〽️ Slag Tag Media Weekly Wrap-Up
This week brought three developments worth watching: Meta is pushing Facebook and Instagram toward more video-focused experiences, Meta has blocked TikTok-related advertising across its platforms in several markets, and LinkedIn is exploring new ways for businesses to discover creators and improve their content. For welding businesses and trade professionals, the common theme is that social media platforms are competing more aggressively for attention, advertising, and business relationships. The Verge
The Three Biggest Updates
1. Facebook and Instagram Are Moving Further Toward Video
What's happening: On October 9, reports described tests that make Facebook open directly to a full-screen video feed in some markets. Instagram is also testing changes that prioritize Reels when users open the app. These are tests, not confirmed changes for every user. The Verge
Why it matters: Short-form video is becoming increasingly central to content discovery. Welders already have a natural advantage here because fabrication processes, sparks, transformations, and finished projects can communicate visually without lengthy explanations.
Your action: Film one vertical video this weekend showing a project from start to finish. Open with the most visually interesting moment rather than an introduction.
2. Meta Blocks TikTok-Related Advertising
What's happening: On October 8, Reuters reported that Meta had banned advertising by TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, across Facebook and Instagram in the United States and several other markets. The reported restrictions also affect third-party advertisements linking to TikTok or related ByteDance content. Reuters
Why it matters: Advertising restrictions can affect how businesses direct audiences between competing platforms. Businesses should not assume every destination link will remain eligible for advertising.
Your action: Review your active advertising campaigns and check their destination URLs. If you are promoting content on another platform, verify that your ads comply with the current rules before spending money.
3. LinkedIn Is Expanding Its Creator Marketing Tools
What's happening: A social media industry roundup published October 6 reported that LinkedIn is testing Creator Discovery features within its Creator Marketplace. The tools are intended to help B2B marketers identify relevant creators. LinkedIn has also introduced Post Proofreader, an AI-powered writing tool for eligible Premium users. LinkedIn
Why it matters: Creator partnerships are not limited to consumer products. Welding equipment manufacturers, distributors, training programs, and fabrication businesses can work with knowledgeable industry voices to reach specialized audiences.
For example, a welding equipment manufacturer could collaborate with a working fabricator to demonstrate a product in a real shop rather than relying exclusively on traditional promotional content.
Your action: Identify one creator or industry professional whose audience overlaps with your ideal customers. Consider a collaborative video, product demonstration, or educational post.
The Trend to Watch Next Week
Social media is becoming more video-focused, more commercially competitive, and more dependent on trusted creators.
That does not mean every business needs to become a full-time video production company. It means businesses should make their existing expertise easier to discover.
A short demonstration, a useful explanation, or an honest look at a project can build credibility more effectively than another generic promotional graphic.
Welding Industry Spotlight: ESAB
I couldn't verify a specific welding-industry account that had an exceptional social media week based on publicly available reporting. Rather than invent a winner, this week I'm highlighting a documented campaign worth studying.
ESAB worked with agency Crowley Webb on its Join the Movement trade show campaign. The documented results included more than 14,000 new followers, 30 in-the-moment posts produced over three days, and more than 100 pieces of post-event content. Crowley Webb
The lesson is that a trade show can generate much more than a handful of event photos. Planning content before, during, and after an event creates multiple opportunities to reach people who could not attend in person.
For smaller welding businesses, the same principle works on a smaller budget. Capture demonstrations, conversations, customer reactions, and finished projects, then turn that material into several useful posts.
One Action Item for Welding and Trade Businesses
Set aside 15 minutes to review your last five social media posts.
Identify which one generated the most meaningful response, whether that was shares, comments, profile visits, website clicks, or customer inquiries.
Use that information to plan your next post. The goal is not simply to publish more content. It is to learn which content helps your business grow.
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Slag Tag Media exists to make social media easier to understand and more useful for the people building real businesses. The platforms will keep changing, but the objective remains the same: help you make informed decisions, connect with the right audience, and turn your work into opportunities. Thank you for being part of Slag Tag Media. If you have questions about social media, send them our way. Your question might become a future article. Keep learning, keep improving, and keep growing your business. Have a great weekend!
Jonny
Email: slagtagmedia@gmail.com
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