This Social Media Network Overview is here to help clarify what social media is being used for and how you can use it to your advantage.
There are so many social networks nowadays. Its completely bewildering.
Just where do you start with social media?
In the United Kingdom the main social media platforms are:
- YouTube
Here’s an overview of the main networks and how you might use them for your business.
Social Media Network Overview – Part 1.
Facebook.
Users: Facebook reports 1.49 billion users monthly. Asia accounts for 28%, Europe for 24%, USA and Canada for 17% and the rest of the world for 30% of those users. Roughly 50/50 male and female balance.
How it’s used: Facebook is the largest social network in the world. Users can share products and content that resonates with them. Facebook offers brand, company and product pages where users can interact with and review brands based on their experiences.
How you can use it: Facebook is the place for ‘long-form content’. With no character or word limit these posts get the most Facebook shares and likes. So start writing your epic stories and promotions! Encourage your fans to post reviews or stories about their experiences with your site on your brand page. Facebook is also a great platform to offer insider tips, troubleshooting ideas, meet-up and event invites and those all important promotional offers.
Twitter.
Users: Twitter reports 304 million users monthly. The majority of those users are from Asia, North America and Western Europe. They are 90% male.
How it’s used: Twitter was made for short commentary. That’s within 140 characters or less. Users can (and do) use it to talk about and interact with brands about their products or services.
How you can use it: Encourage your users to tweet about your brand, letting others know why they love it. Or create a hashtag to kick-start a conversation. Be sure to re-tweet others to show appreciation. Respond if asked a question or tagged in a tweet. If its appropriate, brands can post about what’s trending to increase visibility. The primary principle of Twitter is to be part of a conversation and not just talk about yourself.
YouTube.
Users: YouTube reports over one billion users worldwide. 30% of visitors from the US and 70% from the rest of the world. It is broadcast in 54 languages. No information on male/female balance.
How it’s used: YouTube offers users the opportunity to watch videos for free, or create and upload their own. Videos are easy to comment on, rate, and share on social media and blogs. Many of the users report using it like a super TV. They just go on YouTube when they’re online.
How you can use it: Create videos and upload them – sounds easy! YouTube is a great platform for creating videos of any length. So product overviews, tutorials, demonstrations, promotions, interviews, demonstrations and the rest can all go on. YouTube viewers are looking to watch interesting, creative, fun and informative videos. Your options are limitless and you can use it to reach that audience who don’t tend to use other online services.
Other platforms that are good for you to consider using are:
More to come next post on these and a quick look at a few others as well.
If you’d like some input on improving your social media presence then please contact us.