retargeting-platforms

When discussing “business on social media,” we are talking about companies strategically utilizing popular social platforms to market their products or services to their intended audiences. While countless individuals globally use social media for personal purposes, businesses can also manage accounts on platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and others to interact with their audience, showcase content, and accomplish various business goals.

For instance, Earths Own, a brand specializing in alternative milk, shares recipes on TikTok, Tiffany and Co. posts inspiring videos on Twitter, and HSBC provides fraud-safety information on Instagram. Whether you are a sizable corporation or a small enterprise, social media presents a cost-effective means to enhance brand visibility, engage with customers, and conduct social media market research.

Why Use Social Media for Business?

With over 4.74 billion people using social media globally, representing 93% of internet users and 76% of all North Americans, not having a social media presence means missing out on reaching potential customers. The statistics speak for themselves:

– 90% of Instagram users follow a business.

– 62.3% of global Instagram users use the platform to follow or research brands and products.

– X posts can reach over 544 million users worldwide.

– YouTube ads have the potential to reach 2.51 billion users.

These numbers highlight the immense potential and reach of social media platforms for businesses.

Best Social Media Platforms for Business

Choosing the right social media platform depends on your target audience. Here’s a quick overview of what each major platform offers for business:

YouTube for Business

YouTube, the second-most visited website globally, provides opportunities for content sharing, live streaming, and various ad formats, making it an excellent platform for businesses.

Meta for Business (Facebook, Instagram, Whatsapp, Messenger)

With 3.65 billion monthly users across Meta platforms, businesses can execute cross-platform campaigns, combine customer service tools, and set up digital storefronts.

TikTok for Business

TikTok is a hotspot for brand engagement boasting over one billion monthly active users. Businesses can leverage in-feed ads, video shopping ads, and influencer collaborations.

X (formerly Twitter) for Business

X connects brands with customers through text-based conversations. Advertising on X can amplify reach and engagement, making it suitable for driving website traffic, generating leads, and building brand awareness.

Pinterest for Business

With 465 million users, Pinterest is a valuable platform for reaching new audiences, driving website traffic, and encouraging conversions.

Snapchat for Business

With 319 million daily active users, Snapchat offers unique features like sponsored AR lenses, branded geo-filters, and various advertising formats.

Google Business Profile for Business

Designed specifically for businesses, Google Business Profile allows customers to find information quickly, fostering brand awareness and customer engagement.

How to Use Social Media for Business

1. Enhance Brand Recognition

Consistently share pertinent and captivating content to establish brand awareness. For instance, Nonny’s non-alcoholic beer brand utilizes Instagram to showcase its presence at Michelin Star restaurants.

2. Interact Directly with Your Audience

Employ social media platforms as a direct communication channel with your customers. Class Pass, for example, uses Twitter to aid customers, fostering a more responsive and personalized interaction compared to conventional channels.

3. Publicize Your Content

Utilize social media as a platform to drive traffic to blog posts, articles, and videos. Influencers like Kelsey Nixon on Instagram can help amplify your content by directing their followers to your website.

4. Cultivate New Sales Opportunities

Harness social media advertising and targeting options to reach specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. This builds relationships and generates a roster of valuable sales leads.

5. Conduct Social Market Research

Utilize social media analytics tools to gain insights into customer preferences, opinions, and behaviors. This information can guide informed decisions about online and offline products and services.

6. Monitor the Competition

Keep tabs on competitors through social listening, social streams, and competitor analysis to gain valuable insights into customer preferences, business strategies, and industry trends.

7. Collaborate with Influencers

Tap into the power of influencers by collaborating on campaigns or establishing long-term ambassador programs. Influencers bring expertise, influence, and dedicated audiences to your brand.

8. Maintain Your Reputation

Being active on social media is crucial for reputation management. Respond promptly to negative sentiment and reward or celebrate positive interactions to build a positive brand image.

Conclusion 

Social media value cannot be overlooked. This guide highlights how social media has transformed business dynamics in the digital age. It emphasizes the pivotal role of platforms like YouTube, Meta, TikTok, X, Pinterest, Snapchat, and Google Business Profile in fostering brand recognition, audience interaction, content dissemination, sales opportunities, market research, competition monitoring, influencer collaboration, and reputation management.

The statistics underscore the vast potential of social media, with billions of active users engaging globally. However, it acknowledges the challenges of the “herd mentality” and the exclusion of non-social media users in research accuracy.