Social media has completely transformed the way businesses connect with their audience. With billions of users actively engaging on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok, social media marketing has become an essential tool for brand growth. But social media marketing isn’t just about posting pictures or running ads, it includes a wide range of strategies designed to boost engagement, drive sales, and build lasting relationships with customers.
From influencer marketing and video content to chatbots(Zoho SalesIQ) and meme marketing, there are many ways to make an impact on social media. Each method serves a different purpose, helping businesses reach their target audience in creative and effective ways. Whether you’re a small startup or a global brand, understanding these strategies can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Top 20 Best Types of Social Media Marketing in Digital Marketing with Examples in 2025
Social media marketing is a powerful tool in the digital marketing landscape, offering various strategies to connect with audiences, build brand awareness, and drive engagement.
In this article, we’ll explore top 20 Best types of social media marketing in digital marketing and how you can use them to grow your brand. Let’s dive in!
1. Content Marketing
Content marketing is the practice of developing and distributing valuable content to capture the interest of your target audience and keep them engaged. This list contains blog posts, articles, whitepapers, videos, infographics, etc. The goal is to provide useful information that helps your audience while also building trust in your brand.
For example, a tech company might share blog posts about the latest industry trends or helpful guides on using their products. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are great places to share this content and reach more people. By consistently offering helpful content, you can position your brand as a reliable source of information.
2. Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing involves working with social media personalities who have a strong following to promote your brand. These influencers already have trust and credibility with their audience, so their recommendations feel more genuine.
For instance, a fitness brand might team up with a popular fitness influencer to showcase their products in workout videos. When followers see someone they trust using a product, they are more likely to check it out. This type of marketing is highly effective because it feels personal and relatable.
3. Social Media Advertising
Social media advertising is when businesses pay to promote their products on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. The best part? You can target your ads based on things like location, interests, and behaviors, making sure the right people see them.
For example, a local coffee shop could run a Facebook ad targeting people in their area who love coffee. This way, they reach potential customers who are already interested in what they offer. Paid ads are a great way to increase brand awareness and drive sales.
4. Video Marketing
Video marketing is all about using engaging videos to promote your brand. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels have made short and entertaining videos more popular than ever.
A business might create tutorials, behind-the-scenes clips, or customer testimonials to show off their products in action. Videos are great because they grab attention quickly and are easy to share, making them one of the most powerful tools in digital marketing today.
5. User-Generated Content (UGC)
User-generated content (UGC) is when customers create content about a brand, like reviews, photos, or videos. It works as social proof, showing that real people love the product or service.
For example, a clothing brand could encourage customers to share photos of themselves wearing their outfits using a special hashtag. The brand can then repost these pictures on its social media pages. UGC feels more authentic than traditional ads because it’s coming from actual customers.
6. Social Media Contests and Giveaways
Hosting contests and giveaways on social media can boost engagement and increase your follower base. Brands often ask people to like, share, comment, or tag friends for a chance to win a prize.
For example, a beauty brand might host a giveaway where participants have to follow their page and tag two friends to enter. This not only excites current followers but also brings in new ones. The best part? People love free stuff, so giveaways can spread like wildfire!
7. Social Commerce
Social commerce allows people to shop directly from social media platforms without leaving the app. Facebook and Instagram, for example, let businesses tag products in posts and stories, making shopping super easy.
A home décor brand might post a beautiful living room setup and tag each item so users can click and buy instantly. This removes extra steps from the buying process, making it easier for customers to make a purchase on the spot.
8. Live Streaming
Live streaming lets companies interact with their audience in real time. Platforms like Instagram Live, Facebook Live, and YouTube Live are perfect for product launches, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes content.
For example, a tech company might go live to unveil a new gadget, giving viewers a chance to ask questions and see the product in action. Live streaming feels personal and interactive, making it great for building trust with your audience.
9. Social Media Management
Social media management is all about keeping a brand’s social media presence active and engaging. This includes planning posts, replying to comments, and tracking engagement.
Many brands use tools like Hootsuite or Buffer to schedule posts in advance, ensuring their social media stays consistent. Good management keeps a brand visible, helps build relationships, and ensures customer questions are answered quickly.
10. Community Building
Community building is about creating spaces where your audience can connect with your brand and each other. This could be through Facebook Groups, LinkedIn Groups, or even brand-specific online forums.
For instance, a skincare brand might create a private Facebook group where customers can share skincare tips and product experiences. When people feel part of a community, they are more likely to stay loyal to the brand.
11. Social Listening
Social listening means paying attention to what people are saying about your brand online. By monitoring comments, reviews, and mentions, businesses can better understand their audience and respond quickly to feedback.
For example, a restaurant might notice a trend of customers complaining about slow service. By addressing the issue publicly and improving their service, they can turn a negative into a positive. This helps maintain a good brand reputation and keeps customers happy.
12. Hashtag Campaigns
A hashtag campaign encourages users to engage with a brand by using a specific hashtag. This strategy helps create brand awareness, increase user-generated content, and track campaign success.
For example, a clothing brand may launch a #StyleYourWay campaign, asking customers to post photos of themselves wearing their products. The brand can then feature the best posts on its social media accounts. Hashtag campaigns work particularly well on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
A good hashtag should be easy to remember, relevant to the brand, and unique. Many viral trends have started through creative hashtag campaigns, making them a powerful tool in digital marketing.
