With some many social media networks to choose from it can be overwhelming when you're trying to figure out which platform is the right one for your business.
When starting out on social media, it is best to try one or two social media sites, and then once you've mastered them, move on to others.
But how do you choose which social media platform to start with?
It all depends on your goals and target audience. Think about what you want to achieve by engaging in social media. It could be to generate customer feedback, share information about your business, or to talk directly to your customers.
Here are a few of the top social media sites and how you can use them to further your brand.
Facebook
Facebook is a great platform for customer engagement and feedback. By gaining more followers, your business can capitalise by sending a message directly out to that audience. Facebook can also be used to drive customers back to your website by sharing interesting blog posts, the latest offers or other engaging content. This can be increased by promoting your posts with Facebook advertising.
Twitter
Twitter works better when used as an individual as opposed to a brand. It's great for connecting with other influencers, getting the latest news and also to promote your own thought leadership and personal brand.
Twitter is also a useful hub in researching and finding information about a topic and your target audiences. One of the biggest tips for Twitter is to stick to your niche, don't try to be everything to everyone. The platform is full of communities ready for you to tap into.
YouTube
If you want to showcase your presenting and speaking skills, YouTube is for you. YouTube is great because it puts a face and personality to your business. Creating videos can be resource heavy but it is one of the most engaging ways to present your content and connect with your audience.
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a B2B must have. LinkedIn was created for building professional relationships and networking. By also creating a company page, you can position your company in your relevant industry and connect with people who can help you build your brand.
Instagram
Instagram is all about visuals. It is great for B2C businesses or those with a creative element. With Instagram you have to get arty, and by using hashtags you will be able to gain likes and followers quickly. Business owners who want to have a bit of fun, or have visually aesthetic work, Instagram is ideal.
It is essential to know what each social media platform can offer your business because it can save you time, money and effort that can be put to better use in another aspect of your business.
About the author
Catriona Pollard is the author of From Unknown To Expert, a step by step framework designed to help entrepreneurs develop effective PR and social media strategies to become recognised as influencers in their field. www.unknowntoexpert.com
Catriona is also the director of CP Communications, which merges traditional PR tactics with cutting-edge social media strategies that engage consumers as well as business. www.cpcommunications.com.au
Follow Catriona:
Twitter: @catrionapollard
Facebook: www.facebook.com/catrionapollard
Blogs: www.catrionapollard.com | www.unknowntoexpert.com/blog