Which social media platform is right for you?

With so many social media platforms now available, each targeting a slightly different audience, the first step in any successful campaign is to delineate your target audience and work out which platform is most likely to appeal to them. Only then can you set realistic goals for your campaign and work to achieve them.

Your key aims for the campaign will also help define your targets. Is your social media campaign looking to increase brand engagement and recognition? Perhaps your sole aim is to drive sales, or alternatively you may be looking to increase your rankings by building backlinks or raise your reputation as a thought-leader in your industry?

Depending on which of these you answer yes to, you’ll be able to target your social media campaign accordingly. Those looking to increase their business and brand reputation will want to choose a site like Ecademy or LinkedIn, aimed squarely at the business market. Companies who are looking to create back-links and boost ratings will see their goals better achieved on a social bookmarking site like Stumbleupon or Digg.

Then of course there are the social media stalwarts of Facebook and Twitter; both have huge audiences and, despite an ever-growing range of competitors, remain the best starting place for any social media campaign looking for mass engagement.

Whichever style of social media you employ, get to know its main audience and how you can bring something new to the party. Once you answer this final question you’ll know where and how is best to engage with your target audience.