There are currently more than a billion websites worldwide – each clamouring for our attention. No wonder companies have shifted their focus to social media. It’s costs time rather than money and gives a direct line to customers, although standing out from the crowd is still a challenge. So, what’s your plan?
Choose wisely. All social channels are not created equal.
Most businesses start the year with their eyes fixed on increasing revenue by securing more customers. Some chase every new social platform, spreading themselves thinly. Those who make most impact, take the time to know their audience and the networks they’re already using, then focus their efforts there.
Where’s your community?
Humans are pack animals. We search for groups and brands that mirror our beliefs, inspire us and make us feel comfortable. To be considered, companies have to build caring, responsive online personalities and establish themselves where their customers can easily find them.
YouTube, not only is it the second biggest social media site, it’s the second largest search engine after Google. Over 90% of 18-44 year old internet users watch videos on YouTube and it has over 1.9 billion monthly active users.
Snapchat’s fleeting format appeals to the predominantly 13-24 years old using the app. It’s taken a hit since Instagram Stories was introduced and other addictive apps like TikTok but it still boasts 255 million monthly active users.
Facebook is still all about family and friends. It was the original sharing tool and the biggest users are females in their thirties. Fans don’t want to be sold to, but they do want brands to behave as friends, providing behind the scenes information, first looks and special treatment.
Twitter is the place for news, entertainment, sports, politics, and most importantly, almost real time customer service reviews! This is also the platform where journalists and media gauge public interest, solicit opinion and find the stories that matter.
LinkedIn was traditionally a tool for job seekers and business to business networking. It has an almost equal male/female audience but skews to the fifty plus category, providing a discussion platform as well as a place to showcase your authority in an industry.
Instagram has 1 billion monthly active users, with a higher female than male following. It communicates in pictures and tends to attract teens to late twenties. Since advertising has been introduced it hasn’t affected its popularity as a platform.
Pinterest lets you create virtual pin boards to share your world in images. This visually rich tool has fired imaginations across generations, with teens through to grandparents sharing and contributing daily.
Be authentic and watch out for the next big thing
Now that everyone with a smartphone in their pocket is able to share their experiences, your online personality has never been more important. New messaging apps and tools are always emerging to curb our cravings for real-time information. The year ahead promises to be just as exciting – which is great news for individuals and a continuing challenge for company reputations!