Social Media as Distribution Channels For B2B

The new 2024 B2B Content Marketing Report is out and it provides some great insights into what social media channels are the best for distributing B2B marketing content. In the rapidly evolving digital marketplace, mastering the art of B2B content distribution is more crucial than ever. And the data shows that successful content marketing distribution begins with knowing your audience (79%). This makes sense, considering that “creating the right content for our audience” is the top challenge. The logic? Top-performing content marketers prioritize knowing their audiences to create the right content for those audiences. In this post we will take a look at the best organic and paid channels as well as the most effective channel for social media B2B content distribution.

Most popular content distribution channels

Regarding the channels used to distribute content, 90% use social media platforms (organic), followed by blogs (79%), email newsletters (73%), email (66%), in-person events (56%), and webinars (56%).

Most effective content distribution channels

Which channels perform the best? Most marketers in the survey point to in-person events (56%) and webinars (51%) as producing better results. Email (44%), organic social media platforms (44%), blogs (40%) and email newsletters (39%) round out the list.

Most effective paid channels

SEM/pay-per-click produces good results, according to 62% of those surveyed. Half of those who use paid channels say social media advertising/promoted posts produce good results, followed by sponsorships (49%), partner emails (36%), and digital display advertising (34%).

The top B2B distribution channel

When asked which organic social media platforms deliver the best value for their organization, B2B marketers picked LinkedIn by far (84%). Only 29% cite Facebook as a top performer, 22% say YouTube, and 21% say Instagram. Twitter and TikTok see 8% and 3%, respectively.

So it makes sense that 72% say they increased their use of LinkedIn over the last 12 months, while only 32% boosted their YouTube presence, 31% increased Instagram use, 22% grew their Facebook presence, and 10% increased X and TikTok use.

Which platforms are marketers giving up? Did you guess X? You’re right – 32% of marketers say they decreased their X use last year. Twenty percent decreased their use of Facebook, with 10% decreasing on Instagram, 9% pulling back on YouTube, and only 2% decreasing their use of LinkedIn.

It is clear that ROI is a huge focus of marketing departments in 2024. Which is why we have seen more emphasis put on LinkedIn (72% increased their use in 2023) versus other more B2B channels like Instagram (31%), Facebook (225) and X (10%).

FAQs about distributing B2B content on social media

How do B2B marketers measure the effectiveness of each social media channel for content distribution?

Measuring the effectiveness of each social media channel for content distribution in B2B marketing involves a multifaceted approach. Marketers typically use a combination of metrics such as engagement rates, website traffic referrals, lead generation numbers, and conversion rates. Advanced analytics tools and social media platforms’ own analytics features can provide insights into how content performs, allowing marketers to see not just how many people engaged with the content, but also how those engagements translated into actionable business outcomes. This data-driven approach helps marketers to refine their strategies, allocate resources more efficiently, and demonstrate the ROI of their social media efforts.

What specific strategies do successful B2B marketers use to engage their audience on LinkedIn?

Successful B2B marketers use a variety of strategies to engage their audience on LinkedIn, given its professional focus and B2B-friendly environment. These strategies often include sharing insightful content that adds value to their industry, participating in relevant LinkedIn groups to foster community and discussion, and leveraging LinkedIn’s advanced targeting capabilities for ads and sponsored content. Personalizing content to address the specific challenges and needs of their target audience is also crucial, as is engaging directly with comments and messages to build relationships and demonstrate thought leadership.

Are there any emerging social media platforms that B2B marketers should watch, given the rapid changes in social media trends?

Regarding emerging social media platforms, B2B marketers are always on the lookout for new channels that can help them reach their target audiences effectively. While platforms like TikTok and Clubhouse have gained traction in the B2C space, their potential for B2B marketing is still being explored. Marketers should keep an eye on these and other emerging platforms as they evolve, considering factors such as the platform’s user demographics, content formats, and engagement styles. Experimenting with new platforms can uncover untapped opportunities to connect with audiences in innovative ways, but such efforts should be balanced with the need to invest in proven channels that consistently deliver results.

If you need help developing content or distributing content via social media, contact Braveheart Digital Marketing. We’re a social media agency in Manchester NH that can help you reach your target audience and achieve your marketing goals. Contact us today to learn more!