The 14th Malaysian General Election was a moment in history that unites us all. As the most nail-biting election in recent decades, we celebrated the people’s voice and patriotic spirit in full glory. Apart from embracing the dawn of new Malaysia, the general election also revealed the power of social networking.
Facebook has become the platform that brings us together. Whether you’re in London or Kuala Lumpur, every Malaysian glued to their laptops and smartphones for the latest election news. From vote counts to live updates, they were shared widely from morning till midnight. The election proves that the power of Facebook should never be underestimated and there are other important things we learned from it.
Facebook remains a top platform
Facebook is a powerful social networking platform. When national newspapers limited the coverage from Pakatan Harapan, the then-opposition party shared political updates and campaign manifesto on their Facebook pages. Strategically, that was also the platform where Malaysians read and received their sources.
Our social media habits have not changed. A quick glance at the bus or shopping mall, and you’ll find Malaysians scrolling through their timelines for news and trends. As an online merchant, you need to stay updated about the latest Facebook features and utilize it to boost your business.
Facebook Live became the new television
Not every political leader was given the platform to share their political messages on local TV channels. Thanks to Facebook Live, Malaysians viewed inspiring speeches and campaign talks wherever they are. It became such a hit that The Star and New Straits Times tapped into this feature to share updates outside of their online news portal.
Check out the jaw-dropping difference between both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan when it comes to live views and shares.
Guess it’s obvious enough that indeed Pakatan Harapan is more favorable for Malaysians as compared to Barisan Nasional. This is actually a very effective strategy, because it shows that most Malaysians are looking for a change in Malaysia, judging by the unbalanced views. Same time this indirectly boost Malaysians’ spirit in changing a new government.
Online merchants who utilize Facebook features will see profitable returns in their business. Customers are social media users themselves. With one billion active users on Facebook, social-savvy merchants are likely to gain higher sales profit than others.
Facebook champions real-life updates
The previous general election also presented real-life updates, and we loved it. Pakatan Harapan leaders actively engaged and exchanged opinions with Malaysians on Facebook platform. They also shared snapshots from their walkabout in the morning market or local coffee shops to give a human aspect to their posts.
Real-life stories appeal to Facebook users, and online merchants can follow this trend. From replying comments to showcasing behind-the-scenes process, Facebook allows businesses to present themselves personally. When customers relate to the company’s stories, it has the power to create a community and loyal following.
What We Learned
If Facebook can bring success to a major general election, imagine the opportunities it will bring to your business. Online merchants need to learn to utilize Facebook as a sales channel for the sake of a new competitive edge.
What’s the first step to building a successful Facebook business? Well, SiteGiant Facebook Commerce has the MUST-HAVE TOOLS for a successful Facebook business. Build your Facebook Shop and sync products easily with SiteGiant and boost sales using Facebook Messenger Store. You can also explore effective techniques to improve customer engagement through Facebook Smart Responder and Messenger Bot.
The success of the 14th Malaysian General Election is enough to prove that Facebook is important today. If you believe that selling on Facebook is the next step in your business, SiteGiant Facebook Commerce can take you there.
