guest blogging, co-hosting webinars, and participating in online events can introduce your brand to new audiences and drive traffic to your website. These partnerships can also enhance your credibility and authority within your industry.

Lastly, analyze your traffic data regularly using tools like Google Analytics. Understand which strategies are driving the most traffic and which areas need improvement. Continuously refine your approach based on these insights to ensure your efforts are effective and aligned with your business goals.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively grow your owned traffic, increase engagement, and build a loyal audience for your startup.

How can I increase earned traffic for my startup?

To increase earned traffic for your startup, start by creating high-quality, shareable content. Focus on producing content that is valuable, engaging, and relevant to your target audience. This could include blog posts, videos, infographics, and interactive content that people find useful and interesting enough to share with others.

Optimize your content for SEO to attract organic search traffic. Use keyword research to identify popular search terms related to your industry and incorporate these keywords naturally into your content. Ensure your website is optimized for search engines by improving page load times, ensuring mobile responsiveness, and creating a clear site structure. High-ranking content on search engine results pages can drive significant earned traffic to your site.

Leverage social media platforms to amplify your content. Share your content across various social media channels and engage with your audience by responding to comments and participating in discussions. Use social media to build relationships with your followers and encourage them to share your content with their networks. The more your content is shared, the more earned traffic you can generate.

Engage with influencers and thought leaders in your industry. Collaborate with them on content, such as guest blog posts, interviews, and social media takeovers. Influencers can help increase your reach and credibility, driving more earned traffic to your website as their followers engage with your content.

Encourage user-generated content by creating opportunities for your audience to contribute. This could include running contests, creating branded hashtags, or featuring customer testimonials and reviews. User-generated content not only boosts engagement but also increases the likelihood of your content being shared, thereby driving more earned traffic.

Earn backlinks from reputable websites to improve your site’s authority and search engine ranking. Reach out to industry blogs, news sites, and online publications to pitch your content and ask for backlinks. High-quality backlinks signal to search engines that your content is trustworthy and authoritative, which can help increase organic traffic to your site.

Participate in online communities and forums related to your industry. Share your expertise and provide valuable insights in discussions. Include links to your content when relevant and appropriate, but avoid spamming. Being an active and helpful member of these communities can drive traffic to your website as people become more aware of your brand and seek out your content.

Lastly, continuously analyze your traffic data to understand what is working and what needs improvement. Use tools like Google Analytics to track your earned traffic sources and identify successful strategies. Refine your approach based on these insights to maximize your earned traffic over time.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively increase earned traffic for your startup, enhancing your visibility and attracting more potential customers.
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The 2024 State of Marketing is out and marketers are increasingly targeting buyers who grew up online. 

As American’s age it is not a surprise to see marketers turn their attention away from baby boomers and towards a  younger audience.

Seventy-four percent of marketers want to reach Millennials and 67% want to engage Gen X, versus only 27% of marketers interested in Baby Boomer audiences.

As digital natives grow as decision-makers, we’re seeing changes to how buyers interact with businesses online. Some of the biggest social challenges are coming up with ideas, creating engaging content that generates leads, and gaining followers.

Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have the strongest ROI — and these align with where marketers are investing in 2024. Twenty-seven percent of marketers who don’t use YouTube plan to start in the year ahead.

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Successful social media marketing has matured from simply getting “likes” to acquiring new customers and increasing sales from existing ones. Four out of five marketers today view social media networks as critical distribution channels for their content.

We develop strategies that put your content on the platforms that your customers use. 

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AI and Web Traffic: Navigating the New Dynamics

The advent of AI in search engines, such as Google’s AI-powered tools, presents both challenges and opportunities for digital marketers. Consider The Atlantic’s scenario, where 40% of their web traffic comes from Google. With AI’s ability to directly answer user queries, traditional methods of driving organic traffic are under threat. This evolution calls for a strategic shift in digital marketing tactics. Marketers must now focus on creating AI-friendly content, optimizing for AI-driven search algorithms, and exploring alternative traffic sources.

