With all the current social media sites available, you would be doing your business a disservice if it can only be located on one social media network. Yes, you can’t remain active on all of the social media outlets while you’re busy running your business all at the same time.
However, if you limit your options to just a few sites, you’ll be able to focus your efforts and receive the most return on your time investment. So, how do you decide which social media networks are ideal for your business?
Whether you’re just starting started or wanting to increase your current presence, here are ideas to help you choose the ideal networks for your business. The crucial thing to remember is that once you’ve decided which social networks you want to pursue, choose one and get it up and running before moving on to the next. Your chances of success decrease if you try to create many networks at the same time.
Begin with your target audience
As regards selecting a social media platform, the audience is by far the most significant consideration. If your audience isn’t active on the channel, nothing else counts, not even its size. Facebook, for example, has more active users than any other social media platform, but if your target audience is on Instagram, you should be there as well.
However, because the average Internet user has at least eight social media accounts, you should think about other variables when deciding where you want to be seen.
Consider your business
Your products and services, as well as the personality of your brand and the nature of your organization, should all play a role in channel selection. Graphic designers and artists could look into sites that fall into their line of business. For example, if your site deals in fitness programs a site such as Instagram would work best because you can post videos and photos of results to convince your target audience. On the other hand, large B2B companies should put LinkedIn at the top of their list.
All you have to do is consider what makes sense for your business and keep in mind that what you do affects the possibilities open to you.
Know how different social networks operate
Each social media platform has its personality and communication style. Twitter for example is the best network for discussing current events and trendy issues, whereas LinkedIn is great for sharing professional experience and company information. Although Snapchat was the first to launch disappearing posts, Instagram Stories are just as fleeting. Tick Tock is the latest buzz that you need to check out if you haven’t yet.
With all these channels, put aside some time and double-check that you’re familiar with the communication protocol including what they’re about. This will not only assist you in determining the ideal platform(s) for your business, but it will also assist you in avoiding communication blunders.
Examine your industry’s competitors
Conducting a competition analysis is one of the first actions I take when building a social media plan for a client. The following are just a few of the many insights that such an examination can provide:
What platforms do they use?
What’s working and what’s not
On each channel, how engaged is the audience?
However as regards competition and rivals you shouldn’t do something just because a rival is doing it, seeing what others in your industry are doing might help you make a better choice.
Ensure that your social media marketing objectives are in sync
Your decision will be influenced by the reasons you’re on social media in the first place. Numerous networks will work for sharing content and engaging with your audience, depending on the type of content you share. If customer service is a primary priority for you, however, you should prioritize Twitter and Facebook above Instagram.
Know the resources you have
Social media is a commitment, regardless of how much time it takes to manage it. You must take care of it, nourish it, and give it what you want to receive in return. Limit your channels to one or two if you only have one individual who can commit five hours per week to social media. You can have multiple channels if you have a full-time employee.
Remember that social media is a full-time job and if you don’t plan or have the necessary resources, it will take up your whole time, like literally! So before you start a new channel, be sure you have the resources you’ll need to succeed.
Limit your channels to one or two if you only have one individual who can commit five hours per week to social media. You can have multiple channels if you have a full-time employee.
Begin by using email software
Most sectors can benefit from email marketing. The fact that you have a social network account, means you probably have an email address as well. Email marketing is not only a fantastic way to communicate with your customers, but it’s also a great way to find new ones! Email addresses are extremely valuable. They’re yours forever if you can collect them.
Participate In Forum Discussions
Discussion forums such as LinkedIn and Reddit have given so many people the chance to publish their work and have it viewed by a large number of people so us it too.
However, don’t abuse this opportunity by sharing low-quality, uninteresting stuff. My advice is to put your self-promotional hat down, understand your audience, come up with a catchy title, and participate in discussions regularly.
Bottom Line
It’s acceptable to join and leave social media networks at your leisure. Because small businesses may not be able to maintain a regular presence on four or more networks, it’s a good idea to take a step back, examine your options, and pick the best ones. Examine the numbers, consider your target audience, and ask yourself all the questions.