Insights

Facebook for Brands: Keep It or Leave It?

Facebook for Brands: Keep It or Leave It?

Introduction

Social media platforms are very different today than they were ten years ago, and brands are feeling the change. While Instagram and TikTok have been on the rise in recent years and continue to gain momentum along with new platforms like XiaoHongShu and Threads, many brands are now asking themselves: should we still be using Facebook for our marketing?

 

Facebook Today: What’s the Scene?

Although new platforms are all the rage, Facebook is not going away, at least not yet. In Malaysia, Facebook still connects around 23 million users as of 2024. But while Facebook is holding its ground, its competitors are quickly gaining traction, especially among younger users who crave visual and engaging experiences. Gen Z in particular is showing more interest in TikTok and Instagram, leaving Facebook mainly to the older generation.

 

Why is Facebook a “Drop” Now?

Are you still using Facebook?

1. Not “Cool” Anymore

There was a time when Facebook was the place to be, when people eagerly shared their daily lives, posted photo albums and connected with pretty much everyone they knew. But things have changed. Today, sharing status updates on Facebook is no longer considered “cool”. The platform that once felt so personal now feels crowded and distant. For younger users, Facebook has become the platform of their parents, even their grandparents, making it feel outdated and out of sync with the fast-paced, ever-evolving digital world they crave.

2. Losing Interest

Imagine scrolling for just ten seconds and then an ad pops up and interrupts you, isn't that frustrating? Yes, brands are using Facebook for ads, but it's now flooded with them. At the same time, the quality of content is decreasing and the number of disruptive posts is increasing. Facebook is no longer the place where users find the content they want — it’s not funny enough, not entertaining enough and not “giving” enough. Instead, it feels like a waste of time.

3. The Rise of Other Social Media Platforms

It’s not like the old days when Facebook was the only place to kill time or catch up on updates. Today, TikTok and Instagram are more popular, especially with a younger audience. While Facebook also offers short videos, live shopping and stories filters or effects, TikTok and Instagram have captured more attention with these features, offering experiences that are truly engaging and entertaining, so people are shifting their focus away from Facebook. But the competition is not over yet. Newcomers like Threads, XiaoHongShu and Lemon8 are still emerging, but are quickly gaining ground and could pose a serious threat to Facebook’s user base.

 

Is Facebook Still a “Yes” for Brands?

Is Facebook Still a “Yes” for Brands?

1. Large User Base

Facebook's large user base is one of its biggest strengths. This is the only reason why Facebook can truly be a global meeting place for businesses to connect with such a broad, diverse community. Facebook offers a wide reach, ranging from young professionals to parents to seniors,  just everyone in this diverse crowd. This diversity not only gives brands the flexibility to tailor their messages to different audiences, but also provides limitless opportunities for growth and expansion into new markets.

2. Facebookers have more “CASH”

When it comes to purchasing power, Facebook users have the upper hand. While the younger audience may prefer other platforms, the real “CASH" comes from Facebook’s core target group aged 25-44. This group is often professionally established and financially stable, so they are more willing to spend money on products and services. For brands, Facebook offers direct access to these valuable customers who are willing to invest.

3. Cross-Platform Advertising

1+1=3: When you combine your efforts, you get better results, and this principle is the key to Facebook advertising. Not only can you mirror your content on Facebook and Instagram, but you can also run ads on both platforms and reach a wider audience. This cross-platform advertising strategy is not only more effective but also more cost-efficient, making it an ideal solution for small businesses looking to maximise their ROI and increase their online presence.

4. SEO Benefits

Linking your Facebook page to your website is an effective way to increase traffic and improve your search engine rankings. Facebook itself works much like a search engine, with 53% of users research brands and products directly on the platform. By using the right keywords on Facebook pages, brands can improve their local SEO and increase organic visibility. Increased visibility is just the beginning; Facebook also encourages content sharing, which boosts SEO signals and helps brands gain more online visibility.

 

Maximise your Facebook Strategy with Adqlo

Maximise your Facebook Strategy with Adqlo

When data and AI come together, Adqlo takes your brand to the next level. With Adqlo’s cutting-edge analytics capabilities, you can redefine your Facebook marketing strategy by accurately understanding user behaviour and ensuring your strategy stays current and relevant. Imagine having instant access to your competitors’ top performing posts and most engaging content — all at the click of a button. This invaluable insight allows you to adapt and stay ahead in this competitive market.

Adqlo’s powerful tools also improve your ad performance by targeting the exact audience segments that matter most to you, effortlessly delivering your message to the right audience. Our data-driven approach to spending trends ensures your budget is optimised for maximum impact to boost your ROI and deliver tangible results for your business. Whether you’re refining your strategy or seeking a higher return on investment, Adqlo gives you the competitive edge your brand needs to dominate on Facebook.

 

So, Keep or Leave?

It all depends on what your brand needs and who you want to reach. Facebook can still be an effective platform for brand exposure, but to be successful, you need to be adaptable and keep up with ever-changing digital trends. If you remain flexible and adjust your strategy as needed, Facebook can remain an important part of your marketing platform. But don't be afraid to switch to other platforms if they better appeal to your audience. Ultimately, the brands that find the right balance between making the most of Facebook’s potential and tapping into new opportunities in the digital world are the ones that succeed.

 

More About Us

At Webqlo, we offer a comprehensive range of digital marketing services, from content creation to performance marketing, all powered by AI-driven analytics to maximise your brand’s visibility and engagement. Adqlo specialises in data-driven insights and advanced analytics, helping brands optimise their social media strategies and achieve measurable results.

Are you ready to improve your brand’s digital presence with us? We are here to help you achieve remarkable results. Whether you need comprehensive digital marketing services or advanced analytics to optimise your social media strategies, our solutions are tailored to your unique needs. Work with us to boost your engagement, increase your visibility, connect with your audience and achieve a high ROI. Get in touch with us today and let’s create something extraordinary together! Visit us on Facebook or Instagram (@WEBQLO) or contact us at www.webqlo.com.

Credits
Junior Art Director: Chan Keat Yee
Digital Content Strategist: Cham Soon Kit