The AI Job Market: Embracing Change and Innovation

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In the AI era, companies are being reclassified into three categories, as observed by Paul Roetzer of the Marketing AI Institute: AI Native, AI Emergent, and Obsolete. AI Native companies, built with AI at their foundation, are leading the way. AI Emergent businesses are those adapting and incorporating AI into their existing models. Those slow to adopt AI risk obsolescence. For marketers, understanding your company’s position in this spectrum is vital. Embracing AI not only propels your company forward but also ensures its relevance and competitive edge.

Transforming Media and PR with AI

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Embracing the AI-Driven Future

AI’s influence across various facets of marketing is both profound and pervasive. From altering web traffic dynamics and reshaping job roles to redefining business models and revolutionizing media strategies, AI’s footprint is unmistakable. For marketing professionals, this era of transformation is laden with challenges but also ripe with opportunities. The importance of understanding and integrating AI into marketing strategies cannot be overstated. Braveheart, an award-winning digital media agency, is uniquely positioned to guide businesses through this transformative landscape. Our expertise in AI-driven marketing strategies ensures that your business can navigate these new frontiers effectively. Partnering with Braveheart means embracing the potential of AI to enhance your marketing efforts and achieve unparalleled success in the digital era. Contact us today.

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Nine Lessons from 2024 Social Media Benchmarks Report

2024 social media benchmark report

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In the dynamic world of social media, understanding the landscape is pivotal for crafting strategies that resonate and convert. Braveheart Digital is excited to share insights from the 2024 Social Media Benchmark Report by RivaIIQ, covering critical metrics across 14 industries on platforms including Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram. This report is your compass in the ever-evolving realm of digital engagement, highlighting trends such as engagement rates, optimal posting frequencies, and the efficacious use of post types and hashtags.

2024 social media benchmark report

Key Takeaways

The “2024 Social Media Industry Benchmark Report” unveils pivotal insights into the evolving dynamics of social platforms. Despite a notable decline, TikTok stands resilient as the front-runner in user engagement, a testament to its enduring appeal. The report highlights the diversity in posting frequencies across different platforms, indicating that a one-size-fits-all approach to content cadence is obsolete. In the realm of engagement amplifiers, holiday-themed hashtags have emerged as significant catalysts, while Instagram Reels are rapidly ascending in popularity, showcasing robust engagement metrics.


Moreover, sectors like Higher Education and Sports Teams are setting benchmarks in engagement, attributed to their superior content quality and meticulously timed postings. These revelations serve as a crucial guide for brands and marketers aiming to recalibrate their social media strategies, with a pronounced emphasis on refining content quality and adapting to platform-specific trends.

Change In Social Media Engagement Rates Over Time

The “Social Media Benchmark Report” unveils significant shifts in engagement rates across platforms, showcasing the fluid landscape of social media interaction. TikTok, despite experiencing a steep decline in engagement rates by over 50%, continues to outperform other platforms, suggesting its foundational strength in captivating audiences. In contrast, Instagram displays a level of steadiness, with a minor 8% dip in engagement, indicating a potential plateau in how users engage with content on the platform. Facebook presents a unique case, witnessing a slight uptick in engagement rates, hinting at evolving user behaviors or beneficial algorithmic adjustments. Twitter, however, encounters a 20% fall in engagement, mirroring the broader challenges and shifts within the platform’s user interaction dynamics. These fluctuations underscore the ever-changing nature of social media engagement, highlighting the critical need for marketers to remain agile and informed in their strategies.

Social media engagement rates over time

Posting Frequency

The Social Media Benchmark Report sheds light on evolving trends in post frequency across key social media platforms, illustrating a nuanced landscape of digital interaction. On platforms like Instagram and TikTok, there’s been a noticeable uptick in post frequency, suggesting that brands and creators are intensifying their content efforts to bolster or sustain audience engagement. Conversely, Facebook and Twitter have seen a downturn in posting frequency, with Twitter experiencing a pronounced 15% reduction. This trend might reflect a strategic pivot among brands and users towards emphasizing content quality over sheer volume, or perhaps a realignment of focus towards other platforms offering greater engagement opportunities. The overarching trend reveals diverse approaches in post frequency, signaling a period of adaptation and recalibration by brands to align more closely with shifting content efficacy, algorithmic changes, and evolving audience expectations. These insights underscore the necessity for a more tailored and discerning approach to social media strategy, urging brands to customize their content cadence and substance to match the distinct dynamics of each platform and its user base.

social media weekly posting over time

Social Media Benchmark Report: Facebook

The comprehensive insights into Facebook’s engagement dynamics, as delineated in the report, furnish a granular understanding of how brands navigate content strategy on the platform. It reveals an average posting frequency of 4.70 posts per week, shedding light on the prevailing content rhythms adopted by diverse industries. Notably, the engagement rate per post hovers at 0.044%, illustrating the typical level of user interaction brands might anticipate.

