Social Media Marketing for Small Business

“Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.”  John Allen Paulos (1945 – )

Today’s rapidly changing environment of social media marketing, new platforms, changing old platforms, and current “standards,” can cause you to feel overwhelmed. The only thing certain: social media is not going away. That’s great news for small businesses!  Social media marketing can be one of the best (and least expensive) ways to advertise your business and increase sales.

What should I know about social media marketing?

Social media marketing doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, we’re here to help! During the month of August, we’ll teach you all you need to know to get your online marketing presence up and running. Our Social Media Marketing Series will help you learn everything from Facebook and Meta to Twitter (or now, “X”), to Threads.

What do I need to know before I start social media marketing?

An important thing to know about your own business is your “audience.” Who buys your product or service? Is it the teen with disposable income, the young professional, or the retired individuals? Each business is unique and not every social media platform is “necessary.” For instance: you shouldn’t turn your initial focus to getting an Instagram account up and running if you are marketing to older 50-something professionals. However, if you want to sell your super cute unicorn leggings to the 13 to 17 year olds – Snapchat, Instagram and even TikTok may be your “go to” social media platform.

Which social media marketing sites are best for my small business?

Experts agree there are several platforms that would be the best for your small businesses. Here is a brief listing and what they are (primarily) used for:

• Facebook:

  • Best for B2C (Business to Consumer) Companies
  • 9 Billion active users
  • Age demographic: 34-45
  • Most popular platform across all age groups
  • Most active countries: USA, India

• Meta:

Think of Meta as the business arm of Facebook, geared primarily for business and social media marketing. The same demographics as above apply.

• YouTube:

  • 6 Billion active users
  • Age demographic: 15-35
  • Best for B2C and B2B companies
  • Most active countries: USA, India
  • YouTube is the second-most-visited site in the world

• Instagram:

  • 2 Billion active users
  • Age demographic: 18-34
  • Best for B2C companies
  • Most active countries: USA, India

• LinkedIn:

  • Known as the “Business App”
  • Active users monthly: 310 Million
  • Best for B2B companies
  • Age demographic: Men age 25-34
  • Most active countries: USA, India
  • Considered the top social media platform for generating business leads.

• WhatsApp

  • 2 Billion active users
  • Age demographic: 26-35
  • Best for B2C companies
  • Most active countries: India, Brazil
  • WhatsApp is the 3^rd most popular social media network in the world.
  • Age demographic: 15-29
  • Most active countries: USA, India
  • Snapchat users spend an average of 30 mins a day on the platform

• TikTok:

Disclaimer with TikTok – it’s being banned in a lot of universities across the US. The controversy with TikTok is based on national security and the owner of the platform who has agreed to give user data to China.

• TikTok is not going away but experts believe the platform will change to be more about advertising and less about entertainment.
• Age demographic 10-29
• Most active countries: China, USA

• Threads:

  • VERY new but has already amassed 109-million users in just 5 days since it’s inception.
  • Threads is Facebook’s answer to Twitter. They are also direct competitors.
  • Relatively new platform – but one to watch and learn.
  • Most active countries (so far): USA, India

• Snapchat:

  • Active users: 538 million
  • Age demographic: 15-29
  • Most active countries: USA, India
  • Snapchat users spend an average of 30 mins a day on the platform

• Pinterest:

  • Active users: 433 Million
  • Age demographic: 18-54
  • Best for B2C companies
  • Most active countries: USA, Brazil
  • Keep in mind that 83% of Pinterest users have made a purchase from content they’ve seen.

 

Where do I start with Social Media Marketing?

The list above can be a lot to tackle. Instead, we suggest you start with the most popular for small businesses and then grow your “brand” from there.  Here is a great place to start:

• Facebook (Meta)
• LinkedIn
• Twitter (Now called “X” or X.com)
• Thread(s)
• Instagram
• YouTube (if you want to create video content for your business)

 

How do I get started with social media marketing?

The best way to start with social media marketing, is by attending our Monday Marketing Series, throughout the month of August.  We can show you the ins and outs of social media marketing, the best platforms for your small business and how to get started building your business profile. If you are looking to expand your marketing, or to become more recognizable, this is a great series for you!

 

 

For additional information on social media marketing and how to get started or how to grow your business, please contact us at the Trinity Valley Small Business Development Center – SBDC – TVCC – Serving Henderson, Anderson, Van Zandt, Rains, and Kaufman Counties.