Which Social Media Channels Work Best For Your Business?

Unfortunately, however, most companies have limited time and financial resources. That means it’s more important to choose the most effective social media platforms and learn how to get the most out of them. Before you get started, define your target market and demographic. What platforms are they using? What kind of content can you use to best reach and interact with them? Answering these questions will provide a frame of reference in determining which social media platforms will be most effective.

Here is a guide to some of the most widely used social media platforms, and some considerations to help you in choosing which platforms will work best for your business:

Facebook

As one of the most wide-reaching platforms with nearly 1.4 billion users, Facebook is for everyone. If the goals of your marketing strategy include reaching a broad network of people and increasing your brand’s online community presence, consider using Facebook. Facebook posts tend to receive a lot of engagement, especially visual content. Facebook is an effective avenue for B2C companies, in particular.

LinkedIn

If your company has industry insight to offer to other professionals, LinkedIn is a good resource. Recruiters, industry professionals such as marketing or advertising firms, and B2B companies can benefit from using LinkedIn as part of their social media strategy.

Twitter

Twitter is one of the best ways to engage and interact directly with individuals from your target audience, as well as other brands. Twitter generally appeals to a younger demographic and is a great place to post information, such as news or other relevant insight.

Instagram

If your brand is visually driven or if it would be beneficial to share a lot of visual content (photos and short videos), Instagram is the perfect platform. Instagram is a good channel if your brand is a part of the B2C industry– particularly food, lifestyle, clothing, entertainment, or personalities.

Pinterest

Another option for brands with a very visual aspect, Pinterest provides a space for brands to share images that would appeal to their target market. Since most of its users are female, Pinterest is the place to be if this is your target market. Like Instagram, companies in the B2C sector, such as food, travel, lifestyle or clothing, should consider making Pinterest a part of their social media line-up.

Snapchat

Snapchat has a more casual, fun tone than other social media channels. You can convey your brand’s personality and voice through Snapchat by sharing short videos and photos. The app is most popular in the millennial demographic, and an estimated 50% of its users are in the 18-24 age range. One of the main things to remember if you’re considering using Snapchat is that there’s a time constraint for any images or videos you post.

YouTube

Can your brand offer any expertise or tutorials that would best be shared through video? If so, YouTube is a great platform to share ads, interviews, tutorials, explanations and more. This is another platform that may be best suited for brands with a visual aspect.

Periscope

This live-streaming video app provides companies with the ability to demonstrate products, share news about the company or products, host interviews, share behind-the-scenes information and video, offer coupons and promotions and much more. Even though the app is relatively new, it provides a variety of opportunities for companies to brand themselves and interact with their target markets.

Now that you’re set with all the information, you’re ready to choose which social media channels to leverage that will be most effective for your brand in the long term.

What social media platforms work best for your business?