The analysis delves deeper into the differential performance of post types, highlighting that visually appealing content, such as photos, markedly surpasses other formats in garnering user engagement. This underlines the persuasive power of visual storytelling in captivating Facebook audiences.

Furthermore, the report dispenses actionable insights for brands aiming to elevate their Facebook presence, suggesting strategies such as timing optimization, effective hashtag utilization, and the integration of trending topics to enhance content visibility and user engagement.

Additionally, it provides a cross-industry comparative framework, enabling brands to benchmark their Facebook metrics against sector-specific standards. This comparative angle not only aids brands in gauging their competitive stance but also in identifying areas ripe for improvement.

In essence, the report accentuates the criticality of a meticulously crafted approach towards post frequency and content selection on Facebook, with a particular emphasis on leveraging visual elements to boost engagement. Moreover, it arms brands with the knowledge to refine their social media strategies, ensuring they align with industry benchmarks and audience expectations, thereby optimizing their engagement and performance on the platform.

social media benchmark report- Facebook

Social Media Benchmark Report:: Instagram

The “2024 Social Media Benchmark Report” offers enlightening insights into Instagram’s usage, particularly concerning engagement and posting frequency. According to the report, the current average for brand posts on Instagram stands at approximately 3.98 posts per week, providing a clear gauge of how actively brands are engaging with their audience on this visually driven platform.

Moreover, the engagement rate per post has been recorded at 0.276%, a pivotal metric that underscores the level of interaction between brands and their followers. This rate is instrumental in assessing the effectiveness of content and the degree of audience engagement on Instagram.

These gathered statistics serve as crucial benchmarks for brands aiming to navigate the Instagram landscape effectively. They provide a standard against which companies can measure their own performance, offering insights that could steer the optimization of their social media strategies. By aligning their engagement tactics and posting frequency with these industry insights, brands can enhance their interaction with audiences, ensuring a more dynamic and fruitful presence on Instagram.

social media benchmark report- Instagram

Social Media Benchmark Report:: Twitter / X

The “2024 Social Media Benchmark Report” casts light on the nuanced dynamics of Twitter engagement and activity, presenting a distinct picture compared to other social platforms. According to the report, the average posting frequency for brands on Twitter is around 6.97 tweets per week, signifying a vibrant level of interaction and content dissemination expected on this fast-paced platform.

Furthermore, the engagement rate per tweet is documented at 0.044%. While this figure may seem modest in comparison to platforms like Instagram, it is a vital indicator of the quality of interaction and the effectiveness of content in engaging the Twitter audience.

This analytical snapshot underlines Twitter’s unique position in the social media ecosystem, where the balance between post frequency and engagement plays a crucial role. These insights underscore the necessity for brands to develop customized content strategies tailored specifically for Twitter to enhance engagement and broaden their reach, highlighting the platform’s distinct requirements for successful brand communication and audience engagement.

social media benchmark report- Twitter

Social Media Benchmark Report:: TikTok

The “2024 Social Media Benchmark Report” sheds light on the dynamic engagement and content strategies employed on TikTok, revealing the platform’s distinctive engagement culture. On average, brands post 2.85 videos weekly, reflecting a dedicated approach to captivating TikTok’s vibrant and ever-active audience. Remarkably, the engagement rate per video stands at an impressive 2.63%, underscoring TikTok’s unparalleled capacity to foster deep connections and encourage user interaction. This figure not only illustrates the platform’s dominance in engaging content delivery but also emphasizes the critical role of creativity and authenticity in resonating with the TikTok community. Furthermore, the report delves into the nuances of content strategy, particularly the impactful use of hashtags such as #LearnOnTikTok, #music, and #trending. These thematic tags are not mere metadata; they are pivotal in guiding viewers to content, enhancing discoverability, and boosting engagement rates. This strategic use of hashtags underscores the importance of aligning content with trending topics and community interests to maximize visibility and engagement on TikTok. These findings highlight TikTok’s significant impact as a platform that thrives on high-quality video content and smart hashtag strategies, offering brands a unique opportunity to engage with audiences in a highly interactive and personal manner.
social media benchmark report- TikTok

