Everyone uses at least one social media platform on a daily basis so we should all be familiar with social media. They are online tools that share information, photos, videos, news and so much more, personally or for your business, to millions of people across the world. So, to celebrate national social media day, I have outlined the most popular platforms individually and why they are great for businesses for different reasons and benefits.
LinkedIn
This platform is arguably the most professional social media tool anyone can use for themselves or their business. LinkedIn can benefit businesses as it’s about connecting with fellow professionals, potential customers/clients, encouraging upskilling, self-development and sharing knowledge to your network. LinkedIn allows users to post in multiple ways; a status, images, videos, external links to articles on your website for example, post jobs and polls to engage with your audience and understand their behaviours. So, brands can raise awareness of what they do, their brand identity and expand their network within their area, creating a community online and growing the organisation.
Instagram
Instagram is a very visual platform; it thrives off imagery and now video content called ‘Reels’. This platform is perfect for businesses that sell products but can still be beneficial for service offerings, but make sure your posts are creative and fun! Instagram also gives businesses a better opportunity to really learn from their customers through Instagram stories and Instagram ‘Live’ sessions. This is where you can post to your story that is highlighted at the top for your followers and a live session is where you can speak to your followers in real time, not pre-recorded and followers can comment and ask you questions then and there. Stories can also be useful for different purposes; ask direct questions to your audience, polls to distinguish preferences and feedback on products/processes for example, remind followers of new posts you have just created, post videos, involve music, location, links and @mentions, the options are endless. This can really give a organisation a creative flare and more personal touch to any offering.
Facebook
Facebook again allows you to post a status, photos or videos to millions of people from all different backgrounds. But Facebook offers businesses targeted digital advertising through their ‘Facebook Ads’ platform, to potential customers who are more likely to purchase your products or services as they are more willing or ready to purchase through these targeted ads to your specific audience. Benefiting companies because these ads will ensure they’re presented in front of the right people.
Twitter
Twitter is mainly a platform that aims to start conversations. Most users use twitter to update their followers with new information, making it a very social platform. Just like the above platforms, you can post images, videos and external links, but Twitter allows you to increase customer satisfaction. Due to its real-time interactions with customers, Twitter allows businesses to really connect with their audience and even resolve customer service issues for example. This allows any business to gain valuable insights to their operations and customer’s needs through this feedback.
TikTok
TikTok is a new platform that has gained immense popularity and creates a lot of trends businesses can take advantage of. TikTok isn’t just for teens who create dances for latest songs. It’s a platform that can spread information very quickly through simple visuals. Businesses can promote their products and services in a creative way (not plain and boring) and get seen by a very large audience. This means high levels of engagement and potentially more conversions through reaching new future customers. This is also a great way to grow your audience with a consistent online presence, interacting and connecting with an international audience.
YouTube
YouTube allows you to upload content that is longer in length than other platforms to get across an important message better. Your videos can also be a part of a collection of your content through the YouTube channel feature where your viewers can look back on everything you post in one place. YouTube is also widely used globally and is so easy to share content, even children can do it. This platform is a great tool to humanise your brand and offer more than just selling your products and services, which adds value to your customer’s experience with your brand.
Pinterest
Pinterest is a great tool to give your customers inspiration, top tips/advice and create brand awareness. It is a unique platform compared to Instagram and Facebook, as people actually come to this platform looking for information when they’re already in the thinking stage of the buying process. For example, if someone is looking to redecorate, they will look at interior design inspiration where furniture products can be seen and persuade their purchase decisions. Pinterest allows companies to be creative and share content for free that will divert traffic to your website. Also, Pinterest is where emerging content is posted so your business can spot trends and popular types of content that audiences are actively engaging with and so your target audience can too.
So, fancy re-vamping your social media strategy?
All the above platforms won’t always work for every business, but each one will work better for different businesses, industries and sizes than others, its just about getting it right for you and your customers. A combination of social media platforms will be beneficial for any business though and should be taken advantage of. Perks include monetary results and more brand results; higher engagement, target audience reach, growth, brand awareness, traffic to website, potential leads and conversions to a sale, for example, and many more. Take the chance to test out your content on a few platforms and see how you get on with creating your own brand community online.