Effective Social Media Platforms You May Want to Consider

As we’re sure you may have noticed, the social media landscape is always evolving and it’s part of our job at Schmooz to keep up with its ever-changing ways.

We’ve spoken before about some of the more common social media platforms for business owners, and chances are you are already familiar with the inner workings of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. These are often seen as the core platforms that create a solid foundation for any social media marketing strategy.

However there are other social media platforms that may not have been at the top of your mind when considering a social media strategy. Here’s a list of a few that you may already be familiar with, and how to use them to grow your business.

LinkedIn

If you are a professional, changes are you already have a LinkedIn page. It’s the ultimate networking tool for finding jobs or hiring employees. With just a few clicks of a mouse, you can see the resumes of innumerable professionals and profiles of multiple businesses, most of which share your industry.

LinkedIn can be used for more than finding jobs. For business owners, it’s a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field. You can publish or share articles about new developments in your industry, list accomplishments of your business, and follow other companies you want to connect with. This could lead to possible new business partnerships, referrals, or leads.

YouTube

In this day and age, everyone is pretty familiar with watching videos on YouTube. Who hasn’t spent multiple hours watching funny cat videos or clips of “Friends” blooper reels? But despite being overlooked as a social media site, YouTube can be a great networking tool for businesses.

In the sea of random skateboard fails, there are also videos that businesses put out to attract clients. Whether it’s a quick tutorial of your services, a tour of your facility, or an interview with your team, your video content can be an effective way to build your brand identity. The videos are also easy to share on other social media platforms, and are a simple way to create engaging content for your marketing strategy!

Snapchat

Snapchat is a newer social media platform, making it both popular and intimidating. It is a mobile app that allows users to share pictures and 1-10 second videos that disappear after being viewed by their followers. If you don’t have a Snapchat account currently (or know someone who does), it may not be as intuitive to use, like Facebook or Instagram. And if you are familiar with Snapchat, you may be thinking: “What do dog filters and disappearing pictures have to do with my business?”

Snapchat can be a great marketing tool for businesses. You can create a custom filter that users can access if they are within a determined range of your business. This could be a great way for restaurants or gyms to enhance their customer experience. Also, like YouTube, you can create videos that give your followers a sneak peek behind the scenes of your business and events.

Podcasts

Podcasts are less of a social media platform and more of an emerging media type – not unlike radio or television – but it’s important to remember that they can also offer you a unique opportunity to promote and market your business. If you subscribe to any podcasts, then you already know they can be a great source of entertainment and information related to your favourite subject. If you can find the right fit, podcasts can be a great way to connect with audiences who will be interested in your product or service.

Whether you’re starting your own podcast to help spread the word about your business, appearing on an existing podcast as a guest, or partnering with a show as a sponsor to feature yourself or your products, there’s almost no limit to the amount of ways that podcasts can help you grow your business.

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With each new social media comes new opportunities to market your business to the masses, and we’re here to help you figure out the best strategy for your company. What is your preferred social media platform? Share with us in the comments!

Amanda is a freelance copywriter and blogger with a background in marketing strategy. She is a Charleston, SC native who enjoys spending time at the beach and exploring new cities with her husband and four incredibly spoiled rescue pets.

Schmooz Media is a Full Service Social Media Marketing Business, helping small-mid size businesses get the most social ROI possible. We’re passionate about giving your business actionable, measurable and meaningful results. Learn more about what Schmooz can do for you, or contact us with your inquiries today.