Understanding Social Media

November 2, 2020 by Edwin Gerace

Social Media

Social media are interactive computer-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing of information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks.^[1][2] The variety of stand-alone and built-in social media services currently available introduces challenges of definition; however, there are some common features.

– Wikipedia

Why should your business integrate social media into their marketing campaigns?

3.5 billion. The amount of social media users in the world. Social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram are an integral part of our society. Facebook controls nearly 60% of the social media world with 1.7 billion daily users. This is 1.7 billion potential clients waiting for new products and ideas to be presented to them. So why is it important to get your business on these platforms? Visibility. “I saw it on Facebook.” “Yeah, there was an ad for it on Instagram”.  These comments are said daily about any given product because they had the visibility that a social media marketing strategy provided. of that conversation.

Where do you start with Social Media ?

In order to begin your social media campaign, you must first know your marketing audience. Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok are aimed at a younger (teens to mid-twenties) audience while Facebook and Twitter are aimed at an older (mid- twenties and up) audience.  With your audience in mind you can select the social media platform that will cater best to that audience.   From there, you can create engaging and creative content targeted to that specific audience group

You must choose the correct type of social media

There are varying social media categories or networks within the digital media world. Social, media based, discussion forums, blogging and social shopping are only a few of the networks offered. Social networks focus on connecting people with similar interest and likes and allow communication through messaging and comments while discussion forums are designed solely around people engaging in forums and discussion chains. Each of these digital networks is designed for a specific use and that networks use should be considered when you are deciding on your marketing strategy.

The largest of these networks is social followed closely behind media; these networks should be your primary focus when selecting and creating a digital marketing strategy designed for social media. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are the best social networks to launch your social media campaign with. These social media networks work more diligently to actively connect consumers with brands and content that work best for their needs and wants.   Your secondary focus should be media sharing networks, these would include networks such as Instagram and Youtube. Because the primary goal of media networks is to share media, this is your chance to share images, videos and any other online media that is creative and engaging. You can truly captivate your audience in seconds.

All of the most popular social media platforms have their specifics designs and all of these can be useful in promoting in your business. See below how these platforms everyday uses can be helpful for your business.

•  Twitter allows you to tweet just like everyone else….or not.  On the business side of things your tweets are indexed, you can target key words and determine a key audience while paying for a better performance. See below for data.
• Instagram is owned by Facebook and is one of the fastest growing social networks This site is built for engagement. You can create stories, post images and interact with consumers. See below for data.

• LinkedIn is used to connect businesses not only to each other but to employees and consumers. It is very business centric and highly creditable. 
• Facebook is still one of the largest social networks. With Facebook you can target your ads, you have options with advanced or simple ad solutions, ads are easy to set up. You can measure your success and you can control your budget and make adjustments as needed.

If you’re not already using these social networks as part of your social media marketing plan or you are considering a social media marketing strategy, you should get a free digital audit by clicking here.

Using social media to market your business is no different than any other strategy as long as it is done correctly. You must do your research. Know your audience, know the network you wish to market on and above all be sure this is the strategy you wish to undergo. Make sure you seek professional help, if not Giraffe Marketing LLC, then an agency that fits your business needs.  Secondly, ensure you have a clear marketing plan that lays out the goals of your campaign. Lastly be sure to monitor and adjust as needed. As with any marketing campaign, social media campaigns need constant attention and adjustments to ensure you are reaching your desired audience and gaining consumer retention. There are millions of eyes scanning the internet looking at you, make sure you align yourself with a professional that can walk with you during your social media journey.

For a FREE Social Media evaluation please call Edwin at 803-609-7653 or email him Edwin@GiraffeMarketingllc.com