7 things to consider before jumping into a new social media platform
This week’s headlines: Instagram’s new app (Threads) was downloaded more than 30 million times in 16 hours.
“How are we supposed to keep up?🤪” – all small business owners in 2023
As a marketer or small business owner, the ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms can be both exciting and overwhelming. With new platforms constantly emerging, it's natural to wonder whether jumping on the bandwagon is worth the investment of time, resources, and effort. 📱
None of us want to waste time, so let’s talk through the decision-making process when it comes to exploring and adopting new social media platforms, shall we?
1. Evaluate your target audience 🎯
Before considering any new social media platform, it's crucial to assess whether your target audience is present or likely to engage on that platform. Conduct market research and analyze demographic data to gain insights into the platforms your audience currently uses. This analysis will help you identify potential platforms worth exploring.
2. Understand platform demographics and features ⚙️
Once you've identified a potential platform, delve deeper into its demographics, user behavior, and unique features. Different social media platforms cater to diverse audiences and offer distinct features and content formats. Assess whether these align with your brand's values, objectives, and content strategy. Consider the platform's user base, engagement levels, and how it aligns with your marketing goals.
3. Consider your available resources ⏰
Introducing a new social media platform requires time, effort, and resources. Evaluate your team's bandwidth, skill set, and expertise to manage and create content for additional platforms. Remember, it's better to excel on a few platforms than to spread yourself too thin across many. Prioritize quality over quantity.
4. Analyze competitor presence 💡
Research your competitors to determine whether they have a presence on the new platform you're considering. Analyze their content strategy, engagement levels, and overall impact. While it's important to differentiate yourself, understanding how your competitors leverage a particular platform can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.
5. Test the waters 🌊
Before fully committing to a new social media platform, consider conducting a trial or pilot phase. Allocate a small portion of your resources to experiment with the platform, gather data, and assess its effectiveness. This trial period allows you to test content strategies, measure audience response, and evaluate whether the platform aligns with your marketing goals.
6. Stay true to your brand identity 👏
While it's essential to adapt to emerging trends, it's equally important to stay true to your brand's identity and values. Ensure that the platform you choose aligns with your brand's tone, messaging, and visual aesthetics. Consistency across platforms fosters brand recognition and trust.
7. Monitor analytics and adjust strategies 📐
Once you've established a presence on a new platform, closely monitor analytics and measure the impact of your efforts. Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement, reach, conversions, and website traffic. Based on the data, continuously refine your content strategy, experiment with different formats, and optimize your approach to maximize results.
Deciding whether to jump into new social media platforms is a significant consideration for marketers and small business owners. Save time & headache by hiring The Betterment Desk to evaluate your target audience, understand platform demographics, assess available resources, analyze competitor presence, and test the waters – we can help you make informed decisions that align with your brand's goals and values.
A note from The Betterment Desk owner:
Another very important factor in determining if you and your business are ready for another social media platform is the state of your mental health. If continuously checking & creating content for another social media platform would add to your mental load and leave little energy for your passions (and family, friends, health, etc.), I’d think twice about adding to your plate – especially if you’re doing it alone! Social media presence is essential for growth in 2023, but you don’t have to do it alone.
Remember to take care of yourself! 💖
