With industrial marketing evolving rapidly, social media for B2B manufacturers is more relevant than ever. Yet, many manufacturing companies hesitate to invest in it. Whether it’s skepticism about ROI or misconceptions about audience engagement, myths hold many industrial brands back from leveraging social media effectively.
The reality? Social media is a powerhouse for visibility, thought leadership, and lead generation—especially on platforms like LinkedIn, where decision-makers are actively researching solutions. Let’s debunk some of the biggest myths still circulating in the manufacturing sector today.
Myth #1: B2B Buyers Aren’t on Social Media
If you think social media is just for B2C brands, think again. B2B buyers are active on social platforms, especially LinkedIn.
- 70% of B2B buyers use social media to research potential purchases.
- LinkedIn alone has 1 billion users, with millions of decision-makers, engineers, and procurement specialists engaging daily.
- Younger professionals are driving industrial purchases more than ever, and they expect to engage with brands digitally before making contact.
Manufacturers that maintain an active social presence increase their credibility, making it easier for potential customers to find and trust them. If you're not on social media, your competitors likely are—and they’re capturing attention that could have been yours.
Pro Tip: Start by optimizing your LinkedIn company page and sharing industry insights regularly to stay visible.
Myth #2: What Works for B2C Won't Work for B2B
B2B marketing may not be about viral trends or product giveaways, but the core of social media success is the same: engaging and educating your audience.
- Storytelling works for both B2B and B2C. Highlight customer success stories, case studies, and behind-the-scenes content.
- Short-form video is gaining traction. Engineers and procurement teams appreciate quick, informative videos that demonstrate your products in action.
- Thought leadership drives engagement. Sharing expert insights and industry trends can position your brand as a go-to resource.
The key is to tailor your content to the challenges and interests of your ideal customers. B2B buyers want insights, data, and real-world applications—give them that, and they’ll engage.
Myth #3: Our Product Isn’t Interesting Enough for Social Media
Many manufacturers assume their products aren’t "social media-friendly." But social media isn’t about being "cool"—it’s about solving problems.
- Show how your product solves pain points. A well-crafted video or infographic can make even the most technical solution engaging.
- Use before-and-after comparisons. Showcase how your solution improves efficiency, reduces waste, or increases output.
- Lean into industry trends. Sustainability, automation, and supply chain resilience are hot topics—position your brand within these conversations.
If your product has a tangible impact on your industry, there’s an audience that wants to see it in action.
Myth #4: Social Media is Just for Sharing Company News
If your social media strategy consists of occasional product announcements or company updates, you’re missing the point. Social media should be a two-way conversation, not a megaphone.
Instead of just talking about your brand, focus on:
- Industry news and trends. Sharing relevant articles and insights positions your brand as a thought leader.
- Customer engagement. Reply to comments, ask questions, and interact with industry professionals.
- Educational content. Tutorials, webinars, and behind-the-scenes videos can build credibility and trust.
A good rule of thumb: Only 20% of your social media content should be promotional. The other 80% should be valuable, engaging, and helpful to your audience.
Need inspiration? Check out our guide to content marketing for manufacturers.
Myth #5: Social Media Doesn’t Generate Leads for B2B Manufacturers
B2B sales cycles are long, but social media can absolutely be a lead-generation tool when used strategically.
- LinkedIn advertising allows precise targeting of industry professionals, decision-makers, and company employees.
- Retargeting on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn keeps your brand top-of-mind after someone visits your website.
- High-value content (like gated whitepapers or webinars) can drive form fills and email sign-ups.
The key to social media ROI is tracking the right metrics. Instead of just counting likes and shares, measure:
- Click-through rates to landing pages
- Conversion rates from social-driven traffic
- Engagement from ideal customers (not just total followers)
If your social media efforts aren’t generating leads, you may need to refine your approach—not abandon the platform altogether.
Getting Started: How to Build a Social Media Strategy That Works
If you’re convinced social media is worth the effort but unsure where to start, keep it simple:
- Start with LinkedIn. It’s the most valuable platform for manufacturers looking to connect with B2B buyers.
- Post consistently. Even just 2-3 posts per week can keep your brand on your audience's radar.
- Engage with others. Comment on industry posts, answer questions, and be active in relevant groups.
- Experiment with formats. Try video, infographics, and carousel posts to see what resonates.
- Use analytics. Track engagement and conversions to refine your approach over time.
Still feeling overwhelmed? At Evenbound, we specialize in helping industrial companies create growth strategies, including social media, that drive real business results.
The Future of B2B Social Media: Adapt or Be Left Behind
The biggest myth about social media for B2B manufacturers is that it doesn’t matter. In 2025, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Social media is an essential tool for brand awareness, customer engagement, and lead generation in the manufacturing industry.
Don’t let outdated assumptions hold your company back. The brands that embrace digital marketing—including social media—will be the ones leading the industry in the years to come.
Need help getting started? Let's talk about your growth goals today!
