Every business needs to have a social media presence in 2020. However, getting the most out of social media requires a lot more than an account and some clever status updates. Here’s what small businesses need to punch above their weight through social media.

Pick Your Platforms Wisely

A key aspect of the planning process for your social media strategy should be researching the different social media platforms that are out there and discovering what kind of content each of them favours. The kind of content that will land well on Instagram, for example, might not work so well when shared on Facebook. You need to know what the users on each of these platforms are like and how the subset of them that overlaps with your target audience is using each platform.

There are generational differences in user behaviour when it comes to using the internet, and social media is no exception. In other words, the way that teenagers use Facebook (most of them don’t now, as Facebook is no longer cool) is very different from how their grandparents use it. You need to know what kind of users your target audience is going to be if you want to reach them effectively through social media.

Know Who Your Target Audience Is

The power of social media platforms to marketers lies in their ability to finely segment their audience. Social media usage is now common amongst a wide range of demographics, even if it is being used differently by many of them. Social media platforms enable marketers to pick out users that match their target audience the best and focus their marketing on these people.

Before you can start benefiting from social media as a small business, you need to know who it is that you are reaching out to.

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Use Professionals And Contractors Where Necessary

Trying to do everything yourself is admirable but unnecessary. For small business owners, it is always tempting to opt for cheaper solutions and go DIY when you can. However, in many cases, this is actually a false economy. By being more strategic in where you invest your money and being selective about the contractors that you hire, you can not only acquire a greater diversity of skills and talents, but you can achieve more than you would by just throwing more money at the problem.

When it comes to working with outside marketing agencies, look for options tailored to small businesses, like Express Marketing from Zesty Marketing. Zesty’s Express Marketing package offers the power of a big marketing agency in a package that is accessible and affordable for a small business budget. The Express package includes all the essentials for small business marketing in the digital age. Social media marketing is a part of that package, and Zesty has an excellent reputation for their performance in this regard.

With the right approach, social media can provide an invaluable source of new leads for small businesses.  If you don’t have anyone on staff with the knowledge and experience needed to thrive on social media, don’t be afraid to hire a professional.