The term "social media" has become synonymous with the Internet over time. It's commonly used for all forms of online communication that are not strictly personal messages between two people. This includes blogs, forums, websites, podcasts, Twitter feeds, Facebook pages, Instagram accounts, YouTube channels, LinkedIn profiles, Flickr galleries, and more. While some may use these platforms as an extension of their real life identity, others prefer to keep them separate. In either case, they're very powerful tools for brands looking to interact directly with customers or potential customers on multiple levels.
White labelling is when you take the content created by another company and repurpose it into your own brand, product, or service. The process involves taking what was originally intended for one audience and adapting it so that it can be shared with a wider audience. For example, if you have a blog about healthy living, you could create a new post called “5 Ways You Can Eat Healthy Without Even Trying” which would then appear on several other sites like Medium, HubSpot Blog, and even Reddit. As long as the original author hasn't objected (and they almost never will), there isn't anything wrong with this practice. However, many companies choose to go further than just creating derivative content — they also turn it into a branded tool. That means that any updates made to the original piece are now owned by a third party instead of being part of the original author's intellectual property.
This type of rebranding works well for startups and small businesses who don't yet have enough resources to develop their own versions of popular applications. Instead, they simply buy the software outright and start using it without ever having to worry about copyright infringement issues. Because the platform doesn't come preloaded with its own branding, all logos and graphics must first pass through the developer before appearing anywhere else. If done correctly, the result looks exactly like the original application but comes with a hefty price tag attached.
When we talk about white labelling, we usually refer to digital apps rather than physical items. However, the same principles apply. There are plenty of ways for someone to get around paying for something. Some will pay for access to a single feature while others will purchase a complete package. Either way, the end user sees nothing different except for how much money he or she saved.
In the world of social media, white labelling refers to companies using other vendors' social networks to promote themselves. They'll often hire a professional web development firm to build a custom interface around existing features. When users log onto the site, they see familiar elements like comments, likes, posts, followers, friends, etc., but everything appears under one roof because it belongs to the client.
There are three main types of white label social media packages available today: those focused on managing existing communities, building out new ones, and providing search engine optimization (SEO) assistance. Let's look at each of these options individually.
We've already mentioned how some developers opt to integrate existing applications within their own designs, resulting in a completely seamless experience for both parties involved. A number of companies offer similar solutions but do things slightly differently. One such option is Sendible, a provider whose focus lies solely on integrating community management systems with social networks. Using the platform, clients can set up their own communities where members can share information, ask questions, and engage in discussions. Once launched, users can invite friends, add hashtags, and manage their profiles. All activity takes place inside the community itself and no additional login credentials are required beyond a standard account.
Another solution is LoomLy, a social networking automation tool designed specifically for marketers. Similar to Sendible, LoomLy offers everything needed to launch an effective campaign including analytics reporting, integration with CRM databases, and easy setup. Unlike most competitors, however, LoomLy focuses primarily on SEO rather than promoting specific sites. Its purpose is to make sure that every link pointing back to your page gets indexed by Google and ranked accordingly.
As far as DIY options go, there are dozens of social media management programs readily available for anyone willing to learn how to code. Most charge less than $50 per month, making them affordable alternatives to white label services. Examples include Sprout Social, HootSuite, and Loomly. Each provides basic functionality including scheduling tweets and editing profile photos, but none require special training or coding skills.
If you want to get creative with your branding strategy, you might consider turning your homepage into a virtual storefront. By doing so, you can collect visitors' email addresses and send promotional emails whenever you'd like. To accomplish this, you need to sign up for an affiliate program like ShareASale or ClickBank. These programs allow retailers to earn commissions based on sales generated outside of their own stores. After signing up, you'll need to copy the HTML code associated with your chosen domain name into a dedicated file. Then, paste it into the source code of your desired template. When visitors land on your homepage after clicking an ad, the script automatically redirects them to the affiliate URL provided in their confirmation email. From there, they can browse your inventory and buy whatever item catches their eye.
