How to Decide Which Social Media Platforms Your Business Should Be On
Whenever I explain the importance of having a good social media presence as a business, I like to use the analogy of window shopping.
➡️ Imagine your social media profile as the storefront of your business - when a shopper walks by, they look into the storefront of your business and decide “I’m going to stop in and check this place out” … or they don’t.
When someone finds themselves on your social media profile, they make that same choice - do I want to follow/learn more about this business, or am I not interested?
At the same time - trying to be active on every social media platform can be overwhelming and counterproductive. Instead, focusing on one or two platforms consistently and providing quality content is far more effective than spreading yourself too thin.
Here’s how you can decide which social media platforms are right for your business.
1. Quality Over Quantity
The reality is: managing multiple platforms can dilute your efforts, leading to mediocre content and engagement. Instead, choose one or two platforms where you can consistently provide high-quality content. Key words: Consistently + Quality.
2. Comfort and Challenge
When selecting platforms, you may want to start with one you feel most comfortable using. If you're already familiar with Facebook and Instagram, begin there. Your confidence and familiarity will give you the confidence boost to continue to show up over and over again. With that said, if your ideal customer isn’t as active on that platform - challenge yourself to explore the ideal platform personally before you create a profile for your business.
Social media is ALWAYS evolving, and what’s popular today might not be tomorrow - so expanding your horizons will ensure you’re on top of the trends and platforms that are best for your business.
3. Know Your Audience
The most crucial step in choosing the right social media platforms is understanding your ideal audience. Ask yourself these questions:
Who is my ideal audience? ➡️ Think about the demographics, interests, and behaviors of your target customers.
Where do they spend their time? ➡️ Different platforms attract different audiences. For instance, younger users tend to favor TikTok and Instagram, while older audiences might prefer Facebook.
What type of content do they like to see? ➡️ Some platforms are better suited for specific types of content. Instagram is great for visual content, YouTube for long-form videos, and LinkedIn for professional articles and networking.
By answering these questions, you can align your social media strategy with the platforms where your audience is most active and engaged.
Choosing the right social media platforms for your business doesn’t have to be daunting.
Remember, it’s better to excel on one or two platforms than to have a mediocre presence on many.
Start with what you know, challenge yourself to learn something new, and always keep your audience’s preferences in mind for your social strategy.
Want to start utilizing social media and digital marketing to *actually* impact your bottom line? We're here to help you navigate the ever-evolving world of social media and achieve your business goals, send us a message about a what a Strategy Session could do for you and your business.
