It can be hard to keep up with the latest add-on tools and feature launches on social media platforms and truth be told, not all are created equal. But there’s one gaining traction with business owners that’s helping to boost engagement, audience reach, and sales, too! Chances are good you’ve seen or used this feature before—perhaps unknowingly. Instagram’s “Quick Reply” allows users to create pre-selected responses for specific keywords or phrases in direct messages (DMs). This tool streamlines communication by allowing users to respond efficiently to common inquiries or products of interest. The best part is your response or link becomes easily visible in that follower’s direct messaging inbox, making it more accessible. Curious how to tailor the Quick Response feature to meet the needs of your business? Here are some examples we encourage you to try. Customer Inquiries Have you been utilizing the “Link In Bio” CTA without much website traction? It may be time to switch things up. Try having followers comment with keywords like “Product” or “FAQ” which allows you to automatically send them a direct link to your website for purchasing or help with a question. Upcoming Events Avoiding last-minute RSVPs can be a hassle, but mitigate that by making it more convenient to register for an upcoming seminar, book an appointment, or reserve a timeslot for a consult. The easier the process, the greater the likelihood of a follow-through. Feedback and Reviews Replying to messages in a timely manner is essential for building a positive rapport online, but sometimes it gets pushed to the end of a long to-do list. Create quick replies to acknowledge and show appreciation for positive comments and address any concerns promptly. Sales and Promotions Selecting a keyword like “sale” or “savings” lets business owners seamlessly send customers coupon codes or special discounts straight to their inboxes. It’s great to share promotional codes right in your newsfeed, but try utilizing this feature instead to give your engagement a boost at the same time. Ready to give it a try? Simply go to the Settings tab in your Business account, find and select  Quick Replies , and then create a new reply based on your needs. This feature is currently available on Instagram only, although Facebook does offer the ability to preset replies to messages via Meta Business. If you’re looking for more assistance, the team at Officially Social has you covered. Contact us at alison@officiallysocial.com, and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have about incorporating this and other up-and-coming tools in your current social media package.

We hear it from our clients all the time. “I’m not on TikTok personally, so why should I use it professionally?” While we understand the aversion to new technology, we’r e here to tell you that regardless of your personal social media preferences, this trending platform is a great marketing tool for your business. With over 1.5 BILLION active users in 2023, TikTok continues gaining momentum for everything from entertainment to education. So, what’s the buzz all about? Unlike other platforms, TikTok does not limit content to direct followers. Their algorithms make it easy for anyone, anywhere, to find videos based on interests and search history. That means the next viral video is just a click away, and it could be yours. Here are our top five tips for a seamless TikTok transition: 1. Do Your Research Like other social media platforms, TikTok requires a little advanced planning for the greatest impact. Start by scoping out your competitors and look at their videos with the most likes and engagement. What are they doing that works well? It could be anything from song choice to the time of day they post. Use them as inspiration to create a marketing plan tailored to specific customer needs. You’ll also want to plan diversified content. Yes, dance videos are entertaining, but how-to, tutorials, and DIY also do very well on TikTok. Find a balance that caters to the audience you serve. 2. Build Your Brand Branding on TikTok begins with your bio, where you have just eighty characters to introduce your business. Be creative and make each word count. Tone matters, and there are ways to be both professional and personable. Focus on similar themes for a cohesive look, but also experiment with different layouts and music. Your profile should tell a story, not just serve as a sales pitch. 3. Create A Calendar Daily activity is necessary when you're first starting out on TikTok. The algorithms favor engaged users, so make this a priority to build a strong following. This includes sharing and commenting on other accounts too! Need inspiration for filling up a month’s worth of material? Followers enjoy getting sneak peeks at daily routines, so even things that seem mundane to you might pique someone else’s interest. And take inspiration from influencers and industry leaders—chances are you’ll come up with new ideas in no time. 4. Yes, Hashtags Are Important! Hashtags are a powerful search tool, especially on TikTok, so use them to your advantage. Include location-specific and industry buzzwords, plus any keywords directly related to the post's topic. You can also research the most popular hashtags on any given day, which can help generate more visibility. Most importantly, try to mix up the hashtags you include. Algorithms are tricky and sometimes flag accounts that are too repetitive.  5. Build Community Remember, your priority is to market your business, but your followers also want to feel emotionally connected. Respond to comments and questions promptly, and show some love to others in your industry. Ask for feedback on a new idea or product. Social media is a powerful tool, but that stems from a human connection. Something as simple as “liking” a comment lets people feel noticed and valued. Regardless of the size of your business, TikTok is slated to remain a valuable addition to your social media toolkit. Develop a unique profile, target your audience, and create a meaningful content strategy to increase your chances of success. Need help getting started? The team at Officially Social is always available. Email alison@officiallysocial today!