BACK
Essential Social Media Terms
Taylor Tunnison • September 9, 2021

Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram have revolutionized the way we communicate. They allow diverse audiences to connect with others, share their opinions, and participate in trending global conversations. Businesses large and small also benefit from social media, especially when establishing and promoting their respective brands. As with any new technology, these platforms come with their own unique jargon which may confuse those unfamiliar with the field. Whether you’re a novice marketer or seasoned business owner, understanding important social media terms is essential to leveraging these innovative tools successfully. The following are some of the most crucial analytics and definitions we use to inform our social media decisions.

Impressions

When content is published via social media channels, some users will see it and others won’t. There’s simply no way around this fact given the sheer magnitude of major platforms. With this in mind, we come to impressions, which refers to the number of times content is displayed in users’ feeds, regardless of clicks, comments, or reactions. Impressions don’t guarantee reach, engagement, or clickthrough rates. In fact, users may not even see the content in question when scrolling past, and the same individual can be counted multiple times on the same post. While this metric is useful to acknowledge, it doesn’t really carry much weight, especially when compared to reach, engagement, and clickthrough rate.

Reach

Content published on various social media platforms will generally be displayed to large numbers of people. Unique individuals who actually see and notice it are indicated by a post’s reach. Reach is often confused with impressions, especially to laypeople, but it’s truly a much more useful piece of data. While they both measure how often content is potentially seen, reach helps marketers recognize just how impactful their posts’ subject matter is within a certain timeframe. For instance, a photo may garner hundreds of impressions, but if audiences don’t care to view it, read the caption, or engage with it in any way, it’s lack of reach will meaningfully reflect this indifference. Improve your content’s reach by posting regularly at the right times of day, and be sure to include appropriate hashtags.

Engagement

One of the most significant social media metrics is known as engagement. This describes the number of times users are inspired to give feedback, whether in the form of a like, share, comment, or reaction. Because engagement directly measures user participation, social media managers can use it to gauge precisely how effective their messaging is. Higher engagement rates signal quality, compelling content which stands out from the overwhelming quantity of boring background nonsense. Engagement is ultimately influenced by reach and impressions, though neither absolutely guarantees action. Boost user engagement by asking questions, offering giveaways, and appealing to audiences’ opinions and emotions.

Clickthrough Rate

For many businesses, the main goal of social media is driving website traffic. Clickthrough rate (CTR) measures exactly what the name implies: the number of times consumers leave the channel via an external link. This is critical because it allows organizations to track return based on time and resources invested in each individual platform. Marketing teams can then determine where their efforts are best spent, and adjust their campaigns accordingly. Reach and engagement heavily factor into CTR, as the more popular and relatable the content, the more likely it is to influence users to desire additional substance. Increase CTR by delivering invaluable information, enticing audiences to download free resources, or offering exclusive rewards on your website.



The digital marketing landscape presents organizations with countless challenges and opportunities. Those who don’t take advantage of the powerful tools at their disposal risk falling behind their competition. Technical terms like impressions, reach, and engagement may mean many things to different people and across different platforms, but a basic understanding is essential to making the most of your social media efforts. If you have any questions about such terminology, or are looking for help with your own social media marketing, we’d love to get in touch or schedule a meeting to fit your schedule.

Are You Interested In More?

