What Is An Effective Sponsored Social Post?

If you are active on social media, or read your favorite newspapers or magazines online—then you are sure to have stumbled across a "sponsored post", but you might not be sure what exactly these posts are. While each online platform has their own unique guidelines for sponsored or native advertising, the general concept is the same from one site to the next. Below some of the most common questions about sponsored advertising is uncovered.

What Is A Sponsored Post?

A sponsored or native post is either an article or media (such as a video) that is added to an online magazine, online newspaper, or that pops up in your social media news feed—as a part of an indirect internet marketing strategy. As mentioned above, guidelines vary—but the post is presented in a manner that does not compete with the surrounding content. This varies from standard ad space, where approval requirements are far more flexible. For example, most magazines and newspapers need to approve, or will even write, the sponsored article to ensure it matches their overall flow and vibe. When it comes to sponsored posts on social media, guidelines are often far more flexible—but must not violate terms and conditions.

How Can You Tell If A Post Is Sponsored?

Odds are, you have mistaken many native ads as general content. While most online platforms gladly provide a "sponsored post" notification underneath each native ad, not all do. Even if they do, the caption can be easy to miss. For example, when you are scrolling down your newsfeed on Facebook to see what your friends are up to today—it can be easy to mistake a native ad as an interesting story that one of your friends posted to their website—but if you look closely, you will see the small "sponsored post" indication.

What Value Is There To Sponsored Posts?

Sponsored posts are unique, because they are designed to encourage engagement. Unlike traditional print or online advertisements, they provide casual and/or meaningful information—and their product placement is far less direct. For example, a video featuring mischievous dogs or cats may get you laughing, but will somehow highlight a pet food brand. Or an article or slider on summer skincare may provide useful tips for SPF protection, but will suggest products for a specific brand. Unlike a more traditional ad that you are likely to skim past, or completely disregard—native posts are designed to capture your attention.

Sponsored posts can be an effective part of your internet marketing strategy. They are designed help you connect and engage, as well as to build brand awareness. There are many places you can post native ads, with SMO being the most cost effective.