Social Media Platforms: How Many Should You Be On?
I always encourage my clients to create as many social profiles as possible. However, it’s important to evaluate how much bandwidth you have for each one. For instance, it would actually do you a disservice to be on multiple platforms, yet only investing yourself into one. An empty profile is worse than no profile at all. So, if you can be on all platforms then kudos, this is the best-case scenario. If you can only be on a few, then choose wisely. I would encourage you to play to your strengths.
Let’s take a look at what each platform is good for so you can assess where your time and energy will be most valuable.
Facebook is a great place for building community as it allows you to create “groups” that are centered around a key idea and message (your message). Building a solid Facebook group will foster relationships with your core group of followers and clients, these will be “your people”. They will be the people who buy your products and services, spread your message, and ask you for advice and consideration.
Instagram is the perfect platform for what I call, “lifestyle marketing”. Lifestyle marketing is important because it helps to provide context around your products/services. It allows people an inside look into why you do what you do and ultimately it helps people to relate to you on an emotional level. People desire to know the person behind the company. Posting about your lifestyle may not always be directly related to your products/services but it doesn’t matter, it will help drive sales in an indirect way.
LinkedIn is your professional network. Honestly, you should think of it as one big networking event that never ends. Share your professional journey in a way that’s fresh and enlightening! It’s not about self-promotion, it’s about sharing your professional expertise in a way that provides value to your audience and leaves them coming back for more! Remember, use links and promotional content very sparingly, your main goal should be to provide value.
Medium is an excellent platform to share stories and develop your writing. Choosing a specific topic to write on regularly will establish you as a thought leader in a particular field or industry. Keep in mind that you can re-purpose content from your blog, LinkedIn, or even Quora to add to your profile on Medium. It’s always a good idea to repurpose, this will save you time and make you a better writer in the process.
If you’re great on video, then YouTube is a great place to build your personal brand and establish yourself as an industry expert. Create tutorials, how-tos, interview other thought leaders, or share more lifestyle content! The power of video is invaluable, the more of it the better.
These are the platforms I would suggest considering. Will you write articles? Will you film videos? Will you record podcasts? Will you do all of the above? If you can do all of the above, my hat is off to you and I encourage you to move forward in this approach! Do EVERYTHING in your power to share your message and build a solid community around that message!
If you’re not sure where to begin, start small. I want you to play up to your strengths! If you’re an excellent writer, then you should start sharing your expertise through blog posts. If you’re funny and charismatic, then I recommend putting yourself in front of the video camera. Have you got a good eye? Share gorgeous photos with thoughtful captions.
Great personal branding requires a good level of self-awareness, it asks us to look inward and identify our strengths and weaknesses. Your strategy will be a direct reflection of who you are, what you like to do, and what you’re exceptionally good it.
Which social media platform is your favorite? Tell me below!
