Most of the times, we search for a business more instantly on Facebook rather than on Google. Why? Because being on Facebook is the new badge of authenticity. While Google is still the King in the search league, social media presence is becoming as necessary as having a website. Especially those small businesses that cannot afford the cost attached with creating a full-fledged website, they start-off with a Facebook page and it’s pretty cool!
When the business decides to have its presence on social media, the question that often arises is: which platform to focus on or which platform is best for my business? In order to create a social media strategy for your business, you must understand how each platform works. Gone are the days when copy/pasting the same content on all channels used to work. On each platform, the audience is different and it is your responsibility to find which platform is best suited for your business.
Also Read: When Pakistanis fail to understand Online Advertising!
To make it easy for you, here’s a small guide to choose the best platform(s) for your business. Take the hints and make the most of whatever you choose.
1. Facebook
What type of content? – Anything and everything that is related to your target audience. Videos work best, though.
Who should use it? Anyone and everyone including your grandpa and pets.
Post frequency? Ideally, Quality over quantity but once a day is ideal.
How to stand out? Ask this from yourself. Would you ever share a post on your timeline that boasts in bold fonts that “We are the leading xyz providers in town” – Obviously NO (All caps intended). In contrast, you share, like and comment on posts that create engagement, ask questions and deliver a message or value to you.
Facebook’s algorithm is made to spread stories as they get responses. Your comment appears on your friend’s newsfeed and their comments appear on yours. This is the ideal way to growth hack your leads and once they start liking what you say, convert them into your customers subliminally.
Indepth Read: Harnessing the Power of Facebook Ads – Part One: Understanding the Basics
Bonus Tip: Use platforms like MeetEdgar that repeats your favorite posts if you forget to update your Facebook page any day.
2. Twitter
What type of content? Text, links and small videos. Hashtags are a MUST.
Who should use it? Individuals and Organizations both. Especially politicians, celebrities and public figures
Frequency? As many as possible
How to stand out? Twitter doesn’t sleep. People tweet 500 million tweets per day and their feed is cluttered with mini opinions, jokes and discussions. You have to be smart enough to convey your message with less but correct and witty words.
You have to follow the hashtags religiously that are relevant to your business to stay updated with what people are talking about. Tweet them, retweet them and if nothing, hit like but do everything fast and daily because Twitter needs more of you with fewer words. We assure that conversation relevant to your business is happening on Twitter. The question is: are you taking part in it?
Bonus Tip: Stockpile your daily tweets for a month in advance and schedule them using tools like Buffer and Hootsuite so you work on creating real-time engagement with hashtags.
3. Instagram
What type of content? Pictures and videos.
Who should use it? Photographers, celebrities, PR agencies, Bloggers and Makeup artists.
Frequency? Ideally once a day.
How to stand out? Instagram was initially launched as a website for photographers which later turned into a platform to share pictures for everyone. Hashtags on this platform are very useful but links should be avoided.
Instagram, especially after the launch of its stories feature is ideal to cover small events and talks. Businesses that want to share stuff real-time can make the most of Instagram. The filters on the platform will make your pictures look best.
Instagram is also the best place to run give away campaigns for your brands. Endorsements from Influencers and bloggers relevant to your industry will give you brand much-needed eye-balls with very less amount.
Also read: Instagram To Introduce a New Policy For Influencer Marketing
Bonus Tip: Host a loop giveaway on your Instagram page and partnering with multiple brands. The goal of a partnership is to pool the followers and have them follow along with all the participant accounts in order to win a giveaway. Read more about pool campaign here.
4. Snapchat
What type of content? Pictures and videos
Who should use it? Individuals and B2C businesses.
Frequency? As much as you want
How to stand out? Having more than 100m daily active users and above 400 million snaps per day, Snapchat is one of the fastest growing social networks. For businesses especially in the B2B category, Snapchat may not be the ideal platform for you to advertise on because the platform is flocked by teenagers mostly. As according to a report, 71% of snapchat users fall into the 18-34 age bracket which is mostly young adults.
Snapchat provides an amazing opportunity to cover live events as your story and also to send snaps privately. You can also post some #BTS about your brand or event to make people curious. Many brands hire influencers and give them access to take over their SC for a day.
Also Read: How Brands Can Capitalize on Trending Content
Bonus Tip: You can also create your own Geofence filter on Snapchat and submit it. After approval, people will be able to use your snapchat filter in the designated area marked by you. To read more about how to submit, check this.
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