Which social media platform is best for business? Part 2.

Last week we started this topic of which social media platform is best for business with a post on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. You can view that here. 

In this post we're diving into some of the more visual social media platforms and looking at the pros and cons of Instagram, YouTube and TikTok for your business. 

There's no denying that social media has become an integral part of our everyday lives. It's now commonplace to see people tweeting, posting and liking their way around the world. With that being said, it's important to understand the benefits of each platform and to know which one is right for you.

Instagram - Your business in photos 

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms with over 1 billion monthly users. And it's not just for personal use - businesses of all sizes are using Instagram to reach new customers and grow their brands. If you're not already using Instagram for your business, here are four good reasons to start: 

1. Instagram is a highly visual platform, making it ideal for businesses in the fashion, travel, food, or design industries. Posting high-quality photos and videos can help you attract attention and give potential customers a taste of what you have to offer. 

2. Instagram is a great way to build relationships with your target audience. Take the time to respond to comments and questions, and share content that interests and resonates with your followers. 

3. Instagram can be used to drive traffic to your website or online store. Include links in your bio and make sure your website is optimised for mobile so that people can easily buy from you on their phones. 

4. Instagram provides valuable insights into who your customers are and what they care about. Use the platform's built-in analytics tools to track your posts' engagement rate and learn more about your audience's interests and demographics.

There are also a number of reasons why using Instagram might not be right for your business.

First, the platform is designed for personal use, not businesses. This means that the algorithms favor content that is personal and relatable, not overtly sales-y or promotional.

As a result, your business’s Instagram account is likely to get less reach and engagement than your personal account. Additionally, because Instagram is a visual platform, it can be difficult to stand out from the competition unless you have high-quality, professional photos and videos.

Finally, using Instagram for business can be time-consuming and requires a lot of effort to maintain a consistent presence. You need to decide if the results from using Instagram support this being the best use of your time and resources.

Will YouTube get you seen?

YouTube is a great way to connect with potential customers and promote your business. With over 2 billion active users, YouTube provides an enormous audience for businesses to reach.

1. YouTube is the second most popular search engine after Google, it’s likely that many of your potential customers are already searching for products and services on YouTube.

2. YouTube is a great way to build brand awareness and create an emotional connection with your audience. Consumers are more likely to buy from brands that they know and trust, so by creating engaging and entertaining videos, you can develop a strong relationship with your target market.

3. YouTube is an affordable way to reach a large audience. You can create professional-looking videos without spending a lot of money on production costs.

For all these reasons, using YouTube can be a great way to boost your business.

However, while YouTube can be a great marketing tool, it can also be detrimental to your business if not used correctly.

For example, if you post videos that are unprofessional or of poor quality, it will reflect poorly on your brand. In addition, YouTube is a very crowded space, so it can be difficult to stand out from the competition.

If you don't have a strong marketing strategy, you'll likely get lost in the sea of other businesses trying to promote themselves on YouTube. Finally, YouTube is continually changing its algorithm, which can affect how often your videos are seen by potential customers.

As a result, it's important to regularly monitor your YouTube channel and make sure that your content is still aligning with your business goals.

TikTok, it’s here to stay

In today's business world, it's all about reaching your target audience where they are at. And there's no denying that TikTok is one of the hottest social media platforms right now.

With over 1.5 billion active users, TikTok offers businesses a huge opportunity to reach a wide range of potential customers.

But why exactly is TikTok good for business?

1. TikTok is extremely visual, which makes it perfect for businesses in industries like travel and tourism.

2. It's also a great platform for promoting products and services, as users are always on the lookout for new and interesting content.

3. TikTok offers businesses the chance to connect with customers on a more personal level. In a time when people are craving connection more than ever, TikTok provides the perfect opportunity to build relationships with potential customers.

If you're looking to reach a wider audience and connect with potential customers on a deeper level, then using TikTok is a no-brainer.

However! There are a number of reasons why using TikTok might not be right for your business. First, the platform is primarily used by teenagers and young adults, which may not be your target demographic.

Additionally, TikTok is known for its lighthearted and sometimes silly content, which can make your brand appear unprofessional.

Finally, the app is constantly changing its algorithms, which can make it difficult to consistently reach your audience.

With all social media platforms, it’s finding the best fit for your marketing strategy. You need consistent content across your platforms to get the best return. Testing which social media platforms are going to be the best use of your time is essential. Alternatively, you may want to outsource your social media to get a dedicated team on the job!

If you need help with your content strategy, content plan, or executing your social media, give us a shout and see how our team can help.