Social media takes the lead as one of the most popular and powerful marketing tools in today’s digital age, especially since it opens the opportunity to create deeper, meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. While social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and newcomers such as TikTok dominate the saturated scene, it’s important to know that signing up on all available channels doesn’t automatically mean you’re growing your online presence.
Putting all your marketing eggs in several virtual baskets will only spread your impact too thinly, especially if you don’t focus on improving your social media game on the channels that your target audience actually uses. Don’t let your efforts miss their mark, and ensure you hit your marketing goals by curating your social media approach! Here are some of the pros and cons of the heavy-hitters on social media today.
Choosing the Best Social Media Channels For Your Marketing Goals
1. Facebook
The “king of social media” is definitely the first place you should be on social media if you’re interested in growing your brand and audience. Facebook is used by over 1.5 billion people in over 200 countries, so it’s the best place to start if you’re trying to reach a wide audience.
A big plus point for Facebook is that many people log into Facebook daily, making it easier for content on your page to be seen by many people over a short period of time. However, some users have justifiably pointed out that Facebook has been a loss for brands, especially since you’re fighting for attention and the news feed algorithm can be pretty unpredictable.
2. Instagram
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media channels, especially with the younger crowd. Instagram also has a high engagement rate, a great opportunity for brands to reach out to their targeted audience.
Instagram also has a high “virality” rate, which means the app is a great tool to share branded content with audiences. From the hashtag to the “swipe up video” feature, Instagram makes it easy for brands to share stories that are visual and easily shareable.
That said, Instagram is still a source of confusion for brands wanting to improve their marketing strategy. There’s a risk of not reaching a big enough audience due to the lack of targeting options.
3. Twitter
Twitter is a low-key tool that’s often forgotten. As a marketing tool, you can only really use Twitter to engage with your audience and be known for your witty, short messages.
While it has a relatively small user base, Twitter does have some great perks. The 140-character limit helps cut the fat and allows brands to communicate a message quickly, which is important in the current marketing environment where you need to get your message across in less time expected.
4. YouTube
YouTube is one of the go-to platforms for almost all types of businesses. The sheer depth of information offered through YouTube videos and the high engagement rate of users on the platform make YouTube a great place to sell your products and services, but only if your marketing plan includes videos.
5. TikTok
TikTok is one of the more recent apps to enter the social media scene, and it has been making waves since its launch in 2018. As a platform, TikTok is a combination of short videos and music, making it a great place to share and discover content.
However, TikTok itself is still lacking in terms of a marketing strategy – it doesn’t have the right tools that brands need to launch and grow their brands. But if you’re looking to reach a younger audience, TikTok might be the right place.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Social Media Channels to Grow Your Brand
Getting started on social media is easy. You don’t need to spend too much time or money to have a great online presence. But where should you begin? To improve your online presence, it’s important to take a step back and choose the right social media channels to suit your business goals and audience.
Overall, social media marketing is a relatively new strategy that is constantly changing. You need to stay on top of the varying demands of your target audience and adjust your marketing strategies to cater to their needs. Don’t be afraid to try new things, and ensure that your social media marketing game is strong!
Who Can Help You?
If you’re looking for a creative agency in California that will help you build your business and create a strong online community, C/C/G can help you.
We’re a full-service digital marketing agency that focuses on developing strategic and creatively driven output that unlocks innovative solutions that connect your brand to your clients and customers. Learn more about how we can help you today!