9 Ways To Use This Social Media Benchmarking Data

​​Small business owners and marketing leaders can leverage the “2024 Social Media Industry Benchmark Report” in several strategic ways to enhance their social media efforts
  • Adjust Posting Frequency: By understanding the average posting frequencies on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, businesses can adjust their content schedules to align with industry norms or identify opportunities to stand out by posting more or less frequently.
  • Optimize Engagement Strategies: The report's insights into engagement rates can help businesses identify which platforms are currently offering the best opportunities for interaction with their target audience. For example, high engagement rates on TikTok may encourage more investment in video content, while the engagement specifics on Facebook might influence the type of content shared.
  • Tailor Content Types: With detailed analysis on the performance of different post types (e.g., photo, video, link) across platforms, businesses can tailor their content strategies to focus on the most engaging formats for each platform.
  • Innovative Use of Hashtags and Themes: The report highlights the importance of holiday-themed hashtags and other popular tags in boosting engagement. Businesses can incorporate relevant hashtags into their posts to increase visibility and engagement.
  • Benchmark Against Industry Standards: By comparing their own performance metrics (engagement rates, post frequency) with those provided in the report, businesses can gauge their social media success against industry standards and identify areas for improvement.
  • Refine Audience Engagement Tactics: Understanding the nuances of how different industries engage with their audiences on various platforms can inspire businesses to adopt new tactics or refine their approach to audience interaction.
  • Leverage Platform-Specific Features: Insights into the popularity and effectiveness of Instagram Reels or TikTok videos can encourage businesses to experiment with these formats, potentially unlocking new avenues for engagement and content strategy.
  • Strategic Planning and Investment: The report's findings can inform strategic decisions regarding where to allocate resources and effort, prioritizing platforms and content types that are most likely to drive engagement and business outcomes.
  • Content Calendar Planning: Insights into the best times to post and the types of content that perform well can help in planning a more effective content calendar that aligns with audience preferences and platform trends.
By applying these insights, you can make informed decisions, optimizing your social media strategies for better engagement, reach, and ultimately, business results.

If you need help amplifying your website content via social media, contact Braveheart Digital Marketing. We’re a social media agency in Manchester NHthat can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more.

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B2b Social Media Distribution and Trends

Social Media as Distribution Channels For B2B

The new 2024 B2B Content Marketing Report is out and it provides some great insights into what social media channels are the best for distributing B2B marketing content. In the rapidly evolving digital marketplace, mastering the art of B2B content distribution is more crucial than ever. And the data shows that successful content marketing distribution begins with knowing your audience (79%). This makes sense, considering that “creating the right content for our audience” is the top challenge. The logic? Top-performing content marketers prioritize knowing their audiences to create the right content for those audiences. In this post we will take a look at the best organic and paid channels as well as the most effective channel for social media B2B content distribution.

Most popular content distribution channels

Regarding the channels used to distribute content, 90% use social media platforms (organic), followed by blogs (79%), email newsletters (73%), email (66%), in-person events (56%), and webinars (56%).
B2B Distribution Channels

Most effective content distribution channels

Which channels perform the best? Most marketers in the survey point to in-person events (56%) and webinars (51%) as producing better results. Email (44%), organic social media platforms (44%), blogs (40%) and email newsletters (39%) round out the list.
social media channels best results B2B

Most effective paid channels

SEM/pay-per-click produces good results, according to 62% of those surveyed. Half of those who use paid channels say social media advertising/promoted posts produce good results, followed by sponsorships (49%), partner emails (36%), and digital display advertising (34%).
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The top B2B distribution channel

When asked which organic social media platforms deliver the best value for their organization, B2B marketers picked LinkedIn by far (84%). Only 29% cite Facebook as a top performer, 22% say YouTube, and 21% say Instagram. Twitter and TikTok see 8% and 3%, respectively.
Linnkedin

So it makes sense that 72% say they increased their use of LinkedIn over the last 12 months, while only 32% boosted their YouTube presence, 31% increased Instagram use, 22% grew their Facebook presence, and 10% increased X and TikTok use.