While this method won't work for everyone, it can certainly help boost profits during slow seasons. Plus, it gives consumers a reason to return regularly since they're not only saving money but getting exclusive deals too. If you plan to sell merchandise, you should always check with your state's attorney general office to ensure you aren't breaking any laws.
Why do I need a white label solution for my company's social media marketing strategy?
White-labeling refers to building your own brand (or a variation thereof) by using another person's name, logo, product features, or even business model.
"White labelling", however, is different than what you might think. The concept behind this type of branding involves taking someone else's idea/product/service and making it yours without having to pay royalties to the creator(s). There are many reasons why companies choose to go this route, including cost savings, increased efficiency, and easier access to new markets.
However, there's one main reason why most businesses opt for white-labelled solutions instead of creating their own — because it allows them to create a customized experience for each individual customer while still maintaining control over the overall content and message being delivered.
Benefits of going white labeled
Save money - If you've ever tried to build something yourself, like a blog, then you know how expensive it can be! By outsourcing the work to a professional service provider who specializes in similar projects, you'll save hundreds if not thousands of dollars upfront. That means more resources available to spend on other parts of your business...like your sales team.
Efficiency - Because you aren't dealing with every detail yourself, you can take advantage of an experienced team that knows exactly what works best when it comes to engaging your target audience.
Access - A lot of times, it takes months before a solution becomes widely accepted among your target market. When you find out about a great tool and start seeing results right away, you don't have to wait around for everyone else to catch onto it too. You get first dibs at finding ways to apply it to fit into your existing business structure.
You've probably heard about social media before but you don't really know what it can do for your business or how much effort you'll have to put in just to get started using it. In this article we're going to tell you everything you need to know about why social media should be a priority for all businesses, and if not then at least for those who want to take advantage of its potential.
First of all, let's define what exactly "social media" means. It refers to online platforms that allow users to share their thoughts with others and interact through likes, comments, posts, and other forms of communication (like video). A lot of people tend to think of Facebook as being one of these social networks, which isn't entirely true since there are many more out there. However, when talking about social media generally we're referring to sites like Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Snapchat, etc., where sharing content and connecting with peers has become an integral part of our everyday lives.
With so many different ways to use social media, some companies will choose to hire a professional company to manage their accounts on various social media platforms instead of doing it themselves. This practice is called white-labelling, meaning they pay someone else to handle their social media presence while still taking care of their own product/service development. For instance, if you run a small restaurant, you might decide to hire a local catering service to help promote your food and brand instead of trying to figure out how to build a website yourself. The same goes for any type of business - whether large or small. When deciding whether to go down that route, consider the following factors first.
There are several options available for anyone looking to start managing their social media accounts, including software, apps, and websites. Let's look into each option briefly.
Software & Apps
If you already have experience running a blog or website, chances are you also have knowledge of WordPress.com. If you do, you may know that it comes with built-in features such as scheduling posts, analytics, commenting, plugins, and ecommerce capabilities. You could even create custom themes and templates. While it does come with limitations, especially compared to dedicated hosting, the ability to customize and add new functionality makes this platform great for beginners.
Another web application that allows individuals to post to multiple social channels is Buffer. With Buffer, you select the topics you'd like to write about and schedule them ahead of time. Then, once you publish them, they automatically appear across every channel you belong to. All you have to do is sit back and relax!
The downside to using either of these two applications is they require a paid subscription fee depending on how often you wish to upload content. They both offer free trials, but after that, you must pay monthly fees ranging anywhere between $10-$20 per month. Another disadvantage is that although these programs are easy to set up, they aren't always intuitive to navigate. Plus, because they're based on a hosted server model, they require constant maintenance and upkeep. These costs add up quickly over time, particularly for smaller businesses.
