It’s hard to keep up with all of the various social media platforms out there. As a local RI business owner you might be wondering which platforms you should be on? There are many to choose from but it all depends on the type of industry you are in, your goals and which platforms your key demographic uses.

When we first begin working with a local Rhode Island business we take into consideration a few of the factors mentioned above to recommend the perfect platform. Find your perfect social media platform by following this simple guide below.

Facebook: All Businesses

This is an easy platform to recommend because every business needs to have a Facebook page. Why? Because Facebook is business friendly and has opportunities for all industries because there is a wide range of users from all ages and demographics that can be targeted.

So take our advice and get your business a Facebook page. With the right visuals, content and ads your local RI business has the potential to be unstoppable on this platform.

Instagram: Picture Worthy Business

You may love to use Instagram in your daily life but that doesn’t mean it is a great social media platform for your business. Answer yes or no to the following questions to see if your Rhode Island business fits the Instagram mold:

Are there various things you can take pictures of at your business?
Do customers often take pictures at your business?
Does your business work on projects you can take pictures of?
Is your business visual?
Does your business serve food or drink?

If you answered yes to any of these than you belong on Instagram. Businesses like restaurants, clothing boutiques, surf shops or even construction companies are ideal for Instagram because they have items or projects that can easily be photographed. Businesses like law firms, medical facilities or mechanics would not be ideal. Why? Because a solid Instagram strategy requires photos to be posted daily and those photos need to be visually appealing. So, if there are not enough visual items or areas of your business to capture on camera, then it is time to move on to another platform.

Twitter: B2B Industries

Twitter is another platform that plays towards multiple demographics, however it is most effective for B2B. Why? Because Twitter & LinkedIn are the two most used platforms for B2B marketing. Twitter allows you to follow other pages and message them directly. This is key when trying to network or get a conversation started about your business or the industry you are in.

Although like Facebook any business could thrive on Twitter. It is not always the perfect choice for more visually appealing industries like restaurants or clothing lines.

Pinterest: Businesses w/ Original Content

Over the past few years Pinterest has skyrocketed. Female demographics typically dominate the Pinterest world, but more and more men are now using the platform in their daily lives. So, now the question is…can your business benefit from being on Pinterest?

If your website has great blogs, photos, DIY guides or an abundance of content then Pinterest is the perfect platform for you. The purpose of Pinterest for business is to drive users to your online content. So, in order for your business to find success on Pinterest you will need to have plenty of content ready to go.

Snapchat: Visual Businesses w/ Large Social Media Followings

Although Snapchat is one of the more popular new social media platforms on the market, it is not for many businesses. Who can benefit? If you are in a visually appealing industry like a restaurant or even a yoga studio than Snapchat maybe be a great new way to kick up your social media game…but you need to be willing to be active. Videos are taken live and are temporary, which means you need to consistently be taking new ones in order to keep your followers engaged and interested in your content.

Another aspect that makes Snapchat difficult is building an initial following. Unlike Facebook, Instagram and Twitter you cannot target demographics or search hashtags to find individuals in your industry. The Snapchat user will have to search your name in order to follow you, which is why having an extensive following on your existing social media platforms could help grow your Snapchat followers and make it worth your while.

Now it’s time to choose your platforms!

There you have it, our guide to choosing the best social media platforms for your business. Many businesses thrive on a variety of social media channels, but there are some that are better suited for specific industries. If you would like our team to help you choose your social media platforms, contact us here and we will let you know our recommendations!