Topic: Social Media Platforms

As a person who is an avid social media user and an director for the Associated Students of Utah State University (ASUSU), I would like to think I know which social media platform works best at getting “the word out.” Choosing the right platform is key to making sure that your information gets across to the right audience. If you pick the wrong platform can decrease customers and will definitely give your competitors an advantage.

According to socialmediachimps.com, the Top 5 Social Media Sites of 2012 were:

• Facebook (950 million)
•  YouTube (880 million)
• Wikipedia (410 million)
• BlogSpot (340 million)
•  Twitter (170 million)

These are platforms that should be taken into consideration when getting ready to advertise your product/service/company. These have the most amount of traffic and can almost guarantee an increase in traffic if used correctly.

Below is a GREAT infographic from socialmediachimps.com on the top social media platforms within 2012. It shows that “social networks receive 36% of unique visitors, video sites 27%, blogging platforms 15%, wikis 11%, and micro blogging and other types of social media platforms at 6%.”

If you have noticed, whatever you are trying to market – whether it is a product, service, company or even yourself – the more you can get the name out to the public the better chance you will have at success. Be sure to use more than just one platform and make sure you update them frequently. You will often see companies that have a Facebook, who make posts about their blog and link their status to Twitter. This is a great way for them to be seen on multiple platforms.

Once you understand the top social media platforms and what you think could potentially work best for you. You need to then develop a strategy on how to become successful in using these. Socialmediaexamier.com has a great 7 Step process that helps you develop a successful social media strategy.

1.    Determine Your Goals and Objectives

2.   Research, Research and Research Some More

3.   Create a Digital Rolodex of Contacts and Content

4.   Join the Conversation to Develop Relationships

5.   Strengthen Relationships

6.   Measure Results

7.   Analyze, Adapt, and Improve

For more information on these 7 steps – click here

Hopefully these can help you think about which platform works best for you and what you are trying to market. Just remember, whatever you put on social media - is for everyone else to see. You can never get it back!