Should I Buy Facebook Followers? Lessons From A Digital Marketing Consultant
In today’s digital age, social media presence is paramount for businesses striving to reach their target audience. Marketing on Facebook is essential for any business, as this platform stands out as a powerhouse, boasting billions of users worldwide and 90 million small businesses on the platform. For businesses, growing a substantial following on Facebook can translate to increased brand visibility, engagement, and ultimately- sale conversions.
The temptation to take shortcuts, such as buying followers, can be enticing, especially if you’re a startup or a small business looking to establish credibility in the competitive space. However, this is not the optimal route to take. You will be undermining brand integrity and the long-term success of your business. It’s important to remember that you can’t cheat the system.
How Do Fake Followers Hurt A Business?
In today’s competitive landscape, businesses often crave rapid social media growth, leading some to resort to buying fake followers as a quick fix. Consider a real estate agency that opted for this shortcut, only to discover that the purchased followers didn’t translate into actual leads or client trust. Meanwhile, competitors who invested in creating valuable content, actively engaging with potential clients, and showcasing successful transactions earned authentic trust and expertise, paving the way for organic growth and a loyal client base. Rapid social media growth does not equate to sales conversions and long-term success. Instead, by purchasing fake followers, you are left with no social proof and a damaged reputation.
No Social Proof
While this tactic of buying Facebook followers may initially inflate follower numbers, it
ultimately falls short of fostering genuine engagement and trust. A fake follower is much easier to spot by your audience than you may realise. A fake follower will not genuinely engage with your brand. As a result, the follower is virtually useless as you cannot create a connection with a bot or an inactive account, nor can they drive conversions. An authentic follower, on the other hand, will actively engage with your content, share posts and support your brand, providing far more value.
Damaged Reputation
The most significant risk associated with buying Facebook followers is the potential for reputational damage- this is something that will not be easily overcome. In an era where transparency and authenticity reign supreme, consumers are adept at detecting inauthenticity. They have long been familiar with influencers and brands trying to pull a fast one. Discovering that a brand artificially inflated its follower count will instantly obliterate trust and credibility, leading to negative perceptions and a tarnished reputation.
Lessons Learned
1. Patience is Key: Building a genuine and engaging follower base takes time and consistent effort. The goal is to establish trust between your business and your audience. Creating an authentic connection with your audience enables them to feel personally acquainted with your business, ultimately strengthening loyalty and brand advocacy.
2. Focus on Engagement: While many get swept away with the idealised number, it is
engagement that should be analysed and prioritised. Follower engagement indicates that you have successfully built a relationship with your target audience. When you are producing posts of quality, your audience will naturally feel compelled to follow your page. Now, you have a follower who is genuinely interested in what you have to offer.
3. Authenticity Matters: In an age of heightened scepticism- authenticity is non-negotiable. Once someone catches a whiff of deception, regaining their trust is an uphill battle. Transparency with your audience is paramount. To protect your reputation and be a business people want to engage with, adopt authenticity as a business ethos.
4. Invest in Sustainable Growth: Investing in digital marketing strategies, rather than choosing shortcuts, will propel your business towards sustainable growth and long-term success. Strategies include quality content, targeting advertising, and strategic partnerships, to name a few.
While the allure of buying Facebook followers may seem enticing, the risks far outweigh the potential benefits. Attracting genuine followers is the key to building social media marketing success. With fake followers, the facade will quickly crumble under closer inspection. So, avoid taking the shortcut even though it may take time- opt to grow your followers organically. It will pay off in the long-term success of your business as your social media presence can stand the test of time.
If you need help with your Facebook and social media marketing strategies, reserve your 30- minute free consultation with The Digital Age.