Social media has become a core component of communication and workflows for governments, firms and professionals. Social networking sites connect you with existing or new audiences in deeper ways with steady traffic. With up to 81% of Americans having a social media account, businesses are pumping millions of dollars into these platforms for advertisement. In addition, social media goes to the root of consumer behaviour and purchasing power.
Evidence-based statistics show 70% of business-to-customer advertisers lured prospects and loyalists using Facebook. 93% of Pinterest members tap the platform as a buying guide, and close to 1/3 of Instagram users leverage the site as a marketplace.
Social media allows happy customers to make referrals to cousins and beloved friends. A glimpse at the social media world depicts an untapped realm to increase ROI for businesses.
This article explores the top 10 social media networks for professionals or businesses to help you make an informed and lucrative decision.
1. Facebook
As noted, Facebook boasts more than two billion users meaning it’s the first port of call to expand your network and influence. Facebook can be used to bond with influencers in your niche, share relevant content, and enhance visibility.
Given its vast user base and robust demographics, you can connect with a target audience that interacts with your content. However, Facebook has a rapidly evolving array of factors that may restrict your pitching activities and also imposes overheads.
2. Instagram
Beneath its massive repository of photos, Instagram doubles as a robust market for businesses. Instagram started as a platform for pictures, videos and captions. It has now become a business toolkit owing to its 800 million active users thirsty for visual content.
Businesses involved in cosmetics, travel and more have adopted it to make inroads into new markets. The site integrates advertising options tailored to strategies devised by most businesses. Instagram promotes steady organic growth without the marginal costs imposed by Facebook.
3. Mamby
This newly-created social network has been undergoing radical changes. With a growing fan base, Mamby has emulated the ideas and designs of giant social networks, we invite you to join early. Depending on your line of business, this site packs quite a punch. Mamby offers a host of tools and insights for businesses with specialized algorithms. Its poised gain prominence in the social media realm.
If you want more leads, this is the go-to social media platform. Publishing content that feeds into customers’ needs enhances your position and authority in the market.
4. Pinterest
For businesses in the creative or female-based industry, Pinterest comes in handy. The platform has 175 million monthly users with 81% being women. 93% of daily pinners reported they use it to plan for a purchase and 87% trust Pinterest as a consumer watchdog.
Culinary, lifestyle, wedding and fashion dominate searches on Pinterest. It has paid advertising options to give your business a competitive edge with improved visibility and online conversions. It also enhances your SEO techniques with its organic capabilities.
5. Snapchat
Snapchat hit 250 million users in 2017 while it enjoys a vast younger demographic. Snapchat capitalizes on visual content pitting it against Instagram in a relentless showdown. It offers a host of advanced features and troves of business-centred information paired with paid ads.
Snapchat shows how different companies have leveraged the platform and also incorporates an official business guide.
6. Twitter
Twitter stands out in a crowded digital grazing field with instant connections and spread of ideas. Twitter has 328 million users and recently increased the character limit to 280 to give you more space to frame your thoughts and views.
Businesses use Twitter to update their followers in real time, share and join a global discourse. Twitter polls on products help assess reactions from consumers and prospects. Well-thought-out, relevant, and timely posts boost your business image. Twitter’s ad platform connects you with a specific target audience.
7. YouTube
YouTube is a video-driven platform with over 30 million daily users hungry for visual content. As Google’s subsidiary, you can utilize the advertising platform to put your business on the map with YouTube ads. It also allows you to optimize your content with specific keywords.
8. LinkedIn
B2B businesses or anyone targeting consumers identified by job titles must try LinkedIn. With its popularity in the business world, it provides accurate information such as addresses, names and other details. With its advertising tool, you can narrow down more job positions and businesses with mathematical accuracy.
9. Google+
Google+ has the advantage of being the offspring of a giant search engine making it essential to boost SEO rankings. Businesses eyeing its 395 million monthly fan base also help search engine bots to understand and rank your site.
10. Yelp
Yelp has gained rapport with customers who want to know the brand reputation and make informed buying decisions. Positive Yelp customer reviews enhance your business image and goodwill. Google also uses these customer testimonials in organic rankings.
And Remember…
The internet swarms with more social media platforms for specific niche audiences. Each business’ experience and success will vary. It’s more of an art rather than science, and evolving algorithms, technology and user behavioural whims play an instrumental role.
