Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Simplifying Social Media: Selecting Your Platforms












From Facebook to Flickr, we've looked at 10 of today's top social media platforms. As we've done so, you've filled out your Simplifying Social Media Strategy Guide, checking off the platforms that would best serve your business.

Now it's time to narrow down the list - to choose the platforms that you will actually utilize. As you do so, take the following items into consideration, no matter how many platforms you have check-marked on your guide:


  • Your Social Media Experience - If you are new to the realm of social media, it makes sense to ease into things. You may want to choose the platform that will do the most for you, or the one that you are most comfortable with, and start there. Once you've mastered that platform and boosted your knowledge and confidence, you can move onto a second platform. Don't be discouraged - remember the old adage "slow and steady wins the race." 
  • How Much Time You Can Commit to It - While we will be covering time-saving tools, you still need to consider how much time you can commit to your social media platform(s). If you own your own business and already wear several dozen hats, or if you are currently in a particularly busy season of life, it would be wiser to focus on one or two platforms at the most, rather than spreading yourself too thin. Having a social media presence that isn't regularly updated will actually send a negative impression rather than a good one.
  • Your Business Goals - Remember, the reason we took a close look at the different platforms was so you could select the one(s) that align with your business goals. If you aren't sure what your business goals are, or they aren't well outlined, you need to focus your attention there before selecting your platforms.

Action Step: After careful consideration, narrow down your list of check-marked platforms and place a star next to the one(s) you are going to utilize. Feel free to begin using those platforms, as we cover some helpful time-saving tools in the next few posts.

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