Which platforms are marketers giving up? Did you guess X? You’re right – 32% of marketers say they decreased their X use last year. Twenty percent decreased their use of Facebook, with 10% decreasing on Instagram, 9% pulling back on YouTube, and only 2% decreasing their use of LinkedIn.

It is clear that ROI is a huge focus of marketing departments in 2024. Which is why we have seen more emphasis put on LinkedIn (72% increased their use in 2023) versus other more B2B channels like Instagram (31%), Facebook (225) and X (10%).

FAQs about distributing B2B content on social media

How do B2B marketers measure the effectiveness of each social media channel for content distribution?

Measuring the effectiveness of each social media channel for content distribution in B2B marketing involves a multifaceted approach. Marketers typically use a combination of metrics such as engagement rates, website traffic referrals, lead generation numbers, and conversion rates. Advanced analytics tools and social media platforms’ own analytics features can provide insights into how content performs, allowing marketers to see not just how many people engaged with the content, but also how those engagements translated into actionable business outcomes. This data-driven approach helps marketers to refine their strategies, allocate resources more efficiently, and demonstrate the ROI of their social media efforts.

What specific strategies do successful B2B marketers use to engage their audience on LinkedIn?

Successful B2B marketers use a variety of strategies to engage their audience on LinkedIn, given its professional focus and B2B-friendly environment. These strategies often include sharing insightful content that adds value to their industry, participating in relevant LinkedIn groups to foster community and discussion, and leveraging LinkedIn’s advanced targeting capabilities for ads and sponsored content. Personalizing content to address the specific challenges and needs of their target audience is also crucial, as is engaging directly with comments and messages to build relationships and demonstrate thought leadership.

Are there any emerging social media platforms that B2B marketers should watch, given the rapid changes in social media trends?

Regarding emerging social media platforms, B2B marketers are always on the lookout for new channels that can help them reach their target audiences effectively. While platforms like TikTok and Clubhouse have gained traction in the B2C space, their potential for B2B marketing is still being explored. Marketers should keep an eye on these and other emerging platforms as they evolve, considering factors such as the platform’s user demographics, content formats, and engagement styles. Experimenting with new platforms can uncover untapped opportunities to connect with audiences in innovative ways, but such efforts should be balanced with the need to invest in proven channels that consistently deliver results.

If you need help developing content or distributing content via social media, contact Braveheart Digital Marketing. We’re a social media agency in Manchester NH that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more!

Social Media Expertise

  • Social Media Distribution for B2B: Turning social platforms into reliable distribution engines.
  • How Many Platforms Do You Need?: Finding the sweet spot between focus and reach.
  • Content Amplification in Four Steps: Extend the shelf life and reach of every asset you publish.

Social Media Strategies:  10 powerful social media strategies to boost engagement, grow your brand, and stay ahead in 2025.
https://www.braveheartdigitalmarketing.com/blog-post/social-media-strategies/

Platform Guides

  • LinkedIn Branding Guide: Tactics to sharpen positioning and improve visibility on the top B2B network.
  • LinkedIn Algorithm Update: What the latest feed changes mean for reach and engagement.

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5 LinkedIn InMail Best Practices to Generate New Business Leads

LinkedIn inMail

5 LinkedIn InMail Best Practices to Generate New Business Leads

LinkedIn InMail is a powerful tool that can help you generate new business prospects. However, with so many users vying for attention, it can be tough to stand out and make meaningful connections. So if you’re tired of sending InMails that go unanswered, try implementing these best practices.

LinkedIn InMails have an open rate of 20%, which is much higher than the open rate for email marketing campaigns.

LinkedIn inMail

1. Select the Right Sender

The sender of your InMail can have a big impact on the recipient’s decision to open and read it. Choose a sender who is a leading executive or subject matter expert in your company to increase your chances of catching the eye of your target audience.

Personalize your message by addressing the recipient by name and mentioning something you know about them.

Use a clear and concise subject line that accurately reflects the content of your message.

