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Social Media: Which Social Media Platforms Should You Focus On?

We are constantly being bombarded with new social media platforms that pop up or become the new “shiny toy”.  It becomes hard to remember them all as we consider the big networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc) and the newer networks that are becoming more mainstream (Pinterest, Instagram etc), as well as the buzz-worthy platforms like SnapChat, Secret, SocialPop and more.

When starting a new business, rebranding, or building a strategy for an existing company, which social platforms should be part of the mix?  Below I will outline the top 4 social media platforms that any company should use.

Facebook

In Q3 of 2013, Facebook announced that they had 1.19 billion monthly active users.  With these mind boggling numbers, you can’t afford not to be on Facebook.   While there are many success stories of new customer acquisition and increased sales from Facebook, focus on interacting with your customers and let them get to know your business and vice versa.  Think of Facebook as a huge population where you have the ability to narrow the focus to your target audience and build a community around your brand.

Twitter

Twitter really shadows how our culture moves at a breakneck speed, and with only 140 characters allowed, can mimic how we communicate as well.  While most posts for Facebook tend to be once or twice a day, Twitter reacts in real time.  A perfect recent example, Olympian Johnny Quinn was locked in his bathroom at Sochi and tweeted the aftermath of breaking down the door. Michael DiLauro tweeted back “When done winning gold come help @consumerreports test door locks”

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LinkedIn

According to LinkedIn, there are over 277 million registered users worldwide, with 93 million in the US.  Unlike Facebook or Twitter, LinkedIn is considered the social platform for business because it allows you to focus on your company, your products and your industry.  If you’ve set up your company page, there are a few simple things you need to do be successful.  First, make sure you fill in all the nooks and crannies of your profile and SEO your company description by using keywords and links effectively. Second, either create a group or participate in a group.  Make sure to stay active and answer questions that your colleagues may have.  Lastly, content is Queen, follow the “rule of thirds” and post content that is engaging and will accumulate more followers.

Google+

Many people are still on the fence about creating a personal Google+ profile, but if you’re a business, it’s a must.  We all labor in trying to SEO our own websites, for me that is the primary reason to create a Google+ page, the SEO benefit.  The second biggest benefit is Google+ Local, which is different from Google Places.  Additional benefits can include creating industry circles, creating your Google+ Local page, and have a Hangout with remote colleagues, for business development or a video webinar.

 

I’ve met many people who have not yet adopted social media marketing.  The idea that “We don’t need to be on Social Media, we’re doing fine without it” will not work in 2014.  The world is becoming more connected and more virtual.  Whether it is personal or business, we all need to grow and expand our horizons with each new technological and cultural age.  Get your profile started today, you won’t regret it.  For a complimentary Social Media evaluation, please contact us.