Social media Platforms are so well-designed and multifunctional that their uses go far beyond just keeping in touch with friends. You can use them to generate leads, build a strong online presence, support other digital marketing strategies, and even raise revenues.
But of all the options out there, which social media platforms are the most ideal for businesses? We curate the top seven here.
7 Effective Social Media Platforms for Businesses Today
The Internet has come a long way since the days of Myspace. Today, it is home to over a hundred social media platforms, ranging from the most popular, such as Facebook and Instagram, to the most obscure.
While you can explore various use cases with all of them, a few are far superior. And they deserve a spot in your holistic online marketing plan.
Here are seven of them.
1. Facebook
No list is ever complete without Facebook and for good reason. It boasts over a billion members worldwide, millions of whom are active. In other words, they engage with their friends and follow brands regularly.
Although its ad platform pales compared to that of Google and even Bing, it is still worth investing in.
Besides its incredible following, it offers you insights. This nifty tool helps you track target-specific demographics, making you less likely to waste money and resources on audiences you can never convert.
According to Digital Authority Partners (DAP), other reasons to use Facebook as a marketing tool include:
- Metaverse, which is the future of virtual engagement or interaction
- The ability to streamline and improve customer support through Messenger chatbots
- A wide range of advertising options, such as Instant Experience, which is already optimized for mobile for a more impressive user experience (UX),
- Live videos for real-time product demonstrations, webinars, and Q&As
2. Instagram
Next on the list is Instagram, which seems to have a “Cinderella story.” What was once a photo-sharing platform has grown to become a full-fledged marketing machine.
One of the best reasons to promote your business on Instagram is the visual appeal. People respond well to photos and videos because of social media platforms:
- It evokes emotion, which helps with brand recognition and recall.
- They are easily digestible, no matter how busy one’s schedule is.
- The website allows users to zoom in for more information about a product or service.
Instagram lets you play around with visual assets with its various tools, from filters to effects, colors, and layouts. Further, you can:
- Easily integrate your posts into Facebook because they share the same company
- Create reels like TikTok for longer videos
- Collect user-generated content (UGC) for social proof
- Curate content through discoverable and relatable hashtags
- Showcase your collection and connect your shop to your photos and videos
3. TikTok
TikTok might be the new kid on the block, but it can give Google a run for its money. After all, it is currently the most favored (and popular) search engine among Generation Z.
Although we are just talking about the current generation, this group’s buying power can eclipse other demographics.
But what fuels TikTok’s meteoric rise? Plenty of reasons:
- It offers a new kind of content platform, perfect for creative storytelling.
- The robust analytics ensure the app feeds you with videos that match your interests. All you have to do is check the For You Page (FYP).
- TikTok also has several advertising options and features for businesses. These include hashtag challenges, branded effects and stickers, and influencer marketing.
4. Snapchat
Snapchat does not have the same following as the other three, but that does not make it less potent in launching and growing a brand. Snapchat says their members are likelier to buy products that appear on their application than non-Snapchatters.
Why? Here are the theories:
- It is a favorite among the younger generations, such as the Gen Zs and Alphas.
- People seem to love the feeling of authenticity, freedom of self-expression, and creativity.
- Brands can show off their fun, quirky side, which makes them more relatable and lovable.
Snapchat also offers some cool features to make the most of social media marketing:
- Augmented reality (AR) lenses for more immersive ads and videos
- Geotags to showcase events and locations
- Filters that let users add their own fun flair to photos and videos
- Affordable advertising plans (you can get over $300 of credits you can use to increase your budget)
5. LinkedIn
LinkedIn is an underrated social media platforms. While it is not Facebook or TikTok when it comes to popularity and growth, it is the best place to be if you are into B2B advertising.
It:
- Has premium features like InMail and sponsored posts that allow you to target users more accurately
- It gives you access to a massive network of professionals from all over the world
- Provides a platform for companies, organizations, and individuals to showcase their services and products.
- It gives you insights into market trends, industry updates, and competitor progress
- Tailor your social media advertising techniques and budget according to your goals
6. YouTube
Do you know that the first YouTube video was about a trip to the San Diego Zoo? Now, the video-sharing platform has become an aggressive search engine, with over 2 billion active users worldwide.
Besides the plethora of content creators making videos for YouTube, businesses use the site in different ways:
- Sharing diverse videos that showcase the expertise, experience, knowledge, and product quality
- Buying ad spots to reach new customers
- Collaborating with other brands and social media influencers to increase brand awareness
- Using interactive and engaging tools like annotations, cards, polls, and end screens for better content optimization
- Creating channels for customer support
7. Twitter
Last, but certainly not least, is Twitter. The microblogging platform is popular for its real-time news, event updates, and conversations. It has also become a great avenue for building relationships with customers.
When used properly, Twitter can help you:
- Build and promote a brand as seamlessly as possible through ad types, such as Twitter Amplify, which embeds your ad to existing videos, and Twitter Takeover, where you earn a space on the Trends list and at the top of the conversations
- Boost your followers and mailing list by offering gatekeep content in exchange for a like, comment, or share
- Create a unique brand through hashtags
- Easily integrate Twitter across other social media platforms and blogs
Summing Up
As they say, different strokes for different folks. Your choice of platforms for social media advertising or marketing depends on many factors. These include your niche, objectives, budget, and demographics.
These five are a good start if you are new or want to diversify your options. But you can definitely maximize their features and benefits by working with the right people. If you need help building your social media presence, do not hesitate to contact the experts.
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