Here's a heads up.
It's happening again: Facebook all but wrote the rule book for social media marketing as we know it and, once again, they're re-writing plays, re-thinking rules, and changing the game.
Facebook's recently-announced change to its Privacy Policy will include attempts to filter users' news feeds, prioritizing posts which are 'paid' and effectively burying those posts which are not.
To put it simply, Facebook is shaking up social media marketing by requiring brands to pay their way into the hearts and news feeds of users. For businesses which previously relied on the 'free marketing' of Facebook through the steady-stream-of-posts strategy, the increasing pressure to pay-to-play in Facebook's marketing madhouse may seem like a crushing blow.
However, all is not lost for brands without big marketing budgets. Facebook may still be an effective method for communicating with existing fans and reaching new ones--if you know how to use the new rules to your advantage. 
Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know to stay competitive on Facebook in 2015:
1. Know Your Market
If you're spending ad dollars (and let's face it, you're going to have to spend ad dollars), you need to make sure you're getting the most out of every cent. And that means, above all else, you'll have to target.
Your money's wasted if you think that everyone from Grandma Penny to Cousin Timmy is going to love your brand so much they'll want to follow you on social media. Sure, there are brands that transcend many demographics, but there aren't many marketing campaigns that successfully cater to everyone.
Know who you're trying to speak to, customize your message for those people, and target your posts carefully to maximize the effectiveness among the groups of people most likely to care. If you set out trying to capture the interest of everyone, you'll end up with a boring, homogenized message that will appeal to no one.
Not sure who your market is just yet? Try a few low-dollar, highly-targeted posts and see what grabs people. Pay close attention to the numbers and the feedback from analytics. The more you know, the smarter you'll spend.
2. Content Is Still King
Social media isn't just what you say, it's how you say it. And if how you say it is boring, all the ad dollars in the world aren't going to help you.
Luckily, there isn't much that can't be spruced, polished, and tidied into Facebook Gold.
Find a way to relate to your audience, keep your content personable, and make sure you give them something to look at. Plain text is okay, but the best of the best know that grabbing attention with an image or graphic is a great way to engage.
With some great copy and attention-grabbing graphics, you'll be dominating news feeds in no time.
Need help in the fight to de-bore your content? We happen to be experts in that department.
3. Know the Challenges
Knowing what you're up against is half the battle. Now that you know the new rules of Facebook, you understand what you have to do to overcome. Don't be afraid to take a look at what the competition's doing, either. As it is with the threat of bear attacks, you don't have to run faster than the bear, you just have to run faster than your friends.
You don't need to spend thousands every month to compete on Facebook--just keep a few simple strategies in mind and you're on your way to Facebook success. Good luck!
Have a question? Feel free to ask! We'll help you get a kick start with social today.