Finally, if you prefer to keep things simple, try hiring a freelance writer on Elance, Fiverr, or Upwork. Some writers charge around $5-$15 to create 500 words, which works out to roughly $0.04 per word. That number increases slightly if you ask for longer articles or essays. As long as you provide good feedback throughout the process, the quality of work won't disappoint.
Website Management Software
One way to save money while simultaneously boosting productivity is by setting up your own website. There are plenty of affordable website builders available, making it easier than ever for newcomers to launch a site without having to learn HTML coding. One example is Squarespace, which offers unlimited pages, storage space, and domain names starting only at $12 per year.
However, website building doesn't necessarily mean creating a full-blown enterprise solution that includes email newsletters, customer support, CRM integration, SEO optimization, automated emails, etc. Instead, you can turn your website into a landing page, opt-in box, blog, or digital storefront. Or you can simply create a basic homepage with contact information and links to relevant resources.
Although there are no formal requirements to join any particular community, you may find it beneficial to connect with influencers or experts within your niche industry. Doing so gives you access to valuable insights and tips that could ultimately result in increased conversions.
A final note here: Although you shouldn't feel obligated to follow anyone, make sure that you give credit whenever possible! Always include a link to the person(s) whose advice helped bring you success. Not only will doing so encourage further engagement, but it will likely lead to future collaborations down the road.
White Labeling Services
In order to reduce upfront expenses, some entrepreneurs opt to hire a third party company to handle their social media account. This approach is known as white labelling, or sometimes referred to as outsourcing. Depending on the size of your team, you may be able to cut corners by contracting with freelancers rather than fully-staffed employees.
This method saves you additional overhead and allows you to focus on core responsibilities. On top of saving money, white-labelled services typically offer higher levels of expertise and better results. To see a comparison between regular employees versus outsourced workers, check out this infographic.
Here are three main types of white label social media management services you should consider:
SEO Agency Pricing Plan – An SEO agency will usually charge you a flat rate for ongoing search engine rankings and traffic generation. Since you’re paying less upfront, you’ll receive lower prices overall. But remember that results vary drastically depending on the competition level and the amount of work involved.
Content Creation Service - Content creation involves writing blogs or press releases, posting videos, guest blogging, and so forth. Many agencies specialize in specific niches, helping clients develop compelling copy for their target audience.
Analytics Platform - Analytics platforms collect data related to your website visitors' behavior patterns and interactions. They analyze trends and present reports detailing visitor demographics, interests, and preferences.
Facebook remains the undisputed king of social networking, according to Statista. The world's largest social media platform boasts nearly 2 billion active users worldwide. The majority of these users visit daily, spend hours browsing profiles and engaging with friends and family members.
Instagram is another big player in the game. At last count, it had 1 billion active users. Just like Facebook, Instagram primarily focuses on photos and videos posted by individuals. Unlike Facebook though, Instagram encourages users to engage with their followers and gain exposure via hashtags (#), tags (#hashtag), and user-generated captions.
Twitter is yet another major player in the field. According to Statista, Twitter currently houses 828 million registered users, representing approximately 23% of American adults ages 18+ years old. According to Pew Research Center, 41 percent of U.S. internet users say they use Twitter regularly. Compared to other social media giants, however, Twitter struggles to retain its popularity among younger generations. Only 13 percent of Americans aged 12-17 use Twitter, whereas 61 percent of teens age 17-19 are users.
As mentioned earlier, social media consists mainly of text, images, and audio. Therefore, it stands to reason that Instagram dominates when it comes to visual content. Meanwhile, YouTube holds sway over video.
According to comScore, the average American spends 7 hours and 53 minutes watching TV commercials annually. By contrast, he or she spends 4 hours and 37 minutes visiting his or her favorite celebrities on Instagram.
To wrap up, let us discuss the pros and cons of white-labelling your social media needs.
Pros:
- Save Money - You'll avoid hiring expensive staff and equipment.
- Increase Productivity - Outsourcing frees up time for you to focus on core tasks and projects.
