Ever wonder what types of social media platforms are truly worth your time? It’s normal to feel unsure when there are too many options. However, not all platforms offer the same benefits, and it’s important to choose wisely.
Some platforms can help your business grow, while others might be less effective. We’ve categorized the platforms into seven main types to make things easier. You can easily decide which platforms will best support your business goals.
Ready to discover the ones that can make a real difference? Let’s take a closer look!
Audio Social Media Platforms
Platforms – Spotify, Twitter Spaces, Clubhouse, Amazon Music
Use – Engaging with listeners through podcasts, music, and live discussions.
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Audio platforms are one of the types of social media people use to stay entertained, informed, or simply enjoy music during their day. These platforms offer a chance to connect with your audience personally. You can record podcasts, run ads that reach listeners between songs, or host live sessions to interact directly with your audience. These activities not only promote your brand but also help educate your audience about your business and industry trends.
Video Social Media Platforms
Platforms – YouTube, TikTok, Facebook Watch, Instagram Reels & Stories
Use – Watching both long and short videos that entertain and inform
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Video content is highly engaging and captures attention in ways that text and photos aren’t able to do so. You can boost awareness, connect with your audience, and showcase your products or services more effectively by using video platforms. Consider creating videos demonstrating how your products work or highlighting your services’ benefits. You can also use these platforms to share educational content, entertain your audience, and discuss trending industry topics.
Private Or Closed Social Media Platforms
Platforms – Slack, Discourse, Facebook Groups
Use – Communicating and collaborating with a selected group
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Private social platforms let businesses create dedicated groups for community members. For instance, if you are selling a trading course, you can create a private Facebook group where members can share their trading experience, ask questions, and exchange tips. These groups help build trust, credibility, and allow users to learn more about your course and other services.
Business Social Media Platforms
Platforms – LinkedIn, Twitter
Use – Connecting with industry professionals, partners, and clients; advertising and job seeking
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Business social platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter help build B2B relationships. These platforms help you connect you with prospects, partners, and clients. They also offer a great way to recruit top talent by posting job ads and engaging with potential candidates. These types of social media platforms improve your network and support your business growth.
Shoppable Social Media Platforms
Platforms – Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, TikTok, Shopify
Use – Browsing, researching, and purchasing products directly from brands
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Shoppable social platforms allow customers to buy directly from your brand without leaving the app. Your products can be theirs with just a few clicks. You can upload your product catalog to these platforms to enable seamless purchases. You can also add detailed product descriptions and links to your website. This makes it easier for customers to research and drive more traffic to your site.
Inspirational Social Platforms
Platforms – Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram
Use – Finding inspiration through photos, boards, and videos on topics like travel, decorating, and events
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
These platforms allow you to visually present your products to audiences seeking inspiration. For instance, create a Pinterest board or Instagram gallery featuring your paintings in various home settings. You can also produce video tutorials, like a YouTube guide on packing a travel backpack. Aligning your content with your target audience’s interests and needs will help you attract their attention.
Review Platforms
Platforms – Yelp, TrustPilot, Glassdoor
Use – Leaving and viewing reviews about brands, products, and services
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Review platforms allow people to share their opinions about your brand. Positive reviews provide valuable social proof which will ultimately improve your brand’s credibility. By monitoring reviews, you gain insights into how your audience perceives your business and where improvements are needed. This feedback can fill the gap and level up the user experience.
Social Blogging Platforms
Platforms – Tumblr, Medium
Use – Writing and reading stories, sharing information, photos, and videos
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Social blogging platforms let you publish content that engages your audience and builds brand familiarity. These networks are ideal for sharing media and information, driving visibility, and generating leads. However, they require consistent content creation to maintain engagement. These platforms require more effort than others, but they are powerful for boosting brand awareness. Their focus on content helps you connect with your audience more deeply.
Discussion Forums
Platforms – Quora, Reddit
Use – Asking and answering questions, forming communities around shared interests
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Discussion forums are great for customer service and answering questions for potential customers. For instance, a bank could create a subreddit where users ask questions or find solutions. These types of social media platforms also allow you to showcase your expertise by answering industry-related questions and sharing information about your products or services.
Live Streaming Platforms
Platforms – TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, Instagram Live Rooms, Facebook Live
Use – Broadcasting and watching live video
How These Platforms Can Benefit Your Business
Live streaming lets you connect with your audience in real-time, hosting Q&A sessions and answering questions on the spot. You can also reveal new products or announce updates and events. You strengthen brand loyalty and create a connection by offering more live interaction opportunities.
Closing Thoughts
Different types of social media platforms offer unique ways to connect with your audience and grow your business. Each of the above mentioned platforms has its own strengths whether through videos, live streams, private groups, or review sites. You can build trust, brand loyalty, and drive your business forward by choosing the right platforms for your needs.
