Focus on the Platforms Where Your Target Audience Hangs Out
Social media is the fastest way to cast a wide net looking to catch the attention of potential customers and create a community. There are more social media platforms than any one entrepreneur can tackle effectively – even if they had all day to devote to being social.
When you began your business, you likely got great advice to narrow your niche and focus on a target audience. These are the ideal clients and customers who want what you have to offer. Furthermore, you should have been told to market to this ideal audience and focus on their needs, their wants, and solving their problems. If you agreed and followed that advice, then you have a pretty good idea of who you want to engage and where they hang out.
This is an important step as it relates to social media. Knowing where your audience hangs out is the key to building a social media presence that maximizes your time and marketing budget. Once you know where your customers are naturally, you can simply master those specific platforms and dominate the market.
Depending on your business, you may want to master one of these main social media platforms:
- Snapchat
- YouTube
Picking a platform is all about engagement and captivating your target audience. Engagement can take many forms. Consider these options:
Pictures – Best for Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest
Video – Best for YouTube or Facebook Live
Audio – Best for YouTube, can be linked through other platforms as well
Short stories – Best for Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat
Links to blogs – Best for Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Twitter
One-to-one connection – Best for Facebook, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Twitter
Once you have decided on one to three primary platforms, you can test them out to see which ones give you the most engagement. If you aren’t getting results, it may be time to switch platforms or abandon one altogether.
It’s easy to learn how to maximize the platforms through tutorials or training tools. YouTube is an excellent place to review and train yourself on the most effective ways to use the tools. You can also find blogs and downloadable content to help you master any platform. Being visible on social media isn’t as daunting when you know who you are marketing to and where they hang out. Finding a social media platform that meets your needs, gets you noticed, and brings you sales is just a few posts, tweets, and pins away.
Ready to boost your social media presence and engage with your target audience effectively? Connect with us for expert guidance on selecting and mastering the right platforms for your business success.
These are great suggestions. I don’t currently have a business that I wish to advertise in this way so much of this doesn’t apply to me. In the fall, however, I plan on working with a business consultant to create a potential business for me that I am hoping will carry me into the future, as I see journalism as a dying career, sadly. And then, these suggestions for marketing will become very helpful for me.
Hi Alice,
Thanks for your kind words! It’s exciting to hear about your plans to venture into business. Transitioning careers can indeed open up a whole new world of possibilities and challenges. I’m sure that with your proactive attitude and the help of a consultant, you’ll carve out a successful path that’s both rewarding and future-proof. Keep these suggestions bookmarked; you’ll be a marketing whiz in no time!
Be Well.
Paul.
An insightful guide navigating the vast ocean of social media platforms, highlighting the importance of understanding your audience’s preferences to maximize engagement and efficiency. With a strategic approach, mastering the right platforms becomes a powerful tool in building community and driving business growth
Hey there, Tamara,
I’m thrilled you found the guide insightful! You’re absolutely right—understanding audience preferences is key to navigating the vast ocean of social media effectively. It sounds like you’re on your way to mastering these tools and building a vibrant community. Keep riding the waves of strategic social media use, and you’re sure to see continued growth in your endeavors!
Be Well,
Paul.
Paul, beautifully expressed, as always. Which platform would you favor for connecting with professional women mainly ages 40-60, who may be solopreneurs, who get stressed and want to alleviate that stress so they can work more? Thanks!
Hi Kebba,
You always say the nicest things… and… great question! For connecting with professional women in that age group, I’d recommend LinkedIn due to its professional focus and diverse groups, including many aimed at solopreneurs and stress management. It’s a fantastic place to share experiences, gain insights, and find support among like-minded individuals. Dive in and start networking; you’ll find it’s a treasure trove of connections and advice!
Be Well,
Paul.