Email Marketing and Drip campaigns

If social media marketing feels like an unsolvable puzzle, you are not alone. What works for one business when it comes to social media is not likely to translate directly to another organization. Social media is highly subjective, and it takes a lot of testing and adjusting to get your strategy right.

Most small businesses or marketing teams are already pressed for time. Do you really have the extra hours and manpower to update several social media platforms on a consistent basis? Probably not. Instead of wasting your time on the wrong sites, focus your efforts on the social media platforms that matter most for your business. We’re rounding up the top five social media platforms that your business should have a presence on, including why they are important. If your social media strategy is starting small, these platforms will give you the most bang for your buck.

1. Facebook
Businesses make money on Facebook. Across industries and countries, there is no denying the power of Facebook to reach a targeted audience. With more than 1 billion active daily users, the chances of your customers being active on the site are very high. From reaching new customers and building to email list to engaging current customers and encouraging repeat business, there isn’t much you can’t do on Facebook. Paid ads may seem like a hit to your marketing budget, but they have been proven to be effective at targeting audiences and delivering the right message to the right people. You don’t even have to spend money to make Facebook work for your business. Simply have an active and up-to-date page can provide a space to interact with your customers and connect with your target market. Facebook also provides powerful analytics to help you gain valuable insights for your business and your customers.

2. Instagram
In previous years, Instagram may have ranked a little lower on this list. However, the social media platform has stepped up its game with stories, linked posts, and in-app shopping. Like Facebook, more than 1 billion users are active on Instagram each day, and countless businesses have already created a strong presence on Instagram. Instagram was originally intended as a social media platform to share photos. While it has certainly evolved, imagery is still at its core. The app was created for mobile devices, and images and videos show up in users’ feeds in stunning quality. The visual nature of the platform encourages brands to show audiences their products and their voice, instead of simply telling them. Instagram Stories have also taken off recently, offering fun ways to engage your audience. Share behind the scenes clips of your daily processes, feature customer feedback or spotlights, and hype up your newest releases or upcoming launches. For many businesses, Instagram is instrumental in creating a brand and style that is unique.

3. LinkedIn LinkedIn is associated with business, and it often has a boring connotation. However, LinkedIn is crucial to connecting with others in your industry. You will probably interact more with your peers, business partners, and contacts on LinkedIn than your customers. Companies can set themselves apart as an industry thought leader, highlighting their latest achievements, products, and services. You can attract new talent to your organization through LinkedIn and use the platform to stay up to date with your industry. For B2B businesses, though, LinkedIn is an essential selling tool. You can learn a great deal about your leads and connect with decision makers faster by conducting research on LinkedIn. With more than 65 million active users, you can easily build your professional network.

4. Twitter Ads on Twitter tend to see slightly more success than ads on Facebook. For social media marketing, Twitter can be monetized to target your audience and grow your email list. By connecting with customers and influencers, you can build your brand awareness and name recognition on social media. Twitter is also great for highly interactive companies. You can easily go back and forth with your customers, have fun or meaningful interactions online that showcase your voice and brand. Want to target your audience for free on Twitter? Simply add hashtags or start tagging other relevant accounts to boost the visibility of your post.

5. YouTube YouTube is not for every business, but it is still a major social media platform to consider. More than 2 billion active users are on YouTube each month, and the platform is used for both entertainment and educational purposes. With more people shopping online than ever before, consumers want to research products and services before they make a purchase. Unboxing videos and reviews have become increasingly popular on YouTube, providing a firsthand look at a company’s offerings. If it makes sense to show and not tell, YouTube is a must-have social media platform. Create video tutorials, showcase your products from every angle, and share customer reviews. YouTube SEO can even help you optimize your videos and get more views.