Understanding the Best Social Media Platform for Your Business
Before introducing your business to the world, it’s important to develop a social media strategy on how you will deliver information to your audience. To do this, you need to understand where your audience hangs out most and which social channels they regularly use. Depending on the products you sell or the services you provide, your primary social media platform will determine the effectiveness of your marketing campaign.
Instead of trying to juggle daily posts across every social network, stay focused on the platforms that bring you the best return. So, which social media channels can benefit your business the most?
1. Facebook
Mark Zuckerberg’s online juggernaut continues to be the number one social network for businesses regarding visibility and distribution. More than a billion people log on to Facebook daily, making the platform extremely attractive for new businesses, regardless of the industry.
Given the personal nature of Facebook (chatting with friends, connecting with family members, sharing memories and milestones), it’s more effective to share than to sell. Use Facebook to announce events, parties and promotions, but consider posting content that reveals the real people behind the brand. Give a shout out to colleagues, share funny office photos and reflect on the hard work that’s brought you to where you are now.
2. Twitter
From the smallest business to the largest organisations, everyone can find an audience worth investing in on Twitter. Research shows that 47% of people that follow a business on Twitter are more likely to visit that brand’s website.
Twitter is used primarily to engage with customers on their level, making it the perfect channel for customer service. Answer questions, conduct surveys and collect valuable feedback. Twitter lets you fine-tune your image, start up a conversation and attract the right type of customer that’s interested in your service.
3. Instagram
Instagram is a visually driven platform, ideal for fashion, food, personalities, lifestyle and luxury brands. It features colourful bite-sized content that can quickly be shared, liked and remembered.
Use Instagram to build anticipation for product releases and store openings. Music labels use Instagram to drip-feed tour announcements and new singles, grocery stores post mouth-watering photos of fresh produce and new snacks, and artists can share their portfolio with an intrigued audience. One thing to note is that quality is important, so make sure that the person running your account has at least basic photography skills and a good eye for detail.
4. LinkedIn
If you’re a B2B marketer, then LinkedIn should be at the top of your social marketing strategy. Not only does it specifically cater to business professionals, but it has a huge range of features that let you demonstrate your services and value. Plus, studies have shown that LinkedIn is actually more effective than other social networking sites in terms of distributing news to consumers, journalists and bloggers.
Use LinkedIn to publish insightful articles, highlight and sell e-books, and link to official PowerPoint and SlideShare presentations. Also, to connect with clients and find people that may need your talents down the line.
5. Pinterest
Pinterest is a great platform for businesses that revolve around visually attractive content. Cooks, DIY enthusiasts, photographers and designers can find their niche and generate sales. Pinterest also integrates well with your websites and social media channels, making it an excellent second choice if you have the bandwidth to promote your brand across multiple sites.
Most users actively search for things they’re interested in, rather than being passively exposed to products. This is good news, as it means the more appealing and specific your goods are, the more likely they are to be seen, saved, and purchased.
Focus Your Efforts
The social media landscape is changing at a rapid rate, and It’s important not to spread yourself too thin. Make sure you continuously track and monitor your results. Consequently, you can focus your efforts on two or three platforms that deliver the best return. A far better option than trying to cover all bases and getting average results.
If you’re still unsure about which social media platforms you should be targeting, get in touch with our friendly social media specialists at BabbleHub today, and we can point you in the right direction.