November 2023 Volume 5

OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

Source: FIA Hootsuite Analtyics (October 12, 2023)

As shown above, our social media analytics have improved since implementing Hootsuite and social media campaigns that our followers enjoy. The engagement and impression spike at end of May 2023 in the above figures was due to our social media activity during our bi-annual trade show, Forge Fair. Posting Forge Fair content during and after the event made for exciting social media posts for our members and followers to interact with. This type of data emphasizes the home that social media has within the manufacturing industry, especially when it comes to B2B activities and sales. Social media, being a free and diverse platform, creates the perfect opportunity for businesses to increase their brand awareness and online presence. While some traditional marketing and sales tactics will never fade, the use of social media within a manufacturing company’s strategy is becoming increasingly important. In this digital age, customers seeking products and services will take to social media as one of the first steps in their buying process. Having a strong social media presence and using each platform in ways that work best for your content will increase your chances of being a top candidate in a customer’s buying process. If social media is a completely new concept to you, remember that programs such as Hootsuite exist to help you get started and manage all of your accounts in one space. Don’t fall behind, initiate your company’s social media marketing efforts today! And follow and connect with FIA and FIERF on our social media profiles to enhance the visibility and awareness of your organization and the forging industry. Follow FIA: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forging industry-association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForgingIndustry X: https://twitter.com/ForgingIndustry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgingindustry/

Follow FIERF: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forging industry-educational-and-research-foundation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgingfoundation Niamh Field Social Media & Marketing Intern Forging Industry Association Phone: 216-781-6260 Email: Niamh@forging.org

References: Alfred, L. (2023, August 16). 50 Social Selling Statistics You Need to Know in 2023. blog.hubspot.com. https://blog.hubspot.com/sales/social selling-stats WebFX. (2023, March 15). 70+ important industrial marketing Statistics for 2023. webfx.com. https://www.webfx.com/industries/industrial/industrial-companies/ marketing-statistics/#:~:text=82%25%20of%20industrial%20 manufacturers%20are,%25)%20and%20LinkedIn%20(62%25

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2023 46