Should Your Business Be on Every Social Media Platform?

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Quality over quantity. It’s a phrase that’s said so often that it sometimes loses its meaning. However, the reason that it’s said so often is that it’s overwhelmingly true. As it does in every area of marketing, quality over quantity applies to social media, too.  So, in short, no. Your business should not be on every social media platform. This is always good news to businesses trying to juggle upwards of three platforms at once, seeing lackluster results across the board. The key is to focus on the platforms that give you the most return so that you aren’t wasting precious resources. So, how do you decide which platforms to put your effort towards? We have a few tips to guide you. 

How to Identify Which Social Media Platforms to Use

1. Identify where your customers are spending their time. 
Depending on your product or service, it’s likely that your customers are using one platform more than another. Many marketers find that this could largely depend on the customer’s age. For example, for brands marketing to the younger generations, it’s reported that 73% of Gen Z prefers that brands reach them through Instagram. On the other hand, 78% of Baby Boomers reportedly prefer interacting with the brands they like on Facebook. You may also consider your customers’ interests and professions when identifying which platforms they frequent.  Identifying the social platform that will provide you with the most exposure to your audience is the most important part of this tactic and will be a great foundation for building your social strategy.  Here are a few simple ways to help point you in the right direction: 
  • Poll your customers in a review survey to see how they found you. 
  • Ask customers as you interact with them.
  • Review your metrics across the platforms that you’re using.
2. Determine what kind of content you have to share. 
The types of content that you create may heavily influence the platform that you choose. Each site has its niche, and if you go against that niche, you may not see the engagement you’d like. Take Instagram, for example. To be successful on that platform, you must have eye-catching photography or video content with thoughtful captions. On the other hand, LinkedIn relies more on informational content, such as videos, slides, and articles. So, before you begin sharing, consider where the content you already have would make the most impact. 
3. Consider which platform you have the most experience with. 
Your level of comfort factors into this decision as well. If you use a particular platform most often, you know what the trends and expectations are for that site already. If you find that your audience isn’t on this site, enlist the help of a social media marketer or a marketing agency to curate and post your content. 
4. Analyze your metrics across your current platforms. 
The numbers don’t lie. Take a look at your metrics on each platform to see which is performing the best. This is a great way to identify where your return on investment is the highest. Once you’ve chosen the best performing site for your brand, begin building a social media strategy that addresses the types of content you will share and the goals you want to reach. Don’t forget to include paid advertising as part of your strategy! This can help you ensure that your audience sees your most important content. 

Do You Need a Strategic Social Media Plan? 

If you feel like you aren’t getting the return you’d hoped for on social media, consider partnering with a marketing agency to create a strategic plan. We can help! Contact Green Apple Strategy today to schedule a consultation.

B2B Marketers: Is Facebook Worth Your Time?

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Are you ever disappointed by your Facebook reach?  You’re not alone. Brand pages often see dips in engagement for a variety of reasons, but one in particular: Facebook wants you to pay to play. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. 98% of Facebook’s revenue is generated by ads. And, unsurprisingly, the average reach of an organic post (without paying for an ad) is a sad 5.2%. It’s quite simple: the more you see the need for a Facebook ad—because you’re not getting satisfactory reach—the more money Facebook makes.  So, should you quit Facebook? Not necessarily. But, you do want to be sure that you’re using your marketing dollars effectively. Here are a few ways to make sure that Facebook is worth your time. 

Consider Whether Your Decision Makers are On Facebook

First and foremost, you want your Facebook presence to be noticed by not only your target audience, but the decision makers in that audience. Often, for B2B marketers, their audiences are more present on LinkedIn than they are on Facebook; however, this will be specific to you. After all, no one knows your business and your customers better than you. 

Strategically Think About the Content Your Facebook Audience Wants 

Here’s a thought: perhaps Facebook isn’t where you make the sale. Rather, this could be a place where you plant the seed, promoting brand awareness and developing other parts of your business. What we mean, is that instead of a post about your services, you might instead promote your business’s podcast, newsletter, or other helpful tools. If you choose to use Facebook as a marketing tool, it’s vital that you use it strategically. 

Make Sure that You Have Time to Engage

Facebook, like any social media, is a “get what you give” kind of platform. The more (well-planned) content you place on your newsfeed, and the more you interact with your audience and promote your Facebook page, the more likely it is that your reach will grow. A set-it-and-forget-it approach will likely leave you feeling like you’re creating content for no one to see.

If It Isn’t Working, Try Something New

Did anyone ever tell you to not be a “quitter”? We won’t be those people. If a tactic isn’t working for you, there is a very good chance that the platform may not be for you. The last thing you want is a drain that sucks your energy and time without giving you the return on investment you need. Try connecting with a marketing partner to discuss your social media strategy. There is a chance that other platforms will better serve you. Or, you might have new options for the direction of your Facebook page. 

It’s Not Just You

Facebook is difficult for other B2B companies, too. We can help. Are you looking to boost your online presence? Contact Green Apple Strategy today to schedule a consultation.