SCHEDULE A MEETING

Share This Post With Your Friends

Latest Posts

June 30, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, your brand reputation isn’t just important, it’s everything. Potential customers trust online reviews and public perception just as much as personal recommendations. That’s why customer reputation management has become one of the most powerful tools for business growth, and at True North Technologies, we’re here to help you take control of it. Whether you’re a local service provider or an online retailer, your success depends on what people are saying about you. Here’s how reputation management can fuel your growth, and how True North Technologies can guide you along the way. Why Customer Reputation Management Matters Before making a purchase, booking a service, or even visiting a website, most customers do one thing first: they Google you. They check your reviews, look for testimonials, and read social media comments. A few negative reviews, or a lack of recent positive ones, can be enough to send them to your competitors. According to research , 87% of customers won’t consider a business with low ratings. Managing your online reputation isn’t just about looking good, it’s about building trust, increasing visibility, and driving conversions. What Is Customer Reputation Management? Customer reputation management is the strategic process of monitoring, influencing, and improving how your brand is perceived online. It involves: Responding to customer reviews (both positive and negative) Encouraging happy customers to leave reviews Monitoring social mentions and brand chatter Ensuring consistency across review platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp Promoting testimonials on your website and social media Addressing and resolving customer concerns quickly and professionally At True North Technologies, we offer custom reputation management solutions that are proactive, efficient, and aligned with your brand. The Growth Benefits of Reputation Management 1. Boosts Trust and Credibility A strong online reputation builds consumer confidence. When potential customers see dozens of positive reviews and timely, professional responses to feedback, they’re more likely to trust your business and ultimately choose you. 2. Improves Local SEO Rankings Search engines like Google factor in reviews when ranking local businesses. Businesses with consistent, high-quality reviews and up-to-date profiles are more likely to appear in the Local Pack (those top results with maps and star ratings). This increases your visibility and brings more traffic to your site. Want to know more about how SEO plays a role in your digital growth? Check out our blog on Why Your Business Needs a Strong SEO Strategy in 2025 . 3. Drives More Conversions Reviews act as social proof. When visitors see others had a great experience with your business, they feel more confident converting, whether that means calling for a quote, placing an order, or booking a service. 4. Gives You a Competitive Edge Many businesses still overlook reputation management or don’t have a solid strategy in place. By being proactive, you can stand out in your industry, win more trust, and grow faster than competitors who neglect this key area. Final Thoughts: Reputation = Revenue In today’s competitive market, your online reputation is often your first impression, and sometimes your only one. By taking control of your digital presence and making customer feedback part of your growth strategy, you can turn your reputation into one of your most valuable marketing tools. At True North Technologies, we help businesses build, protect, and promote reputations that drive real results. From strategy to implementation, we’re your partner in long-term growth. Want to grow your business through better reviews and stronger customer trust? Let’s talk about your reputation strategy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
June 24, 2025
At True North Technologies, we know that marketing is about more than just grabbing attention, it’s about creating clarity, trust, and connection. That’s why we go beyond surface-level design and tap into something deeper: visual psychology. One of the most influential concepts in visual psychology is the Gestalt Principles . These principles explain how humans naturally perceive and organize visual information. While they originated in early 20th-century psychology, they’re still incredibly relevant today, especially in video advertising and customer reputation management, two key services we offer . Here’s how understanding how people see helps us create marketing that people remember. Gestalt in Action: Smarter, More Effective Video Advertising Videos are one of the most powerful tools in modern marketing, but only when they’re done right. It’s not enough to have flashy visuals or catchy music. If the message isn’t clear and cohesive, viewers won’t stay engaged, or worse, they won’t remember what your brand was even about. This is where Gestalt principles come in. 1. Continuity: Guiding the Viewer’s Journey In video editing, smooth transitions and visual direction are key. Gestalt’s continuity principle states that the eye naturally follows lines and patterns. We apply this by carefully arranging motion, graphics, and scene transitions to guide the viewer’s focus and ensure that every second feels purposeful. Whether it's the way a product enters the frame or how text moves on screen, we craft flow with intention, so the viewer isn’t confused, distracted, or overwhelmed. 