2. Include a Banner Ad

Adding a banner to your LinkedIn InMails is a great way to customize your conversation and reinforce the CTA in your message. You can use the banner to include your company logo, website address, or a call to action. A study by LinkedIn found that InMails with banners had a 20% higher open rate than InMails without banners.

3. A/B Test Your Campaign

Experimenting with different variables such as subject lines and pictures can help you refine your approach over time and increase your chances of success. For example, you could A/B test different subject lines to see which one gets the highest open rate.

A/B testing is a proven way to improve the performance of your InMail campaigns. One study found that A/B testing can increase your click-through rate by up to 30%.

4. Keep Your Messages Short

People are busy, so they don’t have time to read long, rambling InMails. Be crystal clear about what you’re offering or asking for to make it easy for your recipients to understand the next steps and take action.

Shorter InMails are more likely to be read and responded to. A study by HubSpot found that InMails that were 100 words or less had a 50% higher open rate than InMails that were 200 words or more.

5. Be Conversational

Use natural language and ask questions to build rapport that can lead to a more meaningful and long-lasting relationship. Instead of sending a one-way pitch, try starting a conversation by asking the recipient a question about their work or industry.

Conversational InMails are more likely to build rapport and lead to new business opportunities. A study by LinkedIn found that InMails that were conversational had a 30% higher response rate than InMails that were not conversational.

Remember, when crafting your LinkedIn InMails, it’s crucial to put yourself in the shoes of your recipients. No one likes to receive a message that feels automated or impersonal, so take the time to personalize your approach. Not only will this increase your response rates, but it will also help you build stronger relationships with your network.
If you need help amplifying your website content via social media, contact Braveheart Digital Marketing. We’re a social media agency in Manchester NH that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more!
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LinkedIn Changed Its Algorithms — Here’s How Your Posts Will Be Affected

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LinkedIn Changed Its Algorithms — Here's How Your Posts Will Be Affected

According to a study by LinkedIn, 82% of small business owners use LinkedIn. This means that the majority of small business owners are aware of the benefits of using LinkedIn and are actively using it to connect with potential customers, partners, and employees.

The study also found that small businesses that use LinkedIn generate 2x more leads than those that don’t. This is a significant advantage, and it shows that LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for small businesses that are looking to grow their business.

If you’re a small business owner, I encourage you to create a LinkedIn profile and start using the platform to connect with your target audience. It’s a great way to build relationships, generate leads, and grow your business.

Here are some additional statistics about LinkedIn usage among small business owners:

LinkedIn Logo
  • The average small business owner spends 17 hours per month on LinkedIn.
  • LinkedIn is the most popular social media platform for small business owners, followed by Facebook and Twitter.
  • Small businesses that use LinkedIn are more likely to be profitable than those that don't.
If you’re looking for ways to grow your small business, LinkedIn is a great place to start. By using the platform effectively, you can connect with potential customers, partners, and employees, and generate more leads. However, in order to get your posts seen by as many people as possible, it’s important to understand how LinkedIn’s algorithms work.In recent years, LinkedIn has made a number of changes to its algorithms, which have had a significant impact on how posts are ranked and displayed. The most recent changes, which were announced in January 2023, are designed to prioritize posts that are more relevant to users’ interests and that are likely to spark engagement.

How the New LinkedIn Algorithms Work

  • The new algorithms take into account a number of factors when ranking posts, including:
  • The relevance of the post to the user's interests: This is determined by the user's past activity on LinkedIn, such as the topics they've followed, the groups they're a member of, and the people they're connected to.
  • The likelihood that the post will spark engagement: This is determined by the post's content, such as whether it's asking a question, sharing a statistic, or providing a link to a useful resource.
  • The user's interaction with the post: This includes whether the user has commented on, shared, or saved the post.

How the Changes Will Affect Your Posts

If you want to make sure that your posts are seen by as many people as possible, it’s important to focus on creating content that is relevant to your business and that is likely to spark engagement. Here are some tips:

  • Post about topics that your target audience is interested in. You can use LinkedIn's analytics tools to see what topics your target audience is interested in, so you can tailor your content accordingly.
  • Ask questions to encourage engagement. Questions are a great way to get people talking and interacting with your posts. Posts that ask a question receive 60% more engagement than posts that don't ask a question.
  • Use hashtags to reach a wider audience. Hashtags are a great way to get your posts seen by people who aren't already connected to you. Hashtags can increase the reach of your posts by up to 50%.
  • Add images. LinkedIn posts with images receive 98% more engagement than posts without images.
  • Promote your posts on other social media platforms. You can share your LinkedIn posts on other social media platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, to reach a wider audience.

