With so many new and emerging social media platforms, it can be difficult to know where your business fits in. Each platform has unique demographics, features and algorithms that are constantly changing (more on that here). Which platform(s) should you be on? Where will you have the most success?
While there’s no magic eight ball to answer these questions, there are some considerations that will make choosing your platform(s) easier (and a lot less overwhelming). Whether you’re just getting started on social, or looking to expand your social presence, here are some crucial factors to consider:
YOUR AUDIENCE
Perhaps one of the most important factors in any marketing campaign, your audience will help you determine which social media platform(s) will offer you the most success. Who exactly is your audience? How old are they? Where do they live? What interests them? Are they educated? How do they use social media? These are all important questions to ask yourself before jumping onto the latest new platform. Our 2023 State of Social Report will help you discover which demographics are using which platform(s).
YOUR BUSINESS
What is your business? What types of products or services do you offer? Does your brand have a developed personality? All of these considerations will greatly influence your social platform selection. If your brand is very visual or creative, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest or Lemon8 might appeal to your content and audience. If your business is service-oriented, Facebook may be a great place to generate leads. If you sell products with an array of instructional videos, YouTube might be the best host. Many businesses may lend themselves to multiple social channels, where they can connect with their audience in different ways or showcase different facets of their business.
YOUR COMPETITORS
Who are your competitors, and where do they live in the social space? Do a little competitor research to find out what platforms they’re using, how they’re engaging with their audience and what type of content they’re sharing. Then, look at what’s working for them, and what’s not, before deciding where it makes most sense for your business to have a presence. You’ll want to exist on the platforms they’re most successful if you want to grow your audience through social users.
YOUR GOALS & CONTENT
Why are you hopping on (or already on) social media in the first place? Once you’ve thought about your overall social media goals and strategy, then you can decide which platforms are best for helping you reach those goals. For example, if you’re looking to your social to help promote you as a thought leader in your industry, LinkedIn or Twitter might help you achieve that better than Instagram or Pinterest with trending topics and blog shares. If customer support is a priority for you, Facebook might be a great platform to start. If capturing attention through photos and video or connecting with lifestyle influencers for product promotion is a goal for you, Instagram might be your platform. If you’re looking to social for e-commerce capability or product/service ads, Instagram or Facebook can give you a boost.
YOUR BANDWIDTH
Effectively managing a social media account (ie. engaging with your audience on a regular basis, utilizing your social platform to its advantage, responding to users, etc.) requires a significant amount of time and energy. It’s important that you consider your team and your resources before choosing the platform(s) your business exists on. That also includes equipment and capabilities. Do you have the time and resources to edit TikTok videos or fact-check Twitter re-shares?
By the way, if you’re looking for help navigating the social world, we’re here for you!
