If you find the soft aesthetic of Instagram influencers and the mesmerizing dances on Tik Tok nothing short of intoxicating, you're not the only one. With more than a half-billion users daily between these two platforms, these and other social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter have consumers' attention in almost every age group.
Social media has been the darling of the digital marketing world for several years. Although some brands and businesses have seen an incredible amount of success, others still aren't sure exactly how to effectively use social media to promote their brands and grow their businesses. It's a bit like throwing ideas to the wall and seeing what sticks, which is a good strategy for cooking pasta but not great for a marketing strategy.
The Wide World of Apps
You may be familiar with the big hitters in social media, but according to InfluencerMarketingHub.com, more than 100 different social media apps are on the market, and new ones popping up every day. From Untappd, a social media platform for craft beer fans, to Twitch, a streaming platform loved by gamers, if there’s a niche, you can likely find a social media platform that caters to it.
Niche social media platforms can be an excellent place for strategic marketing to your audience. Larger, well-known platforms benefit brand awareness, fill your funnel, and help you to learn about your audience. But there's one thing that applies to your overall social media plan: it's impossible to be everywhere at once.
Here are four considerations before you jump into a new social media platform.
Know Your Audience
LinkedIn has a hugely different audience than Snapchat. Facebook doesn't have the same audience as Reddit. The first key to discovering if a social platform is right for you is to research the audience. It doesn't matter how great your content is if your audience isn't there to see it.
Be Aware of Your Time
Great content isn't always simple to create, and if you're going to jump into a new social platform, give it your best stuff! Remember, quality is better than quantity. If sub-par social media content on a new platform monopolizes your time, it's not worth it. Your time is too valuable to do things that aren't making you money.
Recognize The Curves
New social media accounts have two kinds of curves: learning curves and growth curves. New platforms can be challenging to learn, and you'll be starting at square one, building your audience. Is navigating these "curves" worth your time as a busy business owner? If the answer is no, skip creating a business account!
Identify What's Working
If you determine a new platform is worth starting, keep track of your growth and ROI regularly. Remember, it will typically take time to get any actual results from a new social media platform. But if you've spent a few months stagnant, move on.
Social media can be fun and rewarding to your business but can also be a source of unnecessary stress. Keep in mind that you don't have to jump into every social media tool! Let our team help guide you to the perfect strategy.