More than 4.2 billion people from around the world are active on social media, says DataReportal. This number is steadily increasing from one year to the next. Facebook alone has over 2.7 billion monthly active users.
As a business owner, you can leverage this trend to raise brand awareness and expand your reach. A well-thought-out social media marketing campaign can drive customer loyalty and increase sales.
But what social media platforms should you use for business? Is Facebook a better choice than Instagram or Twitter? What about LinkedIn?
The answer depends on several factors, including your industry, target audience, and type of business. You also need to consider your marketing goals. LinkedIn, for instance, can be a great choice for B2B companies, but it's not the best option for a small retail store.
If you're wondering what to do next, read on! We'll show you how to choose the right social media platform for your business and which social networks are worth your time.
Let's dive in!
The average consumer uses more than eight social media platforms, according to DataReportal. As an entrepreneur, you need to figure out where your customers spend their time. After all, you can't be everywhere.
First of all, define your objectives. These may include increased website traffic, higher engagement, greater exposure, or customer loyalty. Some companies use social media to grow their professional networks and build partnerships.
Next, think about your ideal customer. If, say, you're targeting teenagers, then you might want to focus on Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat.
A PewResearch survey found that 85% of teens were active on YouTube. More than 70% used Instagram regularly, while 69% spent their time on Snapchat. Fewer than 7% of respondents used Reddit.
Millennials, on the other hand, are most active on Facebook and Instagram. About 77% of people in this age group use Facebook daily. Pinterest, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok are the least popular among millennial consumers.
Make sure you understand the purpose of each social platform. Here’s a quick look at what’s unique about the major social networks:
With these things in mind, consider using any of the following social media platforms to grow your business.
Facebook reaches nearly 60% of social media users, being outranked only by YouTube and Google. Companies use this platform to share branded content, industry news, product updates, and more.
It takes minutes to set up a Facebook business page. When you're done, you can start engaging with your audience and post content. There's also the option to launch advertising campaigns for different customer segments.
The social media giant allows businesses to create compelling profiles that look just like a mini-website.
Your Facebook page may include a description, privacy policy, opening hours, and contact details. You can even add a call-to-action. Other features, such as Facebook Live, make it easier to humanize your brand and engage with your followers in real-time.
With more than one billion users, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms out there. What makes it stand out is its focus on visual content.
Hundreds of brands have built successful businesses on this platform. LPA, Paris 99, Miaou, and Cult Gaia are just a few examples. Starbucks, Intel, and other established companies use Instagram to engage their audience.
If you decide to pursue this path, consider hiring a professional photographer. You can't just publish a bunch of photos and expect to get likes.
YouTube reaches more consumers during prime time than any cable network, reports Google. The same source states that three in four adults watch YouTube videos at home on smartphones and tablets. Nearly 70% use this social platform for research prior to making a purchase.
As an entrepreneur, you can leverage these trends to grow your reach and drive sales. If, say, you sell gym equipment, you can use YouTube to showcase your products and how they work. Better yet, aim for a mix of workout videos, how-to videos, interviews, and expert tips.
Video content can be a powerful B2C marketing tool. Depending on your goals, you can create videos that tell your brand story, engage customers, or highlight your competitive advantage.
Twitter is ideal for sharing industry news, tips, product updates, and opinions on current trends. Companies also use this microblogging service to increase website traffic and reach new customers.
A staggering 17% of American adults use Twitter to read the news. If your tweets contain trending hashtags, your content might end up in their newsfeed!
This popular social platform has a built-in feature called Trends. Use it before posting content to increase your chances of going viral.
Pinterest may not have as many features as Instagram, but this doesn't mean you should ignore it. Nearly 460 million people use this social network to explore brands and products. About 98% of users report trying new things they find on the platform.
When you register on Pinterest, you can connect your Instagram, Etsy, and YouTube accounts. This way, you can drive more traffic to your social media accounts and gain exposure.
Remember that Pinterest is all about visual content. Go ahead and publish a series of tutorials, create beautiful boards, or set up a Shop tab to display and sell your products on the platform.
Promoting your brand on all the major social networks would take a lot of time and money. Your best bet is to focus on two or three platforms that appeal to your target audience.
If you're not sure where to start, check your competitors to see what platforms they use. In the meantime, experiment with different social media platforms and try to determine what works best for your business.
You can always hire top talent to help you with social media marketing. Sign up on SEOClerks to connect with skilled freelancers and free up your time!
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