The Evolving Landscape of Social media KPIs

The introduction of Instagram Follows reflects a broader industry trend towards valuing long-term community engagement over fleeting metrics like clicks and impressions. Brands are increasingly recognizing the importance of building loyal followings that translate into sustained customer value. This shift emphasizes the need for authentic content, consistent engagement, and a focus on fostering genuine connections with audiences.

Looking ahead, we can expect to see further sophistication in social media analytics, with platforms offering more granular insights into audience behavior and campaign effectiveness.Understanding these evolving metrics will be crucial for marketers seeking to maximize their return on investment and build lasting brand relevance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Follows

• What is the Instagram Follows metric? It measures the number of new followers generated directly from Instagram ad campaigns.
• How do I access Instagram Follows in Ads Manager? Navigate to the reporting section, select “Adjust columns,” and search for “Instagram Follows.”
• Is this feature available to all advertisers now? No, Meta is rolling it out gradually. Check your Ads Manager to see if it’s available.
• Can I directly optimize campaigns for follower growth? Not yet, but the metric provides valuable data for refining your targeting and creatives.
• why is tracking followers important? Followers represent a valuable audience that can become long-term customers and brand advocates.
• What other metrics should I track alongside Instagram Follows? Profile visits, engagement rate, and website traffic are all important complementary metrics.
• How does this change affect instagram marketing strategies? it encourages a shift from short-term engagement to long-term community building.

The Rise of Private Retirement Savings

The securities and Investment Management Association (SIMA) released a report Wednesday highlighting the increasing importance of private savings in funding retirement. In 2023, these savings accounted for nearly 50% of retirement income, a substantial increase from 36% in 2005. This trend underscores a critical shift away from the conventional three-pillar system – government programs, workplace pensions, and individual savings – as workplace pensions diminish and longevity increases.

Currently, over 60% of Canadian workers lack access to traditional defined benefit workplace pension plans, placing a greater burden on individuals to manage their own retirement funds. Simultaneously, fixed income from government programs like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) may not be sufficient for a cozy lifestyle in many regions. As of 2025,maximum monthly CPP payments at age 65 are approximately $1,433,while OAS offers around $735 – often inadequate to cover essential expenses.

Policy Recommendations for a Secure Future

SIMA is advocating for several key policy adjustments.These include raising the age at which Canadians are required to convert Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) from 71 to 73, allowing for extended tax-deferred growth. Another suggestion is to exempt smaller RRIF accounts – those under $200,000 – from mandatory withdrawal rules, offering greater flexibility.

The association also proposes eliminating Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) on investment fund management fees to reduce costs for savers. Moreover, SIMA champions expanded access to financial advice through hybrid digital-human models and automatic enrollment in workplace Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to encourage participation.

according to Andy Mitchell, President and CEO of SIMA, current policies have not kept pace with the evolving needs of Canadians.”Life has changed quite a bit for Canadians in the last two decades, and policy hasn’t been updated to reflect that,” he stated.

Economic Impact of increased Private savings

SIMA’s report contends that bolstering private savings isn’t just beneficial for individuals; it’s a boon for the national economy. In 2023, private savings contributed an estimated $150 billion to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generated $27 billion in tax revenue, and reduced government expenditures on income supplements by $16.5 billion.

The organization highlights that these recommendations stem directly from the concerns of its members, representing over 80% of Canadian mutual fund and Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) assets under management. While acknowledging that these changes would benefit the financial industry through increased assets, Mitchell emphasizes the mutually beneficial nature of the proposals.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be construed as financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances.

Understanding the canadian Retirement Landscape

Canada’s retirement system is a multi-layered framework designed to provide income security during post-working life. Recognizing the components of this system is crucial for effective planning. Here’s a breakdown:

• Canada Pension Plan (CPP): A contributory, earnings-related pension plan funded by contributions from workers and employers.
• Old Age security (OAS): A universal pension available to most Canadians aged 65 and older,nonetheless of employment history.
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): A non-taxable monthly benefit paid to OAS recipients with low incomes.
• Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP): A tax-advantaged savings plan that allows contributions to be deducted from taxable income.
• Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA): A savings account where investment income and withdrawals are tax-free.
• Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF): A plan that allows individuals to convert their RRSP funds into a series of income payments during retirement.

The increasing importance of private savings indicates a need for canadians to proactively manage their financial futures. Exploring various investment options and seeking professional advice are critical steps towards achieving a secure retirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is driving the increase in private retirement savings? The decline in traditional workplace pensions and increasing life expectancy are key factors.
2. What are RRIFs and why is changing the conversion age important? RRIFs are income funds derived from RRSPs. Delaying the conversion age allows for more tax-deferred growth.
3. How would removing GST/HST on investment fees help canadians? it would lower the overall cost of investing, perhaps increasing returns.
4. What is automatic enrollment in workplace RRSPs? Automatically enrolling employees in RRSPs, with an opt-out option, can boost participation rates.
5. Is the financial industry the only beneficiary of these changes? While the industry would benefit, the proposals are also intended to improve retirement security for all Canadians and stimulate economic growth.