LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram – which is right for my business?
In 2022, platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and even TikTok are now crucial for business success.
Over the past decade, consumer behaviour has changed, with customers now appreciating the personability that brands create with their marketing. It’s no longer about strictly selling products in every social media post. Instead, it’s about connecting with users on a personal level, with brand awareness and reputation taking the forefront.
Here, we look at some of the best social media platforms for growing a small business to help you decide which is right for you.
-
LinkedIn is a great platform to grow your professional network. Over the past five years, we’ve seen it change from a strictly professional platform to a more personal space for people to connect. This has had mixed responses from LinkedIn users. Some prefer the old way it was used, while others have welcomed the openness that users have started showing in their posts to showcase the importance of a work/life balance. Regardless of how you use LinkedIn for your business, it’s essential you have some presence there.
While LinkedIn offers many advantages for growing brands, three of its key benefits are:
1. Showcase your credibility, knowledge & expertise
2. Connect with likeminded people/business owners as well as potential customers
3. Join networking groups to expand your reach within groups already interested in your products
-
Facebook is arguably the most popular social network for your target audience as resellers of Lily & Loaf products, so creating a business page really is a no-brainer. You’ll soon gain a strong following on Facebook by posting consistently and with quality content. Those followers will give you great insights into how you can target more potential customers in the future.
Like LinkedIn, Facebook offers many benefits when it comes to growing a brand, including:
1. Utilise the Facebook Live feature to showcase products and their benefits to a live online audience
2. Reach potential customers based on specific audience demographics
3. Share article links, videos, slideshows & other more enticing content
-
Instagram is a popular photo and video sharing app that allows more visual brands and small businesses to thrive. Instagram was the turning point for influencer marketing and now has millions of users promoting brands and their products. Influencer marketing is a great way to boost sales and increase your brand’s reputation. Consumers need to trust brands before buying from them, and what better way to do that than getting people to try, and review, your products on social media?
Instagram is a perfect platform for B2C brands, as it allows you to connect directly with your target audience and showcase your products in the best light. Some of its benefits include:
1. Allow customers to buy direct from Instagram with the in-app shop
2. Share visual content to both the grid and your stories & use hashtags to reach your desired audience
3. Create a collection of ‘highlights’ on your business page with stories based on specific products and their benefits
-
There’s no doubt that social media is a powerful marketing tool for businesses of all sizes. But when it comes to small businesses, one platform currently reigns supreme: TikTok is a social media app where users can share short videos. But what makes TikTok so great for small businesses is its unique features and filters that make it perfect for creating engaging, creative videos.
Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms for B2C marketing. In fact, according to recent data from eMarketer, TikTok now has more monthly active users than Snapchat. This makes it an ideal platform for small businesses to reach a large audience. TikTok also offers several features that are perfect for promoting your business.
Should you use paid social media ads for your business?
Regardless of the platform, any form of paid ads can really give your business the boost it needs when done correctly. The main benefit of online advertising is that you can reach a large number of your target customers quickly and effectively. Advertising online is a great way to drive traffic, sales and leads for your business.
If you have a relatively new website, paid ads can be the key to introducing new customers to your business.