Does it feel like every time you turn around there is a new shiny app, program, or social media platform?
Something that promises you’ll reach more people to sell your products in an innovative and effective way?
“C’mon, all the cool kids are using it!” they say. And, before you know it, you are feeling the pressure of being left behind if you aren’t using it too.
But will you?
Everyone Else is Doing It
When you were a child did your mother ever scold you for making a poor decision simply because “everyone else was doing it”?
Don’t make that same mistake now.
It may feel like all the other institutions around you are using the shiny new things. But that doesn’t mean you should.
Choosing social media platforms isn’t one to take lightly. Evaluate each one and select only those that are the best fit for your business. If not, you’ll lose valuable time and money.
How to Choose Social Media Platforms for Your Business
1. Identify Your Customer
Before you get started with any new addition to your portfolio of marketing tools, ask yourself this critical question: Who is my customer?
This answer will become a roadmap to guide you to the right tools for you. Go into detail on this answer. Describe the qualities they have in common. Figure out where they hang out online. Poll your current clients. Use this data to create a “buyer persona.”
2. Know Your Goals
The evaluation process does not stop because you chose a platform (or more!). Now make sure to create goals to measure the success of your efforts.
The adage “time is money” certainly applies here. You may have selected social media platforms, but how will you know if the time you’re spending is yielding results without tracking progress toward your business goals? There is no reason to continue if your results show that the time spent is not producing a positive return.
3. Focus Your Efforts
Focusing your efforts on a solid strategy for one or two platforms can be more successful than splitting your attention between multiple social networks.
Choose the platforms that help you achieve your goals and reflect your brand values.
As these platforms grow and develop, the audience may change. Consider that a platform may not be the right fit for you now. But a year from now, it might be.
Good Read: Check out the top social media platforms.
With thousands of social platforms available, it is easy to want to try the latest and greatest.
These three tips will empower you to choose the right social media platforms that will get results for your business.