How do you decide which new platform to use? If you’re like most people you either jump on anything that’s new or wait until your grandmother is on it to try it. That is not a good way to do business. This is the second part in a series that is meant to help you create your social media marketing strategy for 2016.

One of the hardest parts of reevaluating your strategy is deciding which platforms to add or even when to add new platforms. We are first going to talk about Periscope and Blab and then go over 3 questions you can ask yourself to decide if these, or any new social media platform, is right for you and your business. If you want a more in depth review jump to the blog post and get examples and 2 more questions you need to ask yourself.

Periscope

Periscope is a live streaming app that happens on your phone. I say it is the internet come alive. The app started earlier this year and has exploded in popularity and usage.  You can find politicians, celebrities, small business owners, and pets using the app. If you have a perspective someone wants to hear it. The app only keeps the video for 24 hours, after that it’s gone. While you are streaming people can type in comments and give you “hearts” Hearts are a way to show appreciation, support or agreement for what the broadcaster is saying. There are a lot of ways to interact, gain a following, and share your brand. If you want to check out my channel you can see recent replays here.  If you have more questions about Periscope email me!

Blab

Blab is another live streaming app however, it is desktop based. You can have up to 3 other people on video and it has been used to launch talk shows, host conferences, create interactive classes and collaborate.This is another recent entrant into the social media space and has may early adopters. You can also record your Blabs to share later. While you are live people can join you from the audience (but you don’t have to let them), give “props”, and comment.  This highly interactive platform allows your audience to see your brand in action. If you have more questions about Blab email me!

The great thing about these two new apps is that if you determine it is a good fit for you it will be easier to get your brand out there because they are new. But make sure you have a strategy and a plan first.

5 Questions You Need To Ask!

Do I have the time?
Social media is a great way to build and stay connected to your audience. However, it is a cost first and then a benefit. It takes time to build a community that supports and buys from your business and it can’t be done with sporadic involvement. If you are already stretched thin do not add another platform.

Is my audience there?
While a new platform might be the hot new thing you have to ask the question is it the hot new thing for your audience? Snapchat is gaining by leaps and bounds but if your audience isn’t college age then you don’t need to be there. If you want to understand the demographics of social media platforms you can click here.

Why will I do this?
Even if you have the time and even if your audience is there it is still important to have a strategy. Knowing what metrics you are trying to impact with your participation in a platform will allows you to effectively use it. (If you haven’t ever created your social strategy click here.) Are you going for brand recognition? Newsletter sign ups? Customer care?

 

What resources do I need?

Each social platform has it’s own communication mode. Twitter uses words, Instagram pictures and YouTube Video. When you embark on a new social network it is important to also consider the amount of time it takes to create content for that network.  If you don’t have the resources for creating graphics or videos you  have to determine if that social network is right for you.

 

How will I implement and integrate?

Once you decide a social platform will benefit your business you then have to decide how you will make use of it. This includes how your brand is portrayed, how you will take care of your customers, what kind of news you will disseminate and more.  Each social media channel does not have to be a full system. You can handle customer care on Twitter, Information dissemination on Instagram, and Tutorials on YouTube. However, deciding what platform serves what purpose involves understanding how your community interacts with you on social media.

Once you have evaluated new social platforms and determine which would be the best to add to your marketing strategy we will go over reviewing and measuring 2015 in the next newsletter.

If you’re ready to supercharge your efforts now, take a look at the S.T.O.P. club. Training, coaching, and content created for you! Learn more here.