SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Choosing the Right Social Media Platform for Branding
Social media is a great way to build relationships and engage with your customers.
Presently, according to findings from Datareportal, more than half of the global
population uses social media in one form or the other. But how do you know which
social network is right for your business?
Figure out the right platform.
It’s important to choose a social media platform that matches your business and the
audience you want to reach. For example, if you’re an artist, Instagram might be right for
you. You might want to avoid Facebook because it can feel too corporate compared with
other platforms like Twitter or Medium (if your audience is mostly Millennials). On the
other hand, if most of your customers are over 50 years old and live in rural areas where
they don’t have internet connectivity at home—or even cell phones—you might want to
focus on platforms like LinkedIn or YouTube instead of Facebook and Instagram.
The answer depends on what type of business you have, how much time you want to
spend on it and what kind of results you’re looking for. Based on my experience, here
are some considerations to help you choose the right social media platform:
1. Are you looking to grow followers?
If you want to grow your business, Twitter can be a great place to find new customers
and leads. You can also use Twitter as a way of finding employees, partners or vendors
that can help you with your business goals.
2. Are you trying to promote?
Facebook can be an excellent way to build your brand and engage with your customers,
drive traffic to your website and create a community around it.
Consider using Facebook as an effective marketing tool. With more than 2 billion users
worldwide, Facebook has become one of the world’s most popular social media
channels. You can use this platform as an effective way of promoting products or
services by posting pictures or videos on your brand’s wall, sharing blog posts or
articles, etc. In addition, you can use different types of ads such as video ads, text ads
or banner ads.
3. Are you sharing creative projects?
Pinterest is all about the visuals. You can use it to promote products and services, but
it’s also a great place to share your creative projects and ideas with others.
The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers,
Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?
For example, if you’re a baker, Pinterest might be the perfect platform for showing off
your creations — from cupcakes to pies. If you’re an artist, Instagram has become one
of the most popular social media sites since its inception in 2010 because it allows users
to share their work with followers in a way that feels natural (and not at all like spam).
4. Is networking a priority?
LinkedIn is a great tool for networking. You can network with people in your industry, as
well as those who are in the same stage of business as you. It’s also a good place to
post your business’ content (e.g., blog posts or photos). But don’t forget that LinkedIn
also has professional content areas like careers, résumés and certifications — all of
which can help attract new employees or customers.
5. Are you building your brand?
Content creation is a helpful tool when building your brand. While you can publish
branded content on YouTube to build and grow your business, you need to be careful
about how you use it so it doesn’t become more of a liability than an asset.
Create content people want to see.
Once you’ve determined which social media channels will work best for your brand or
project, it’s time for some customization. Content is the lifeblood of social media. It’s
what keeps your followers engaged and coming back for more, so you need to make
sure you’re providing content that’s relevant, educational and useful.
In addition to making sure your content is worth sharing (and not just spamming people
with ads), it needs to be interesting. If someone wants to see something new from you
every week or two, then they will check out your feed regularly. However, if all your posts
are boring status updates about how much fun you had on vacation, then no one cares.
Make sure each piece of content has at least one element in common: educational,
inspirational, entertaining or valuable.
Conclusion
In the end, social media is all about connecting with people. Like in “real” life, creating
and nurturing relationships that endure and benefit the most people possible should be
your goal. No matter what your business is, if you want to use social media well, it’s
always important to remember that at the end of the day, you’re not just selling a product
or service, you’re also selling yourself and your company as well.

More Related Content

Similar to Choosing the Right Social Media Platform for Branding Article.docx

10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...
10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...
10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...
Ajibola Olayiwola, M IDM
 
A complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdf
A complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdfA complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdf
A complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdf
WebMaxy
 
Boost your new travel business with social media
Boost your new travel business with social mediaBoost your new travel business with social media
Boost your new travel business with social media
Bruce Martin
 
Social Network Advertising Platform.pdf
Social Network Advertising Platform.pdfSocial Network Advertising Platform.pdf
Social Network Advertising Platform.pdf
7searchppc
 
Digital markiting.pptx
Digital markiting.pptxDigital markiting.pptx
Digital markiting.pptx
sanchit chadha
 
19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing
19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing 19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing
19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing
Yazan Al Tamimi
 
11 ways to build your brand on social media
11 ways to build your brand on social media11 ways to build your brand on social media
11 ways to build your brand on social media
CDRealEstate
 
Why the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right Channels
Why the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right ChannelsWhy the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right Channels
Why the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right Channels
James Rhodes
 
Stop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning Guide
Stop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning GuideStop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning Guide
Stop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning Guide
Lisa Peyton
 
The Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation Essay
The Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation EssayThe Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation Essay
The Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation Essay
Brandon Boyd
 
Why your business shouldn't be on social media
Why your business shouldn't be on social mediaWhy your business shouldn't be on social media
Why your business shouldn't be on social media
InnovateBurlington
 
Social Media Content 101
Social Media Content 101Social Media Content 101
Social Media Content 101
Ben Popov
 
SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16
SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16
SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16
Erin Cell
 
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSESSOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
Mary Kristian Lafrades
 
7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx
7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx
7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx
lhoisd
 
20 social media content ideas
20 social media content  ideas20 social media content  ideas
20 social media content ideas
Peter Barros
 
2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation
2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation
2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation
Christine Collins
 
Hyper influencer marketing
Hyper influencer marketing   Hyper influencer marketing
Hyper influencer marketing
WorldShips
 
Paid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdf
Paid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdfPaid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdf
Paid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdf
7searchppc
 
Social media airing your literacy laundry
Social media airing your literacy laundrySocial media airing your literacy laundry
Social media airing your literacy laundry
Bonnie Zink
 

Similar to Choosing the Right Social Media Platform for Branding Article.docx (20)

10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...
10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...
10 Steps To Building A Successful Business and Personal Brand Through Social ...
 
A complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdf
A complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdfA complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdf
A complete guide to creating a successful social media marketing plan.pdf
 
Boost your new travel business with social media
Boost your new travel business with social mediaBoost your new travel business with social media
Boost your new travel business with social media
 
Social Network Advertising Platform.pdf
Social Network Advertising Platform.pdfSocial Network Advertising Platform.pdf
Social Network Advertising Platform.pdf
 
Digital markiting.pptx
Digital markiting.pptxDigital markiting.pptx
Digital markiting.pptx
 
19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing
19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing 19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing
19 Essential Tips for Businesses New to Social Media Marketing
 
11 ways to build your brand on social media
11 ways to build your brand on social media11 ways to build your brand on social media
11 ways to build your brand on social media
 
Why the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right Channels
Why the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right ChannelsWhy the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right Channels
Why the Medium is the Message: Identifying the Right Channels
 
Stop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning Guide
Stop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning GuideStop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning Guide
Stop Flying Blind: Your 2013 Social Media Planning Guide
 
The Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation Essay
The Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation EssayThe Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation Essay
The Power of Social Media - Practical Dissertation Essay
 
Why your business shouldn't be on social media
Why your business shouldn't be on social mediaWhy your business shouldn't be on social media
Why your business shouldn't be on social media
 
Social Media Content 101
Social Media Content 101Social Media Content 101
Social Media Content 101
 
SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16
SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16
SM_Success_in_7_simple_steps.rev.10.24.16
 
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSESSOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
SOCIAL MEDIA FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
 
7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx
7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx
7 steps to an effective Facebook marketing strategy.docx
 
20 social media content ideas
20 social media content  ideas20 social media content  ideas
20 social media content ideas
 
2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation
2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation
2016 Tulsa Tech Fest Speaking Presentation
 
Hyper influencer marketing
Hyper influencer marketing   Hyper influencer marketing
Hyper influencer marketing
 
Paid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdf
Paid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdfPaid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdf
Paid Social Media Advertising _ Social media advertising (2022-23) (1).pdf
 
Social media airing your literacy laundry
Social media airing your literacy laundrySocial media airing your literacy laundry
Social media airing your literacy laundry
 

Recently uploaded

Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for studentLife upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
NgcHiNguyn25
 
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...
Dr. Vinod Kumar Kanvaria
 
DRUGS AND ITS classification slide share
DRUGS AND ITS classification slide shareDRUGS AND ITS classification slide share
DRUGS AND ITS classification slide share
taiba qazi
 
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdfANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
Priyankaranawat4
 
RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3
RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3
RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3
IreneSebastianRueco1
 
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold Method
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold MethodHow to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold Method
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold Method
Celine George
 
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17
Celine George
 
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
Celine George
 
Film vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movie
Film vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movieFilm vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movie
Film vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movie
Nicholas Montgomery
 
Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...
Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...
Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...
National Information Standards Organization (NISO)
 
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfWalmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
TechSoup
 
Azure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHat
Azure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHatAzure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHat
Azure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHat
Scholarhat
 
C1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptx
C1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptxC1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptx
C1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptx
mulvey2
 
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptxPengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Fajar Baskoro
 
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...
RitikBhardwaj56
 
Digital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments Unit
Digital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments UnitDigital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments Unit
Digital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments Unit
chanes7
 
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docxAdvanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
adhitya5119
 
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdfLiberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
WaniBasim
 
Your Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective Upskilling
Your Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective UpskillingYour Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective Upskilling
Your Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective Upskilling
Excellence Foundation for South Sudan
 
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...
PECB
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for studentLife upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
Life upper-Intermediate B2 Workbook for student
 
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...
Exploiting Artificial Intelligence for Empowering Researchers and Faculty, In...
 
