Boost or Build? Choosing Between Organic and Paid Social Media
Boost or Build? Choosing Between Organic and Paid Social MediaIf you run a brand on social, you have likely asked this already: should we put budget into ads, or keep building the slow and steady way? Social gives you two paths. One is organic, the everyday posts that show people who you are. The other is paid, where you invest to reach the right people quickly. Both work, but they work differently.The Organic RouteWhat is organic social media?Organic social media is everything you share without paying to promote it. Your posts, stories, behind the scenes clips, replies to comments. People see it because they follow you, or because someone shared it. It is slower, but it feels genuine. When people engage, they do it by choice.Benefits of organic social mediaTrust builds over time. You get real conversations, not just impressions. It is kinder on the budget. Most of all, it creates loyalty that advertising alone cannot buy.Challenges of organic social mediaGrowth takes patience. Algorithms limit reach. Scaling beyond your core fans is hard without support from paid activity.The Paid RouteWhat is paid social media?Paid social is when you put money behind your content. Think Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn ads. You choose who sees your message by location, interests, and behaviour, and you see results faster than waiting for organic reach.Advantages of paid social mediaTargeting is precise. Results can land quickly if you need leads or sales this week. It scales with your budget. It is also ideal for testing different messages and creatives without waiting months for data.Do you need one, or both?The short answer is both. Organic gives you credibility and a voice people trust. Paid gives that voice reach. One without the other is either a great story told to a tiny room, or a loud speaker with nothing worth saying. Start by getting organic right, then use paid to amplify what already works and to reach new audiences with intent.In short?Organic builds relationships. Paid boosts visibility. One is long term, the other is immediate. Together, they are stronger than either one on its own. The question is not boost or build, but how to blend both for the outcome your brand needs.
Rubal Saluja |
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Turn Talk into Trust: How to Turn Customer Feedback into Inspiring Brand Growth
The Answers You're Looking For Might Already Be in Your DMs Every marketer has been there. You put in all the effort—build a product, create campaigns, try new features—and still wonder, “What more can I do?” But what if the next big move for your brand doesn’t come from your strategy deck… but from a customer comment you missed? That casual Instagram reply, the email with a tiny suggestion, or that slightly salty Google review—they’re not just feedback. They’re free insights. When you start treating them like building blocks instead of backseat criticism, that’s when your brand really starts to grow. Why Listening Works Better Than Guessing Too many brands talk at their audience, but forget to talk with them. If your buyers are telling you what they like, what confuses them, or even what annoys them—it’s a gift. Yes, even the cranky ones. Every piece of feedback is a mini-focus group. Here’s what a solid customer feedback strategy helps you do: Make your product genuinely better Understand what people want (not what you think they want) Write clearer, more relatable content Turn passive users into active advocates Indian Brands That Didn't Just Hear, They Acted Let’s take a look at some homegrown success stories: Amul Families wanted something snack-sized. Amul delivered with single-serve portions of cheese and butter that became lunchbox staples. Zomato Late deliveries, confusing app design, customer complaints? They took notes—and now we get live tracking, smart UI, and timely updates. Sugar Cosmetics Ever noticed how they launch shades their audience asks for? That’s not marketing magic. That’s feedback in action. Mamaearth From packaging to formulas, they constantly tweak products based on what customers say online. Their community basically co-creates with them. Zerodha Their user forum isn’t just for bugs. It’s a space where users suggest features, and the company often implements them. Simple. Transparent. Powerful. Turning Feedback Into Action (Without Getting Lost In It) Step 1: Ask Better Questions Don’t wait for a rant. Invite opinions. Try: A post-purchase WhatsApp ping: “How was your order?” A short poll in your next newsletter A story on Instagram asking what your followers want more of Step 2: Sort Through the Noise Not every comment is helpful. But if you see a pattern, don’t ignore it. Keep a spreadsheet (or just use Notion) Group similar issues or suggestions Highlight ideas that surprise you—those are often gold Step 3: Let People Know You’re Listening Whether it’s a fix or an update, share the story behind the change. “Thanks to your feedback, we’ve added cash-on-delivery again.” It’s a simple message—but it shows customers they matter. Step 4: Use Feedback to Shape Content If people keep asking the same question, write a post about it. If they’re praising something, highlight it in your next ad. Make them part of your storytelling. A Real Example: One Change, Big Impact You run a small fashion brand online. Customers love your style—but complain about unclear sizing. You redesign your size chart. Add a video guide to Instagram. Send an email with the update. Not only do returns drop, but people actually thank you. That’s turning feedback into brand loyalty. The Emotional Side of Feedback It’s not just about the practical stuff. Feedback can tell you how people feel—about your brand, your message, and the way you show up. Who knew one simple feedback could spark a whole campaign? See how Apollo Spectra’s “Piles to Smile” came to life — and what it means for patients. Tap to know more! Everyone Just Wants to Be Heard We all want to feel like our opinions count. Your customers are no different. Sometimes, all it takes is a small tweak. Other times, feedback can inspire an entirely new product line or campaign. But every time you respond, you earn trust. Because great brands aren’t built in isolation. They’re built in conversation.
Rubal Saluja |
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