Written by Trio Media – regular exhibitor at marketingSHOWCASE events
In the ever-evolving social media arena, choosing the right platform for your brand can feel like selecting your fighter in a video game. Each platform has its strengths and unique features, making the decision just like choosing the perfect hero for battle. So, gear up and let’s dive into social media to find out why prioritising a champion platform is the next big move for your brand.
How to choose a social media platform for your brand
Just like a skilled gamer evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of each character, a savvy marketer must assess the strengths of social media platforms.
Start by identifying your target audience and understanding where they spend most of their time online. Data from 2023 revealed that in the UK and US, the average person has 7 social media accounts, showing how important it is to understand how they use each platform.
Consider your brand personality and objectives. If visuals are your superpower, platforms like Instagram and Pinterest might be your go-to allies. For the wordsmiths, Twitter (X), Threads, and LinkedIn could be the chosen battlegrounds. Select a platform that aligns with your brand’s strengths and your audience’s preferences.
Why should you choose a champion platform?
In the world of social media, focus is key. Concentrating your efforts on one primary platform can maximise your impact and make a lasting impression. As the old saying goes; “a jack of all trades, master of none”.
Quality over quantity is the name of the game here. Invest time in crafting compelling content tailored to the specific platform’s nuances. This focused approach not only streamlines your strategy but also allows for a more authentic connection with your audience.
Remember, it’s not about being everywhere; it’s about being where it matters the most. Hootsuite even identified this as a top social media trend for 2024, predicting that brands will hone in on channels that align more closely with their overall strategy and therefore generate a more successful ROI.
Which platform should you choose?
Let’s break down the major social media platforms and discover what makes each one a potential hero in your marketing adventure:
- Instagram: Ideal for brands with a visually appealing product or service. Leverage Instagram’s stunning visuals and storytelling features to engage and captivate your audience. Beauty brands, interiors accounts, and fashion labels do well on Instagram, as it’s also a hotspot for influencer marketing.
- X (Twitter): The real-time go-to. Perfect for brands with timely updates and a knack for concise, impactful messaging. Use hashtags to join relevant conversations and showcase your brand’s wit and personality. Humour translates particularly well on X, with brands like Innocent Drinks and Wendy’s making a name for themselves with edgy, tongue-in-cheek content that keeps up with trends.
- LinkedIn: Tailored for B2B brands and career-focused content, LinkedIn is where you build professional relationships and establish thought leadership within your industry.
- Facebook: With a broad user base, Facebook is a versatile platform for building communities, sharing content and running targeted ads. Ideal for brands aiming for widespread appeal. Many users rely on Facebook for practicalities like opening hours or customer service, making it an important platform for service-based businesses.
- TikTok: What once was a dark horse when it comes to social media, TikTok is now a major player, and rightly so. It’s the most downloaded app in the US, with an 105% user increase since 2021 . The platform is extremely popular with younger audiences such as Gen Z and Millenials, with a focus on ‘slice of life’, authentic and unfiltered content. However, over 50% of TikTok users are over 30 years old, meaning that brands shouldn’t discount targeting this audience altogether.
Written by Trio Media – regular exhibitor at marketingSHOWCASE events