DRUGS AND ITS classification slide share
DRUGS AND ITS classification slide shareDRUGS AND ITS classification slide share
DRUGS AND ITS classification slide share
 
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdfANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
ANATOMY AND BIOMECHANICS OF HIP JOINT.pdf
 
RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3
RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3
RPMS TEMPLATE FOR SCHOOL YEAR 2023-2024 FOR TEACHER 1 TO TEACHER 3
 
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold Method
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold MethodHow to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold Method
How to Build a Module in Odoo 17 Using the Scaffold Method
 
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17
How to Make a Field Mandatory in Odoo 17
 
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
How to Fix the Import Error in the Odoo 17
 
Film vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movie
Film vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movieFilm vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movie
Film vocab for eal 3 students: Australia the movie
 
Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...
Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...
Pollock and Snow "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape, Session One: Setting Expec...
 
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdfWalmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
Walmart Business+ and Spark Good for Nonprofits.pdf
 
Azure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHat
Azure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHatAzure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHat
Azure Interview Questions and Answers PDF By ScholarHat
 
C1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptx
C1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptxC1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptx
C1 Rubenstein AP HuG xxxxxxxxxxxxxx.pptx
 
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptxPengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
Pengantar Penggunaan Flutter - Dart programming language1.pptx
 
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...
The simplified electron and muon model, Oscillating Spacetime: The Foundation...
 
Digital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments Unit
Digital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments UnitDigital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments Unit
Digital Artifact 1 - 10VCD Environments Unit
 
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docxAdvanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
Advanced Java[Extra Concepts, Not Difficult].docx
 
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdfLiberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
Liberal Approach to the Study of Indian Politics.pdf
 
Your Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective Upskilling
Your Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective UpskillingYour Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective Upskilling
Your Skill Boost Masterclass: Strategies for Effective Upskilling
 
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...
ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, and GDPR: Best Practices for Implementation and...
 

Choosing the Right Social Media Platform for Branding Article.docx

  • 1. Choosing the Right Social Media Platform for Branding Social media is a great way to build relationships and engage with your customers. Presently, according to findings from Datareportal, more than half of the global population uses social media in one form or the other. But how do you know which social network is right for your business? Figure out the right platform. It’s important to choose a social media platform that matches your business and the audience you want to reach. For example, if you’re an artist, Instagram might be right for you. You might want to avoid Facebook because it can feel too corporate compared with other platforms like Twitter or Medium (if your audience is mostly Millennials). On the other hand, if most of your customers are over 50 years old and live in rural areas where they don’t have internet connectivity at home—or even cell phones—you might want to focus on platforms like LinkedIn or YouTube instead of Facebook and Instagram. The answer depends on what type of business you have, how much time you want to spend on it and what kind of results you’re looking for. Based on my experience, here are some considerations to help you choose the right social media platform: 1. Are you looking to grow followers? If you want to grow your business, Twitter can be a great place to find new customers and leads. You can also use Twitter as a way of finding employees, partners or vendors that can help you with your business goals. 2. Are you trying to promote? Facebook can be an excellent way to build your brand and engage with your customers, drive traffic to your website and create a community around it.
  • 2. Consider using Facebook as an effective marketing tool. With more than 2 billion users worldwide, Facebook has become one of the world’s most popular social media channels. You can use this platform as an effective way of promoting products or services by posting pictures or videos on your brand’s wall, sharing blog posts or articles, etc. In addition, you can use different types of ads such as video ads, text ads or banner ads. 3. Are you sharing creative projects? Pinterest is all about the visuals. You can use it to promote products and services, but it’s also a great place to share your creative projects and ideas with others. The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify? For example, if you’re a baker, Pinterest might be the perfect platform for showing off your creations — from cupcakes to pies. If you’re an artist, Instagram has become one of the most popular social media sites since its inception in 2010 because it allows users to share their work with followers in a way that feels natural (and not at all like spam). 4. Is networking a priority? LinkedIn is a great tool for networking. You can network with people in your industry, as well as those who are in the same stage of business as you. It’s also a good place to post your business’ content (e.g., blog posts or photos). But don’t forget that LinkedIn also has professional content areas like careers, résumés and certifications — all of which can help attract new employees or customers. 5. Are you building your brand? Content creation is a helpful tool when building your brand. While you can publish branded content on YouTube to build and grow your business, you need to be careful about how you use it so it doesn’t become more of a liability than an asset. Create content people want to see. Once you’ve determined which social media channels will work best for your brand or project, it’s time for some customization. Content is the lifeblood of social media. It’s what keeps your followers engaged and coming back for more, so you need to make sure you’re providing content that’s relevant, educational and useful. In addition to making sure your content is worth sharing (and not just spamming people with ads), it needs to be interesting. If someone wants to see something new from you every week or two, then they will check out your feed regularly. However, if all your posts are boring status updates about how much fun you had on vacation, then no one cares. Make sure each piece of content has at least one element in common: educational, inspirational, entertaining or valuable. Conclusion In the end, social media is all about connecting with people. Like in “real” life, creating and nurturing relationships that endure and benefit the most people possible should be your goal. No matter what your business is, if you want to use social media well, it’s always important to remember that at the end of the day, you’re not just selling a product or service, you’re also selling yourself and your company as well.