- Get Expert Advice - Your social media expert knows what it takes to succeed in your industry.
Cons:
- Lack Of Control - You lose control over certain aspects of your business. For example, you might not have direct input regarding design decisions, branding strategies, or updates made directly to your profile.
- Reduced Customer Support - Since your customers won't be dealing with your employees directly, you won't have access to 24/7 live chat, phone support, or ticketing system.
That said, if you value peace of mind above anything else, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of white-labelling your social media needs carefully. Ultimately, it depends on the specifics of your situation. Do you plan to grow rapidly, are you planning to expand internationally, or are you simply looking to establish a solid foundation for your business? Once you've answered these questions, determine whether investing in a professionally managed social media campaign would benefit your organization.
White labelling refers to a process whereby an organization or individual takes on another’s brand identity without any modification. It's often done by third parties who have access to original information like logos, images, text, etc., but don't necessarily own it themselves. The idea behind this practice is that you can create your own version of someone else's product while keeping all the benefits of using their brand name.
If there were no such thing as white labelling, then every single person would be doing so – after all, we're all guilty of taking advantage of other people's hard work! But when it comes to online business, white labelling has become somewhat controversial because some people believe that businesses should only use brands they've created themselves. And yet others argue that if you want to make money with your business, why not take advantage of what already exists out there instead of creating something new from scratch?
But even though the debate around white labelling continues, many companies do indeed choose to go down this route. There are several reasons why businesses might decide to outsource their branding efforts to a third party rather than designing everything from scratch. One reason is simply convenience - sometimes, all you need is a logo designed quickly and efficiently. Another is cost savings - the same goes for when you're working with a service provider who offers custom designs at low rates. Finally, there's also the fact that you may prefer to keep things simple. You know how much time and effort certain processes require, and you'd hate to waste them just because you haven't got a clue about graphic design.
So whether you're looking for a way to save time and resources or you simply prefer not to deal with complex tasks yourself, here are five popular ways in which you could white label your social media presence.
The first step towards successful white-labelling involves choosing the right tools. Of course, this isn't always straightforward, especially if you're trying to find one solution that will fit all your needs perfectly. In general terms, however, these options fall into three categories:
Tools to manage existing content (such as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube)
Tools to post content (like Snapchat, Periscope, TikTok)
Tools to track activity (including Google Analytics, HubSpot, Clicktale)
As well as being able to handle different types of posts, each of these services allows users to set up multiple accounts so that they can switch between them depending on where they want their audience to see their updates. This makes it easy to maintain separate profiles for personal and professional purposes without having to worry about duplicate content appearing across both platforms.
Another important consideration when deciding on which platform(s) to use is your budget. If you're a small business owner struggling to get ahead financially, you'll probably struggle to afford expensive packages that offer unlimited plans and unlimited storage space. So instead, look for apps that come with free trial periods, allowing you to test drive the service before committing to a full price package.
On top of that, remember that you shouldn't expect to get 100% value for money when buying any kind of digital marketing solution. After all, you can never buy a perfect system, and you certainly won't receive anything close to perfection when dealing with external entities. What you should aim for is a balance between quality and price.
That said, you do still stand a chance of getting great results if you invest in a reputable company. For example, Sendible was recently named among the top 10 email marketers worldwide. That means that its customers' inboxes regularly receive thousands of emails per day, helping them stay connected with their contacts through regular newsletters and campaigns. By contrast, lesser known brands may produce less targeted messages and fail to engage with their audiences properly.
In addition to email marketing, Sendible also specializes in data analysis and customer support services. Its clients include major corporations including Coca Cola, Unilever, and McDonald's. These companies rely heavily on Sendible's expertise when it comes to managing their contact lists, responding effectively to complaints, and improving their conversion rates.
Although it doesn't focus exclusively on social media, our list of white label social networks includes plenty of similar services that can help you build a strong reputation online. Take a closer look below to learn more about those available today.