2. Figure/Ground: Making the Message Pop When something important appears in a video, the viewer needs to instantly recognize it. The figure/ground principle helps us do that by separating key elements (like a logo, tagline, or testimonial) from the background with contrast, motion, or placement. This ensures the most critical parts of your message don’t just blend into the noise, they stand out, get noticed, and stick in the viewer’s mind. 3. Similarity & Repetition: Reinforcing Brand Identity Incorporating repeating elements like your brand colors, logo animations, fonts, or even a signature visual style, activates the similarity principle. This makes your video feel unified and strengthens brand recall. It’s a subtle but powerful way to build recognition every time someone watches your ad. Customer Reputation Management: The Psychology of Perception Just like design and video, customer reputation management is about shaping how your audience perceives you, and Gestalt principles play a role here, too. 1. Proximity: Grouping Positive Signals Online, users quickly scan for patterns. When they see a collection of positive reviews grouped together on your website or Google profile, the proximity principle kicks in: they naturally associate these reviews with overall credibility. At True North, we design review displays and testimonial sections that use proximity and layout strategy to emphasize trust at a glance. 2. Closure: Filling the Gaps with Emotion When customers read a few strong, well-written reviews, their brains often “fill in the gaps” using the closure principle. This means they don’t need to read every single review to form a positive opinion; they get a feel for your business from just a few. That’s why we help businesses highlight a curated, consistent set of feedback that reflects their values and service quality. 3. Similarity: Creating Consistency Across Platforms Whether someone reads about your business on Google, Facebook, or your website, the tone and visuals should feel familiar. Using the similarity principle, we ensure your branding, messaging, and even review response style remain cohesive across all platforms. This builds trust and reassures potential customers that your business is legitimate and professional. Why It Works: Designing for Human Behavior At the heart of it all, Gestalt principles are about understanding how people think and see. Whether it's a 15-second video ad or a stream of five-star reviews, we use these principles to design content that feels intuitive, polished, and trustworthy. True North Technologies doesn’t just create marketing materials, but we create experiences that connect. By blending psychology with design, we help your brand make a lasting impression in a crowded digital world. Ready to transform how people see your business? Let’s harness the power of visual psychology to elevate your marketing—from video to reputation and beyond. Contact us today to get started.
May 19, 2025
Trends, Tools & Tactics for a Winning Strategy In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential—especially when it comes to social media. In 2025, platforms are smarter, audiences are more selective, and content must be more strategic than ever. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, here’s how to master social media marketing in 2025 and stay competitive. 1. Embrace Short-Form Video as a Core Strategy Short-form video continues to dominate across platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It’s not just trendy—it’s effective. Brands using video content in their social media strategy are seeing better reach, higher engagement, and stronger brand recall. Pro Tip: Keep videos authentic, mobile-optimized, and aligned with your brand voice. 2. Use AI and Automation Without Losing the Human Touch AI tools are reshaping content marketing—from auto-generating captions to predicting the best times to post. But in 2025, success depends on blending automation with genuine storytelling. AI-driven tools can now analyze user behavior to recommend the best posting times, tailor content to specific audience segments, and even generate video scripts or image suggestions. These tools reduce manual workload and increase the speed of campaign execution—allowing teams to stay agile in a fast-moving landscape. But with all this innovation, there's a caveat: authenticity matters more than ever. Audiences in 2025 can spot generic or robotic content a mile away. The most successful brands are those that use AI to enhance creativity, not replace it. 3. Go Beyond Likes: Prioritize Conversions and Commerce Social media is now a key driver of sales—not just brand awareness. In-app shopping , product tagging, and clickable video content are transforming platforms into storefronts. We help businesses set up and optimize paid social advertising campaigns that are designed to convert, not just attract followers. 4. Diversify Platforms—But Be Strategic Different platforms offer different strengths—Instagram excels at visual storytelling, LinkedIn is ideal for professional thought leadership, and TikTok thrives on entertainment and discovery. Rather than stretching your resources thin by being everywhere at once, focus on building a strong presence where your target audience is most engaged. Then, tailor your content to match the tone, format, and behavior of users on each platform for maximum impact. 5. Data Is the New Creative Your content might be captivating, but if it’s not supported by data, it’s a shot in the dark. A successful social media marketing strategy in 2025 requires the ability to measure performance and adapt quickly. Social platforms now offer advanced analytics that go beyond likes and shares. These analytics offer helpful insights that can help identify: The best days and times to post Top-performing content themes Efficient ad spending options Top trends Goals tied to business outcomes Ready to Elevate Your Brand’s Social Presence? In 2025, success on social media requires more than just being active—it takes intention, creativity, and data-driven execution. Let True North Technologies help you turn your social platforms into a growth engine. Contact us today to schedule a call and start mastering your social media presence.