In today’s business climate, it’s almost critical to have a strong social media presence. This is where most future consumers go to first to research companies. Your business’ existence establishes credibility and trust with online visitors. To maximize opportunities, it is best to exist on multiple channels and be knowledgeable of how to position your business for the best results. Each platform has specific features and audiences that set them apart from their competitors. In this article we will dive into the benefits of Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Facebook is one of the longest standing social media platforms-it’s existed for 17 years. That is probably why it has roughly 2 billion users which ranks it the #1 used social network. Some profile owners have been able to witness this network evolve from just a collegiate network to a utopia of diverse opportunity. One of the benefits of using Facebook for business is subjectively obvious; you’ll have a large audience. With such a large audience, the possibilities are endless.
Paid ads through Facebook can be monitored for effectiveness. Users can track insights such as the amount of people reached, post engagement, # of sales, etc. FB ads also helps business owners build email lists, drive traffic to their websites, showcase products, network with others in their industry etc. Reaching those untapped markets becomes more promising because users will be able to see your sponsored ad in their feeds based upon the interests, demographics, and hobbies you selected in the setup. 75% of Facebook’s users have an income above $75k and are mostly between the ages of 25-35 so that means businesses have high potential of transitioning from leads to actual conversions.
Since Instagram is owned by Facebook, it functions similarly. It has been around 10 years and has over 1 billion users. The contrast between IG and FB is in its content. Instagram is more image focused than Facebook. Videos and photos for posts and stories are the basis of attraction for this platform. In terms of content, Facebook is more multifaceted with its features to create groups, shop, create events, shop, plus share videos and photos like IG. Depending on what a user is more drawn to determines which platform is more beneficial. For visual learners, Instagram may serve them best. The same ads from Facebook can be ran on Instagram and be fed to the audiences selected within the Facebook ad manager.
TikTok
TikTok (owned by The ByteDance) is the new kid on the block when it comes to social media. It made debut in September of 2016, so it has existed almost 5 years now and has grown to approximately 100 million users. Its popularity is rooted in dance challenges and unique trends. This platforms suits video lovers who enjoy content that entertains, inspires, and informs. It’s especially beneficial for those with short attention spans as the videos are only 15 seconds long. Brands easily go viral on TikTok if they can be creative with merging its content with TikTok trends and the needs of its consumers. Users often report that the algorithm is more user-friendly than other social media networks.
Ads are a newer offer with TikTok. Ad campaigns on TikTok are cost-effective, provide analytics, targets specified audiences, and provide customer support. As with Facebook, business owners can set their budget, upload the content with an ad copy and Call-to-action, then launch their ad.
Finally, there’s LinkedIn which is primarily geared toward business professionals. Most businesses exist on LinkedIn-even those big fortune 500 companies. If you’re in the job market, whether you’re an employer or job seeker, LinkedIn is highly beneficial for you. Your profile consist of basic info, but also gives visitors a look into your background and past/current work experience. Since it’s a place where business individuals connect, users are more receptive to direct messaging. You don’t have to fear your approach being viewed as unprofessional.
LinkedIn also provides promotions of business with ad campaigns. Users have the option of sponsored content, sponsored inmail, and/or text ads. Native ads are ads that
appear in the LinkedIn feeds. Sponsored inmail are personalized, targeted LinkedIn messages whereas texts ads are simple pay-per-click or cost-per-click desktop ads.
All LinkedIn’s Campaign manager option provide a streamline user experience. Businesses can simultaneously create, measure, and optimize advertisements.
Most businesses employ social media managers and/or social media departments to runs their platforms because they are keenly aware of the significance of online marketing. As already stated, it is best to exist on all social media platforms for the best results. Traditional methods still hold importance with businesses today, but solely it’s likely not as profitable as an omni-channel approach. Excluding online markets is risky and is likely leaving money on the table for your business.
