If you’re diving into the realm of social media for the first time, it can be quite difficult to know which social media platforms you should be wetting your toes with? Is it simply enough to be on Facebook? Do you really need to be on Twitter? What about Instagram, LinkedIn or Google+? Or should you have a presence across the board?
Think of social media like a close group of friends. Each platform is completely different with individual characteristics. You don’t interact with your friends in exactly the same way and the same can be said with social media apps.
Like with the real world of relationships, you can’t be best friends in the world with everyone. If you were to try, you would end up spreading yourself too thin. This analogy also applies to social media. It is better to pick one or two platforms and ensure the content you use is high quality than trying to embrace all of them. There are not enough hours in the day to make sure you do justice to your social media marketing if you have a presence on every platform (unless you have a social media team).
So let’s take a look at the different social media platforms and their purpose.
Experts have described Twitter as ‘Drive-through’ conversations. It’s fast, real-time snippets and is the quickest way to get information out to users.
Facebook and Google+
It’s the vessel to interact with your follows, survey users thoughts and feeling and is a way of personalising your brand. Both platforms have the potential for huge audiences.
LinkedIn is a professional, formal version of Facebook but for professionals. It’s not the place to post #FridayFunnies or engage casually with your followers. However if you are looking to attract business clients, generate leads and marketing opportunities and learn from other corporates in your field, then LinkedIn is for you.
According to sources, Instagram is bigger than Twitter and users are 58 more times likely to comment on an Instagram photo than on Facebook. Instagram is a visual medium so it will force you to get creative.
Now that you have a brief overview of the different formats and what they are for, you need to strategise about what your corporate needs are. If you have a lot of merchandise, are fairly creative and good with a camera, perhaps start with Instagram.
You don’t have to launch into all platforms at once. Simply pick a platform you are comfortable with and once you have come to grips of how it operates, then you can think about expanding. Keep in mind not to spread yourself too thin.
For more help with any social media related questions, content or graphics for your Instagram or Facebook account, or landing pages, talk to the team at XDesigns Advertising today.
