Written by Intern Ashley Ko

Diversity brings new perspectives and ideas, and inclusion makes everyone feel valued, respected, and involved. So, it is important both socially and ethically to implement diversity and inclusivity as it contributes to social equity, accurate presentation of different groups, creativity, social harmony, and so on. For those reasons, more and more people prefer to be in places where diversity and inclusion are present.

Even social media is a place of diversity. Social media is a reflection of the real world. People from different cultures and backgrounds gather and interact with each other. They share and expose themselves to diverse and inclusive content, which makes it important for businesses to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their social media marketing strategies. 

Embracing diversity and promoting inclusion in social media marketing strategies brings many benefits. First, businesses can reach wider audiences and expand their reach. They will be able to connect with diverse audiences because people like to see themselves represented. When represented in media, groups, especially marginalized groups, can feel that they are being heard and recognized. Moreover, especially younger generations expect businesses to hold opinions on social issues, which would include diversity and inclusion.

Second, businesses can build credibility and enhance brand recognition. Audiences are more inclined to engage with brands that hold the same or similar values as them. So, if a brand understands the importance of commitment to diversity and promotes inclusion, it shows that the brand cares about what its consumers care about, valuing their beliefs. This connects directly to fostering a positive brand image and gaining trust.

Third, diversity and inclusion encourage innovation and creativity. When promoting inclusion, the business will have to create materials and content that showcase its commitment to diversity to satisfy its audience and stand out from its competitors, which will require constant research in the field and creative thinking. 

Lastly, businesses recognizing diversity and promoting inclusion can encourage to foster a positive social environment and a better place for everyone. Creating a more inclusive society can reduce stereotypes and biases, enhance learning, and empower others. 

The list goes on. These are just some of the many reasons why diversity and inclusion should be implemented in social media marketing strategies. Some strategies businesses can use are understanding the audience, creating inclusive content, showcasing diverse representation, using inclusive language, collaborating with diverse influencers, monitoring inclusivity, and studying diversity and inclusion constantly. Encouraging diversity and implementing it into social media marketing strategy is not only for meeting ethical standards but also a business decision for your business to excel.