The most valuable US-based brands in 2015 were tech firms’ viz.com, Apple, Microsoft, Google, IBM and Facebook, as reported by Forbes. These brands made up just over half the list when evaluated based on their revenues. That, however, doesn’t write off other companies, startups etc.

Interestingly, all successful companies - whether big or small - are attempting to stay fresh and utterly innovative when it comes to branding, digital & social media marketing. So even when the media marketplace remains overcrowded, they still manage to position and brand themselves so well that we all should take cues.

Let’s take a closer look at some of their tactics for social media success and overall branding.

1.They empower teams to create

Key takeaway #1 Give followers something worthwhile to munch on. Keep your content straight forward, interactive, and aligned with the brand attributes. That shall keep them connected and they will promptly respond to and take part if they are interested in the information you are sharing.

2.They quickly move to best content formats
In 2014, content formats that worked for brands were - interactive branded stories, branded documentaries, and personalized content. However, in 2015, they moved on to other formats to stay above the rest: branded web series, data-driven info graphics, and branded web comics.

Key takeaway #2 Creating and keeping a positive online reputation is a continuous, ongoing process that all businesses should undertake for success.

3.They use latest and the best technology

Brands know that consumers are becoming increasingly selective about what they want to see. Moreover, there is a rising trend of using ad blocking technology, both on desktops and smartphones. So brands are trying to deliver a marketing experience that feels more personalized. Axe, a maker of personal care products for men, recently promoted its White Label line in Brazil using programmatic technology to develop an astounding 100,000 unique 1-minute trailers. The approach, referred to as, generative storytelling, rather than showing the same video to every viewer, addresses each user’s distinct, individual tastes.

Key takeaway #3 Adopt an approach that is distinct and technologically advanced since nearly all your users are tech-savvy.

4.They plan, monitor and know just how social buttons should be integrated with your website.
It’s important to plan how to best use every online platform your brand is on - jumping on the hottest new trend does not always work. Besides, you need constant monitoring of online brand mentions and strong threat detection and protection. So brands employ social strategists who understand their audience - and the fact that not all users use social media the same way. Further, they avoid relying on a blanket strategy for a demographic with such varied nuances.

Key takeaway #4 So being a soda brand, if you want to communicate with young men, consider pushing Twitter account over your Facebook page.

5.Their leaders listen & take decisions quickly
Listening to your employees, partners, customers and getting their feedback is a wonderful way to make the most of social media. Furthermore, as social media happens in real time, fast responses are a must. Take the example of Richard Branson, the billionaire Virgin Group founder, who has admitted that your social media platforms aren’t just megaphones, they’re also a sounding board. And that’s where he gathers frequent topic for his blog posts.

Key takeaway #5 The key decision makers of top brands interact with their audiences and communicate with them, as fast as possible, to make sure the solutions work in favor of the whole company and so should you.