Three Popular Social Media Platforms and Why You Should Be on Each One.
Facebook. Twitter. Instagram. At first glance, it may seem overwhelming and even unnecessary to get your business involved in each one. Isn't it more important to run a business than waste time catering to three different social media platforms? This question could not be further from the truth—in order to hit different demographics and reach the broadest audience possible, you simply have to find your place on each platform. And here’s why:
If you have any doubts about Instagram’s effectiveness, one thing is for sure: Instagram allows businesses to expand their outreach.
There are over one billion users on Instagram.
500 million of which are active, daily users.
75 percent of people between the ages of 18-24 use Instagram.
57 percent of people between ages 25–30
47 percent of people between ages 30–49
Basically, if you are not on Instagram, you are missing out on a huge opportunity to reach consumers. Instagram also has specific features that will allow you to grow your business. By choosing to turn your account into a business profile you can maximize Instagram’s benefits. Business profiles allow you to see consumer insights and reach your target audience through advertisements and promotions. Instagram allows you to interact with your customers and followers in a unique way. By using the story, poll, and Q&A features, you can make your audience not only more accustomed to your brand, but also to you; something a lot of consumers appreciate. This platform is a place that allows you to post content that may not work as well on others. This is the place to get creative and create that perfect aesthetic!
Compared to Instagram and Facebook, Twitter is not as widely used. Only 22 percent of adults use Twitter, but that doesn’t mean that being on the platform isn’t important. Twitter is the perfect place to give your brand a personality. Being witty and humorous on Twitter is highly encouraged and can create a positive buzz about your company provided it is done respectfully. This platform allows you to spread your information easily. With the retweet and like buttons, customers have the opportunity to spread your message to their own followers; they can even showcase their own opinion on your post with the quote tweet option. This is a huge reason why being on Twitter is so important. Your own followers can serve as free advertisers. Who doesn’t like a free promotion? Twitter is also highly useful when needing to promote information in a timely manner. The maximum length of a Tweet is 280 characters. That being said, this platform is perfect for concise, straight to the point information. Instead of worrying about what filter to use on an Instagram post in order to maintain aesthetic, you really only have to worry about the message and what it conveys
Facebook has the widest variety of users out of all of the social media platforms discussed. Facebook has increasingly become less popular with younger generations who tend to gravitate more toward other platforms (which is why it’s important to use the platforms listed above!). Still, 69 percent of U.S. adults tend to use Facebook, making it the most widely used social media platform to date. If you’re not on Facebook, some consumers may not even consider you a reliable business. Facebook is the perfect platform to promote your business. It can provide necessary information such as location, hours, pricing, contact information, and access to your business’s website. Having a business page allows consumers to leave reviews and posts about their own experiences with your brand. Giving the opportunity to actual customers to compliment your business will add a level of credibility that you cannot achieve on your own. As always, you have the opportunity to upload your own pictures and videos, as well as written posts. Like Twitter, Facebook allows users to repost by using the share button. While sharing, users have the opportunity to write their own comment on top of your post. Again, this type of marketing helps attract more customers as it makes your business seem more credible. Would you prefer to hear good things about a business from the business itself or from an actual customer?
All of these platforms allow you to gain knowledge on consumer insights and your target market. It is important for you to secure a spot on all three in order to expand your outreach as much as possible. Each platform can spotlight different aspects of your business, allowing you to be creative, witty, informative, and more. If you’re missing any of these three platforms, you’re missing out. What are you waiting for?
Written in collaboration with Jane Parry from OSU The PRactice