How to Track the Performance of Your Posts

LinkedIn’s analytics tools can help you track the performance of your posts. You can see how many people saw your posts, how many people interacted with your posts, and how many people clicked on the links in your posts. This information can help you identify what types of posts are most successful and make adjustments to your content strategy accordingly.

Summary

The changes to LinkedIn’s algorithms are still relatively new, so it’s not yet clear how they will impact the visibility of your posts. However, if you want to make sure that your posts are seen by as many people as possible, it’s a good idea to focus on creating content that is relevant to your business and that is likely to spark engagement. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting your posts seen and shared on LinkedIn.

If you need help amplifying your website content via social media, contact Braveheart Digital Marketing. We’re a social media agency in Manchester NH that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more!

Expand Your Social Media Expertise with Our Featured Guides

Below are deep dives that expand on each core pillar of our framework. Each link will open in a new tab, allowing you to explore these topics in detail:

Platform Guides

  • LinkedIn Branding Guide: Tactics to sharpen positioning and improve visibility on the top B2B network.
  • LinkedIn Algorithm Update: What the latest feed changes mean for reach and engagement.

Social Media Expertise

  • Social Media Distribution for B2B: Turning social platforms into reliable distribution engines.
  • How Many Platforms Do You Need?: Finding the sweet spot between focus and reach.
  • Content Amplification in Four Steps: Extend the shelf life and reach of every asset you publish.

Social Media Strategies:  10 powerful social media strategies to boost engagement, grow your brand, and stay ahead in 2025.
https://www.braveheartdigitalmarketing.com/blog-post/social-media-strategies/

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LinkedIn: the Number One Network for B2B Marketers

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LinkedIn: the Number One Network for B2B Marketers

In the last couple of years, LinkedIn has transformed from merely a professional networking and job-seeking site to the number one channel for content distribution and amplification in the B2B market according to data recently released by Microsoft.

Some key metrics that Microsoft released about LinkedIn:

  • LinkedIn members viewed 22% more feed updates in 2022 YoY
  • LinkedIn members had 25% more public conversations on LinkedIn YoY
  • 2.7 million company pages post at least weekly, while over 11 million users have turned on LinkedIn’s Creator Mode since its launch in March 2021.

LinkedIn Helps You Grow Your Business.

Using LinkedIn to share and amplify content is part of every B2B marketers playbook.

It’s really difficult to be successful on LinkedIn without putting dollars behind your content. That is why 80% of B2B businesses sponsor or boost their content and 96% of marketers using the platform to distribute content.

LinkedIn Helps You Grow Your Business

Importance Of Keeping Your Page Updated

Most companies focus on putting out thought leadership content on LinkedIn. While that is really important, it is really interesting to see this data from LinkedIn.

Brands that post weekly to their LinkedIn page grow 7x faster than companies that post infrequently.

LinkedIn Pages Need to be updated

Advertising On LinkedIn Increases Perception

If you have ever thought that adverting on LinkedIn was expensive or not worth it, this should change your mind. Brands that advertised on LinkedIn saw a 10 to 15 percent rise in short-term sales performance. That is a huge bump!

  • Brands were perceived to be “more professional” (92%), "more intelligent" (74%), “higher quality” (59%), and “more respectable” (59%) when their ad was seen on the LinkedIn platform. (Nielsen study)
  • LinkedIn Ads were more effective at driving Brand Lift than other top platforms for both B2B and B2C brands. (Nielsen study)
  • In technology, LinkedIn generated 2-5x higher Return On Ad Spend than other social media platforms (Analytic Partners Study)
  • In financial services, LinkedIn generated 7x more incremental customer sign-ups than display media (Analytic Partners Study)
  • In education, LinkedIn was 2-4x as effective as other display media (Analytic Partners Study)
Advertising on LinkedIn increases brand perception
If you need help amplifying your website content via social media, contact Braveheart Digital Marketing. We’re a social media agency in Manchester NH that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more!
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David Wilson