One of the questions we are often asked is, “What social media platforms should I be using to market my company?” The answer of course isn’t quite the same for every business. Here are our thoughts on social media platforms, and how to consider them.
Facebook is Still King
Of course there are some channels that every business should be using, such as Facebook. Facebook reaches more users than any other social media platform, so it is an absolute must for every business. But what about others? How do you know which of the other social media platforms to use?
One Size Does Not Fit All
First of all, it is important to note that not all businesses need to be on the same social media platforms. To know which ones are best for you, you will need to consider two aspects of your company: your target audience and your products and services. Continue reading to see which other social media platforms could be most helpful for your company.
Photography and Video-Sharing Social Media Platforms
Instagram is the most popular photo sharing social media platform, with more than 1 billion monthly users. It is a great platform to use if you want to showcase your products using photos or short videos. The audience range on Instagram is similar to Facebook in that it’s users vary in age as well as geographical location. It is a great platform to use for sharing professional and, especially, artistic posts.
Snapchat is popular among younger generations and is a helpful platform if your target audience is geared towards millennials or post-millenials. In contrast to content shared on Instagram or Facebook, your content does not need to be as professional; it can be more relaxed. Artistic content still does quite well on this platform.
YouTube, and Therefore Google
Google owns YouTube, a social media platform which can be quite useful to many businesses. Interestingly enough, YouTube is also the second-largest search engine on the Internet – surpassed only by Google itself. So, if you plan to use video to advertise your business, placing it on YouTube is a good idea. Be aware, though, that it is important to have higher quality videos if you wish for your content to stand out on this platform.
Review-Based Social Media Platforms
People often don’t think about review-based platforms when it comes to marketing small businesses. However, review-based channels such as Yelp and Trip Advisor can truly help your social media marketing plan be more successful. The best way to use these two platforms is to ensure you have optimal customer interaction so as to gain positive reviews. Reviews on these sites can help to garner business as clients enjoy reading real and honest reviews written by people who have visited your place of business. If your business is located in a city that often receives tourists and out-of-town visitors, having a presence on these sites is especially important.
As you can see, there are many different social media platforms available to use as a part of your marketing strategy. Choosing the right ones can be difficult, but does not have to be. If you would like assistance determining which platforms to use for your business and also setting up a marketing plan for using them, we at VisionPATH Marketing are happy to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.