There are a large amount of factors that go into deciding what social media outlet you should be using to present your business. We’ve created this blog post to help you decide if you should be only on a select few or all social media sites. Also, if your business industry falls under the industry categories we specify below each social outlet, you should consider creating the social profiles that will reach your customers. Please note that some networks require more work than others, but overall, they are about being social with your consumers and building brand awareness and recognition.
Facebook
No questions asked, everyone should be using Facebook as part of their social media plan. It is the number one social outlet used. In the past few years Facebook has really been catering to business’s advertisements with the most specific demographics available to target your audience. Along with Facebook’s business pages, everything can stream onto your Facebook page. This makes it easier if you want to post on Instagram and have the photo show on your Facebook page. Be cautious with this since having the same content on every social outlet can do more damage than good.
Industries: ALL
Instagram
This is a debatable social media outlet and this can really depend on who your customer base is. For example, an industrial producer that sells business to business probably won’t need an Instagram account. Unless they produce goods that are sold to the consumer market then yes. Instagram is used more for business to consumer and doesn’t do as well with business to business.
Industries: Consumer goods and services, food and beverage, health care, fire arms and explosives, telecommunications and media, printing and publishing
Twitter
After running a few businesses using Twitter, people who use Twitter for business to business are just retweeting without even reading the content. Or they’ll read a paragraph and ‘quote’ it. If you want this social network to add value your business, you need to put the time in. Search #’s and really just read and generate conversation with users, business professionals, and the network. However, unless you’re putting the time in, don’t expect much out of it.
Industries: ALL
Google+
Google+ is essential for your search engine optimization. This site is similar to Twitter. Unless you really take the time to converse with customers and other businesses you won’t benefit from it. These sites are both time investments, but can have big payouts, especially since some users have sworn off Facebook.
Industries: ALL
Youtube
Videos are the most valuable content online and the growth in this category is not slowing down for a few good reasons:
- Viewers can multitask by listening and watching
- Videos are more entertaining than text and more effective
- Video is interactive and provides a much higher user experience
There’s a good reason video is the most valuable content. This platform works with multiple senses and allows for a much higher retention. If your business is selling complex products or services, look into video as a way to promote your business and create a personalized YouTube channel, like we have at Levitate Media Group.
Industries: ALL
The most important thing to remember is that Pinterest is a site that gives you shelf space. Fashion, makeup, fitness and lifestyle bloggers see the most success with Pinterest, especially if they have a vast following already on their other social media platforms. If you fall in the category of selling a product that goes directly to the consumer you should have a Pinterest page. More importantly a “Pin It” icon should be next to your store on your website, blog, Amazon store, etc..
Industries: Consumer goods and services, financial services, food and beverage, health care, fire arms and explosives, telecommunications and media, printing and publishing
LinkedIn
LinkedIn is solely for businesses and their professionals. This site is golden for a company that sells business to business. Aside from your personal professional page, you should also create a profile for your business. Make sure that you are keeping it updated by posting things about your company or commenting on businesses you work with.
Industries: Any business that identifies as B2B
Blogs
Content is king with SEO, remember that it is a long-term plan. Having a blog on your website will only enhance your business’s search results. Make sure that your blog entries are using keyword rich titles that relate to your website’s product or service. Make it a point to keep your blog updated with 2 or more entries per month using synonymous keywords throughout.
Industries: ALL
We covered the most commonly used social media outlets and whether or not your business should have a page on these sites. If you are unsure of which sites you should be using to promote your service or product, contact us at Levitate Media Group (801) 688-4246. Our team is staffed with talented marketers who can help you plan and develop your social media marketing goals.
