As of January 2023, there are over 484,000 active Facebook users in Guyana1. This is approximately 55% of the country’s population. Those within the age group of 25 to 34 form the largest group of active Facebook users. It is clear that social media will continue to be an essential tool for personal and business communication and marketing in Guyana.
[Edit – As per the recent reports from NapoleanCat, there were 615,100 Facebook users in Guyana in March 2024, which accounted for 75.4% of its entire population]
Therefore, it is important for businesses to stay up to date with the latest best practices for social media, so they can build effective social media marketing strategies. Let’s examine some of the key social media trends and best practices for 2023.
1) Be authentic
We live in a time with information overload and fake news. Thanks to advancements in AI and technology, it has become very easy to create content that is misleading but looks convincing. Deepfake videos and AI generated images have become more common place. Consumers are aware of this and are hence sceptical of the content they see online.
Users are looking for something real. Thus, the most significant trend for 2023 is authenticity. Consumers want content that they can trust. Businesses should focus on being transparent, honest, and genuine in their interactions with customers. This includes avoiding the use of bots and paid influencers, as consumers can easily recognize when they are being sold to.
If you are using the services of a social media marketing agency, set up regular channels of communication between your internal teams and the agency. This will allow the agency to stay up to date and talk about real time developments at your business.
2) Focus on mobile
In 2020, there were over 850,000 mobile users in Guyana. This number has increased over the past three years2. Majority of social media users access their accounts via mobile devices. Brands must have a mobile-first strategy to reach their target audience effectively. This means creating content that is optimized for small screens and using images and videos that are easily viewable on a mobile device. Ask your social media marketing agency to prioritize mobile friendly content.
3) Utilize micro-influencers
There is a lot of power in community building. Micro-influencers are individuals who have a small but engaged following. These are people from the community who set trends and have a lot of trust. Brands should consider working with micro-influencers to reach their target audience in a more personal and authentic way.
This is a great strategy for businesses that have brick and mortar locations that users can visit. Micro-influencers can help bring attention to your brand in a way that larger influencers may not be able to, as their followers trust their opinions and recommendations more. This is an excellent strategy for local bakeries, restaurants, salons, etc.
4) Invest in video content
Video is the preferred format for content on social media and its importance is increasing with time. Brands should focus on creating engaging video content that is optimized for social media platforms. This includes short-form content, such as Instagram and TikTok videos, as well as longer-form content, such as YouTube tutorials and product demonstrations.
The videos do not always need to be highly produced or cost a lot to make. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, being real is highly valued. Taking quick videos from a phone can also deliver great results. Give your social media marketing agency a point of contact at your office, who they can connect with to create video content that feels real and authentic, and stays true to your brand’s personality.
5) Make use of interactive content
Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and live streams, is becoming more popular on social media. Brands should consider using this type of content to engage with their audience and create a more interactive experience. This type of content is especially effective at generating engagement, as users are more likely to participate in activities that allow them to express their opinions and interact with others.
A good social media management agency, will be able to create such content for you and help you distribute it in an effective way. There are optimal times when content should be posted on different platforms and your agency can help you optimize your content schedule.
Webfx is a social media agency for Guyana businesses, we provide social media marketing and management services to businesses across all niches. If you are looking to improve your online presence, contact us.
Source:
- N.d., “Facebook users in Guyana January 2023”, NapoleonCat, [available online], available from: https://napoleoncat.com/stats/facebook-users-in-guyana/2023/01/, [accessed Feb 2023]
- Feb 22., J. A. Sava, “Number of mobile cellular subscriptions in Guyana from 2000 to 2020”, Statista, [available online], available from: https://www.statista.com/statistics/696429/number-of-mobile-cellular-subscriptions-in-guyana/, [accessed Feb 23]
