As a small business owner in 2021, it is imperative that you are active on social media. Social media offers a great opportunity to spread content, build relationships, share valuable information, and so much more! But with over 250 social media platforms, how do you choose what is best for your business and digital marketing strategy?
Whether you are an established business, are getting ready to expand, or just starting out, ensuring you are on the right social platforms is crucial for success. Below are four tips for choosing the best channels for your small business.
4 Tips For Choosing The Best Social Media Platforms For Your Business
- Consider Your Customers & Audience: If you are trying to put your content and develop relationships with your customers and audience, you need to be where they are. So, you will want to make sure they are active on the social media platforms you are thinking about choosing. For example, if you want to be active on Facebook, but your audience is on YouTube, you should set up a YouTube channel.
One thing to keep in mind is most users are active on more than one social media platform. While your customers and audience is incredibly important, there are several other factors to take into consideration before choosing your channels.
- Align With Your Business: When considering which social media platforms to use for your business, be sure to take into consideration your business goals, values, and vision. Thinking about these items can help you make your decision. Also, consider the services and products you offer. If they are highly visual, you might consider starting an Instagram to showcase your work before you sign up for Facebook.
In addition, think about WHY you want to be social media in the first place. Is it because you want to share your work, content, or products? Or are you looking to connect with others in your industry and clients? Each platform caters to a unique audience that will help you decide which is best for you and your business.
- Factor In Your Time: Social media posts can be planned out and scheduled, however, it still does take a bit of time. Not only do you need to produce the content to share, but also respond to comments and consumer messages. The amount of time you have available per week can help you decide which platforms to be active on and how frequently you choose to post.
If your company has a full-time employee that handles your marketing, you can be active on several platforms. But if you are a one-person show, you might consider selecting one or two channels. The important thing to keep in mind is that it is better to do one social media platform really well than to be on several platforms and be active sparingly.
- Understand the Channels: Every social media channel is different, has different functions, and appeals to different audiences. Before you decide which platforms to be active on, do your research on them and you could easily find that one platform is better for you than another. For example, LinkedIn is great for B2B conversations and sharing professional support where TikTok is perfect for sharing short videos, humor, and dance.
Choosing What Is Best For You
With nearly 4.5 billion users active on social media, it is crucial for you to do your research and take time when selecting which platforms are best for your business. Each channel appeals to different audiences, which might be different from your customers. Additionally, choosing a network that aligns with your business will make it easier to connect with your customers. However, you will want to factor in your time and available resources as social media can take a bit of time. Finally, look into the channels before selecting it to make sure it will relay your message in an effective way and drive sales.
If you are considering a new social media strategy and are in need of a little support, contact SharpFinn Creative. We offer social media services for small businesses across the US. Our team is experienced with a variety of markets, industries, and businesses. Schedule a consultation or let’s grab a cup of coffee soon!