Social media is a potent marketing tool for businesses today, giving them access to billions of people across the world. The over 3.6 billion social media users currently on social media is growing and is predicted to grow to around 4.41 billion by 2025. If you're not using social media to connect with audiences, you're missing out on one of marketing’s most lucrative opportunities. Not only can you expand your reach with social media, but you can also do so at little to no cost to you. Especially when using social media automation software, you can maintain a strong presence without putting strain on yourself.
To get the best possible results from your social media marketing campaigns, you need to select the platforms that your audience uses the most.
Choosing The Best Platform For You
When choosing social media platforms for business applications, there are several factors to consider to help you determine which platform will be the most effective, along with which platforms to avoid. Some items to consider include:
- Whether you're a B2C or B2B company
- Who your ideal customer is
- Whether your goal is to connect with your audience, increase sales, or build brand awareness
Based on your business's specific requirements and audiences, the following are some of the best platforms to use for social media marketing.
1. Facebook
Facebook is the most popular social media platform, with around 2.8 billion active monthly users. It also appeals to many demographics, including both younger and older social media users. You can create a business page and use it to engage with your audience alongside Facebook Ads that hyper-target relevant customers, reaching the right people at the correct times.
Regardless of your industry or specific business type, Facebook is compatible with just about every brand. It’s widely accessible and allows you to provide customers with specified information about your business, like how it was founded and why. Engaging with your audience lets you customize and personalize your voice to humanize your brand while addressing customer concerns.
2. Instagram
For more visually focused social media marketing, Instagram is optimal. This tool provides plenty of promotional opportunities through its visual focus and video options, along with its recent entry into the realm of e-commerce. Using visual branding on Instagram, you'll have the chance to put a face to your business while developing your brand. At the same time, you'll be able to use this platform to effectively measure branding through audience engagement and other metrics.
Keep in mind that Instagram’s audience consists of younger users. You can target these audiences by using trending hashtags that are relevant to your business and industry. Through this type of digital targeting, you'll be able to resonate with Instagram's audiences and further establish your brand. Instagram is an effective and versatile tool because its visuals capture audience attention and allow you to combine standard promotional material with a more humble approach to your business. You can share upcoming events or products and put a face to your company by highlighting your staff and workers.
3. Twitter
If you want to engage more directly with your audiences, Twitter offers many opportunities for more personalized messaging. In doing so, you can form a more human connection that further lends personality to your business. You can learn more about both your customers and competitors by following their activity on the platform. With effective Twitter marketing behind your business, you can drive even more brand engagement and build a loyal following.
To get the most from your Twitter marketing efforts, you can also use Twitter ads, which are highly successful at reaching consumers. The rate of engagement for Twitter ads can be as high as 1-3%. As many marketers overlook this ad platform, you can more easily gain a competitive edge by using it for advertising.
4. Pinterest
What makes Pinterest stand apart from other social media platforms is its unique focus on lifestyle elements and home decor. Both of these focal points offer ample creative advertising opportunities for reaching a dedicated audience. While the chief demographic for Pinterest is currently women, its demographics are shifting as more men have begun to join the platform.
Pinterest is underutilized as an ad platform, despite how well ads perform on it. That can give your brand the chance to benefit from the platform's incredibly high ad performance and differentiate your brand from less engaged competitors. Pinterest’s crafty content inspires ideas, and its users engage with it more as a result. You can educate your audience and increase demand for your products by showcasing your ingenuity.
5. LinkedIn
If you want to primarily target industry professionals and develop deep connections within your industry, LinkedIn is your best platform. B2B companies can use LinkedIn as an advertising platform, but they can also use it to recruit talent and make press releases. You'll have the ability to become a thought leader in your industry by providing helpful information and conducting webinars on the platform.
As you connect with other professionals and businesses in your industry, you can gain authority that puts you ahead of the competition. That can establish your company and its leadership at a high standing, which can help expand your industry connections.
Save Money And Get Great Results With Social Media Marketing
Regardless of your business's individual needs and the platforms you use, social media is one of the best starting points for your advertising strategy. These platforms offer a cost-effective and efficient way to promote your business, allowing you to connect with audiences on a more personal level. Your business will need to advertise eventually and social media is a cost-effective way to start that will also strengthen your other strategies.
