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Growing your business through Social Media Marketing (SMM), doesn’t have to be complicated. The four main social platforms to be aware of are increasing in popularity and continue to be the powerhouses of social media. The four most commonly used social media channels are:
Originally conceived as an alternative to the standard printed yearbook, Facebook users were required to have a valid email address for a college, university, or high school in order to participate in this social network. Because of this, mainly college students used the site to keep in touch with friends. However, when Facebook opened up to anyone with an email address, many in the Baby Boomer generation began using it as a way to reconnect with their former classmates, as well. Now, the average Facebook user is 35, but everyone from an 85-year-old grandmother to a 13-year-old cousin has access. What this means for your business is a broader reach to demographics that include all ages, genders, races, etc. Facebook has become more business-friendly as well, encouraging companies to create “Fan Pages” and connect with their customers through the site.
YouTube
This site, used to upload and share informal videos, has become a sensation not only because of its viral nature, but also because of the community which sharing videos creates. There are even quasi-celebrities known only for their YouTube video updates. Becoming a part of this video-sharing community could mean big things for your business as you harness the power of video word of mouth (WOM).
Those who use Twitter are known as micro-bloggers, since the site only allows 140 characters to be typed in at one time. Thus, the user is encouraged to use creativity in posting. Many use Twitter to share links to other sites or blogs, and again, the sharing capacities on the site are what make this social media tool important to your company. When you are engaging with consumers through sharing links and other information, they are more likely to share about your business as well.
This website has always been known as the major business networking site. To some consumers, this may be one reason not to use the program. However, LinkedIn has become more social, and therefore more users are now engaged with it. Your business can definitely benefit from the community found here, as well as interacting with other businesses for increased knowledge of your particular industry.
How are you using these big four networks to your advantage? What other social media tools are you utilizing?