When it comes to ad creation, most of us tend to think of advertising as synonymous with paid promotion. However, in reality, there are two main approaches to running ads on Facebook.
You can either pay to promote specific pages, or you can run sponsored stories. With the former approach, you're paying Facebook directly to display relevant advertisements within your fan page timeline. Sponsored Stories are essentially promoted posts that appear above non-promoted ones. They usually feature links, videos, photos, or polls, giving publishers a lot more freedom over how they present their content.
Both methods provide you with valuable insights about the effectiveness of your campaign. A good rule of thumb is to try to target your ads toward high engagement groups, such as fans of your favorite celebrities, influencers, or brands that sell items that appeal to your demographic.
Ultimately, your success depends largely on your ability to generate leads, and finding the right method of advertising will depend on your industry. Some industries, like retail, benefit greatly from brand awareness campaigns. Others, such as healthcare, thrive off direct sales. As long as you understand which type of strategy works best for your particular niche, you'll be able to optimize your performance accordingly.
It turns out that there's actually quite a few excellent choices when it comes to effective marketing software. We've looked at various options previously, but now let's take a deeper dive into the market leaders.
Hootsuite
We chose Hootsuite as one of the top software picks for 2017 due to its extensive features and ease of use. Thanks to its powerful automation capabilities, Hootsuite helps you schedule tweets, pin articles to Pinterest, send texts via WhatsApp, and much more. Plus, Hootsuite integrates seamlessly with Gmail and Outlook, making it easier than ever to manage multiple social channels from a single dashboard.
Sprout Social
With regards to paid social media management, Sprout Social is arguably the leading option in the marketplace. Not only does it boast hundreds of integrations, but it also supports advanced scheduling techniques for optimizing your workflow. Moreover, Sprout Social boasts the largest user base of any of the aforementioned brands, meaning that you'll likely find answers to any problems you encounter faster than elsewhere.
Loomly
Loomly stands out thanks to its unique emphasis on visual communication. Unlike most competitors, Loomly focuses primarily on video marketing. As such, it has become one of the biggest players in the field, boasting impressive stats like 50 million monthly active users and a 96 percent retention rate.
Sendible
Our final pick is Sendible, which is based in Germany. Although German-based brands aren't exactly common throughout Europe, Sendible nevertheless offers powerful features for anyone hoping to expand their reach online. Among other things, Sendible lets you integrate your website with Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter.
While none of these choices are perfect, we feel pretty confident that they represent the cream of the crop when it comes to social media management software. Each one provides a wide range of useful features, and they all seem to deliver on their promises.
One question we hear asked frequently is "what is the most widely used tool of social media?" When it comes to social networking sites, the answer is obvious: Facebook. According to Statista, Facebook remains the world leader in terms of total number of daily visitors.
However, this popularity hasn't translated into widespread usage. Despite being the second most visited site globally, roughly 80 percent of Facebook users visit the service once every month or less. Meanwhile, other big names like Twitter and Reddit enjoy far higher levels of engagement.
Of course, it's difficult to say definitively which site enjoys greater public attention, since it varies significantly from country to country. Nonetheless, we decided to highlight a couple of interesting statistics relating to Twitter usage.
According to eMarketer, Twitter made headlines earlier this year when it became clear that the US government had been spying on millions of Americans during Donald Trump's presidential campaign. Since then, the president has repeatedly attacked the social media giant, accusing it of censorship and bias against conservatives. While it's unclear how accurate his claims are, Trump's attacks undoubtedly contributed to Twitter's falling stock price.
Meanwhile, according to Pew Research Center, Twitter is currently experiencing rapid growth. Although it's true that the majority of Twitter users are located outside North America, the trend looks set to continue. Between January 2016 and May 2018 alone, global Twitter traffic grew by 25 percent.
Just follow our battle-tested guidelines and rake in the profits.