If your small business isn’t using social media, you could be losing opportunities such as increasing your customer base and engaging with customers and competitors alike. Plus, social media can be a very cost-effective way of reaching your customers in a personalized way. With so many platforms available, which platforms are best for your business?
Of course, every business should have a Facebook page. When used correctly, a Facebook page can be invaluable to a small business as this is an opportunity to engage with current and potential customers.
Instagram This visual platform is based entirely on photo and video posts, so it’s best for businesses that have strong visual content to share.
While Twitter is great for short updates, engaging with followers and sharing links to blog posts, it isn’t for every business. If you’re a highly visual business or you don’t have a strong brand voice, you may want to skip this social media network.
This is great for niche businesses, but it’s not for every businesses. Popular categories on the site are DIY projects, fashion, exercise, beauty, photography and food. That’s not to say that businesses outside of these categories can’t succeed here. It is not a place for things like sharing your business hours.
YouTube
Many businesses on YouTube have a creative, visual or educational component. The platform is heavily creative in nature, so it’s important for you to have a dedicated video editor producing content. The quality of your video reflects your business.
This is the best platform for professional networking. It’s a great place to find top talent, position yourself as an industry leader and promote your business. LinkedIn is designed to be more professional than other social media platforms and is geared toward businesses and professionals.
TikTok
OK, don’t roll your eyes at this one. It is an up and coming platform that is being used more and more by savvy businesses to reach the sometimes elusive Generation Z. You might want to look at how other businesses are using it before you try it yourself.
Not every social media platform is a good fit for every business, so invest your time and skills on the platforms where you’re most likely to reach and engage with your target audience. If you’re not sure, check the analytics monthly to see how your engagement is doing.