Let’s get social: Which social platform should you use
- Hopkins Creative Group
- Oct 8, 2022
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 21, 2024
Do you ever wonder how much the world has changed since the introduction of social media? Social media gives us the opportunity to connect with people and businesses across the globe. It feels surreal to know that the internet, social media, and other digital marketing advancements have allowed such amazing development. People and businesses have shifted to digital operations where a heavy emphasis is on social media marketing.
Some might argue that social media isn't a great tool to reach consumers, promote your business and build your brand, but statistics say otherwise. Social media is a marvelous tool to drive traffic and promote your company. In fact, statistically, 78% of consumers are comfortable choosing a brand over competitors after a personable experience on social media.
Read on as we introduce some of the common social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn and TikTok. Throughout this blog, we will discuss the basics of these channels and how you can build your brand by using them in your day-to-day business operations.
Instagram is the fourth most popular platform used by businesses to promote their products or services. It’s a free application wherein you can upload photos and videos to share with your community.
You may have heard the phrase, “let’s do it for the gram” in day-to-day conversations with friends and colleagues. If not, it basically means posting a cool update for your friends/followers to check out. Instagram has a reputation for that.
In addition to posting videos and pictures, your business can expand its digital presence by setting up an Instagram Shop, communicating fun updates using Reels, and live streaming to introduce your brand, team, products and more. Check out our beginner’s guide to Instagram for a more in-depth explanation of some of the platform's most popular features.
Facebook, now known as Meta, has changed a lot since it was first launched in 2004. This free, online platform was developed to connect college students with each other, before eventually being opened up to the public. Facebook is now used to connect with people all over the world - long-lost friends, family members, old classmates and more. Similar to Instagram, Facebook allows you to share updates, photos, videos and live streams. You can also now sell products through the platform. The 1.56 billion daily active users of Facebook provide marketers with a huge pool of opportunities. Businesses can create public pages to advertise their products, chat with customers, gather customer insights, promote company services and build excitement about future offers.
With the transition to Meta, Facebook has also created a suite within the main platform built specifically for businesses and influencers. The Meta Business Suite can help companies plan and schedule content, create a variety of advertisements, cross-post to Instagram, and evaluate content and audience metrics.
Initially started as an SMS-based communications platform where folks would update statuses as a way to let their friends know about any cool things happening, Twitter has evolved into one of the most popular social media platforms available, with over 100 million active users, sending over 500 million tweets daily. Twitter allows businesses to connect with their target audience and share updates and opinions. Your business can use Twitter to create excitement about upcoming company news. Interacting and engaging in appropriate conversations with customers and other businesses on Twitter can showcase your business’s willingness to engage with the audience, further encouraging them to connect with you.
One thing to note is Twitter’s 140-character limit on postings. This can sometimes challenge marketers and copywriters who try to claim the attention of their audience within the limited availability of words. In addition, Twitter recently added an option to edit previously posted tweets (currently in beta-test), an option that users have been patiently waiting for.
With over 750 million registered members, LinkedIn also offers users the option to post updates and thought pieces, share content, post polls, engage with others content and send messages to other members. Unlike Facebook and Instagram, where users post vibrant photos from their summer vacation or updates on their child’s graduation, posts on LinkedIn focus on more professional updates.
The strategy to achieve success in LinkedIn’s algorithm is to take a different approach. The idea is more about building relationships versus selling your product or service. However, you can leverage your network to connect with other entrepreneurs or join industry and interest groups to talk about current business issues and relevant news. Additionally, business owners can create business profile pages where they can build brand awareness and engage with professional audiences.
For those who like picturesque, vision boards, then Pinterest is for you. This creative platform not only helps users visualize a goal, but it’s also great for learning (65% of the population are visual learners). This online platform can help you find food recipes, outfit ideas, workout routines or other inspiring pins.
Pinterest allows you to create subject pin boards where you can save a collection of ideas, or create your own pins to reference later. Businesses can use Pinterest to educate over 235 million international users, share tips and tricks or best practices, or promote their business by showcasing videos or other creative ways to use their product or service. Your virtual vision boards and pins allow and encourage individuals to follow your page.
TikTok
globally is none other than TikTok. Centering around video clips ranging from 30 seconds to 3 minutes, you can personalize the content to cater to your target audience.
Implementing strategic campaigns paired with current trends, music, relevant hashtags, effects and more, will allow you to not only relate to current customers but also allow your potential audience to learn more about your brand or business. TikTok provides users an opportunity to target 58.38% of the world’s audience (ages 18-29) with 48% of those individuals coming from the U.S. . Since TikTok is still growing, a best practice is to familiarize yourself with your for-you page, relevant hashtags, current page trends.
Your business can utilize every digital resource available if allocated appropriately. Digital marketing continues to dominate the marketing world and we recognize the cumbersome processes and abundant opportunities it brings with it. There are an array of options available for you to use, and it can be overwhelming to know which one is best for your business.
A key decision-making factor would be your target audience. Social media platforms allow you to virtually reach anyone and everyone depending on their area and internet access. With the combination of a carefully curated social media plan, algorithm research, and professional help from agencies like The Hopkins Creative Group, your brand can “blow up” on social media bringing in some great customers, clients, revenue, and most importantly, goodwill.
At The Hopkins Creative Group, we work with our clients to ensure they are activating the right social media platforms for their business. Efficiency and effectiveness are our core values, and we are here to assist with your marketing needs.
Contact us for a free consultation today.
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