13. Ephemeral Content Marketing
Ephemeral content refers to temporary posts, such as Instagram Stories, Facebook Stories, or Snapchat Snaps, which disappear after 24 hours. This type of content creates urgency, making followers more likely to engage with it before it disappears.
Brands use ephemeral content to share behind-the-scenes footage, limited-time offers, event highlights, or product teasers. Because these posts are short-lived, they feel more personal and exclusive, which can encourage audience interaction.
To make the most of ephemeral content, brands often use polls, countdowns, stickers, and interactive elements that prompt followers to respond quickly.
14. Employee Advocacy
Employee advocacy involves encouraging employees to promote the brand on their personal social media accounts. Employees can share company updates, behind-the-scenes content, or their experiences working at the company.
For example, a tech company might ask its engineers to share insights about the latest project they’re working on. This humanizes the brand and builds trust with audiences.
When employees promote their company, it often feels more authentic than direct advertisements. To encourage advocacy, companies can provide training, offer incentives, or create pre-written content for employees to share.
15. Podcast Marketing on Social Media
Podcasts have become a major digital marketing tool, and promoting them on social media can expand their reach. Brands use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share podcast clips, guest interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
For instance, a marketing agency might create a podcast discussing industry trends and invite experts to share insights. They can then post short clips of the podcast on social media to attract listeners.
Video-based platforms like YouTube and TikTok also allow for repurposing podcast content into engaging visual snippets, increasing audience engagement.
16. Social Media Chatbots
Chatbots on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger and Instagram DM help brands automate customer service and engage with users 24/7. These AI-driven assistants can answer FAQs, recommend products, and even process orders.
For example, a travel company might use a chatbot to help customers find flights, hotels, and tour packages based on their preferences. This provides instant support and improves the customer experience.
Integrating chatbots into social media marketing saves time, enhances customer satisfaction, and allows businesses to scale their communication efforts.
17. Social Media SEO
Social Media SEO involves optimizing social media profiles and content for better visibility on search engines and within the platforms themselves. This includes using relevant keywords, hashtags, and high-quality visuals to improve discoverability.
For example, a bakery posting pictures of cakes on Instagram should use hashtags like #WeddingCakes #ChocolateLovers to attract relevant audiences. Additionally, having a well-optimized bio, clear contact information, and a link to their website can help with conversions.
Engaging content, consistent posting, and interaction with followers also contribute to better rankings on social media search results.
18. Meme Marketing
Meme marketing involves using humorous, relatable images and captions to connect with audiences. This strategy works well because memes are highly shareable and appeal to emotions.
Brands like Netflix, Wendy’s, and Twitter have mastered meme marketing by creating funny and trendy content that resonates with younger audiences. For example, a coffee brand might create a meme about needing caffeine to survive Monday mornings.
The key to successful meme marketing is staying updated on trends and ensuring the humor aligns with the brand’s voice. A well-crafted meme can go viral, significantly boosting brand awareness.
19. Augmented Reality (AR) Marketing
AR marketing uses interactive digital experiences to engage users on social media. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat offer AR filters that brands can use to create immersive marketing experiences.
For instance, a makeup brand might develop an AR filter that allows users to try on different shades of lipstick virtually. This helps potential customers visualize products before making a purchase.
AR experiences make social media marketing more interactive, helping brands stand out in a crowded digital space.
20. Crisis Management and Reputation Management
In the digital age, social media plays a crucial role in managing a brand’s reputation. Companies must monitor mentions, respond to customer concerns, and address negative feedback professionally.
For example, if a brand receives negative reviews about a delayed product shipment, responding quickly and offering a solution can prevent the situation from escalating. Apologizing, explaining the issue, and providing compensation (like discounts) can help rebuild customer trust.
A well-planned crisis management strategy includes setting up alerts for brand mentions, having a dedicated response team, and maintaining a positive brand image through transparency and engagement.
Quick recap, what are the different types of Social Media Marketing in Digital Marketing
Below are the top 20 different types of social media marketing in digital marketing you can use to grow your audience.
- Content Marketing
- Influencer Marketing
- Social Media Advertising
- Video Marketing
- User-Generated Content (UGC)
- Social Media Contests and Giveaways
- Social Commerce
- Live Streaming
- Social Media Management
- Community Building
- Social Listening
- Hashtag Campaigns
- Ephemeral Content Marketing
- Employee Advocacy
- Podcast Marketing on Social Media
- Social Media Chatbots
- Social Media SEO
- Meme Marketing
- Augmented Reality (AR) Marketing
- Crisis Management and Reputation Management
Final Thoughts
Social media marketing is a dynamic and evolving field with multiple strategies that brands can use to engage with their audience. From content marketing and influencer collaborations to meme marketing and crisis management, each type serves a unique purpose in strengthening brand presence.
By choosing the right mix of these strategies, businesses can maximize their impact on social media, increase engagement, and drive meaningful results. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, leveraging social media effectively can transform your digital marketing efforts.
Which of these strategies do you think would work best for your brand?
Sangeet Shiv is a B2B Marketing and Sales Operations professional with hands-on experience across strategy, execution, and marketing automation. He’s passionate about using AI and emerging tech to drive smarter marketing and scalable growth.