In our last blog post, we pointed out some pros and cons of some of the most popular social media networks. In part 2 of our social media series, we’re going to focus on more media and image-centric networks!

youtube_logoIt’s the largest video sharing website around, but is it worth it to get your own channel?

Why you should join:

  • YouTube offers great ways to engage your clients through creative means. Showcase your products, offer tutorials, or make funny videos that can go viral!
  • YouTube is owned by Google, so the potential for your videos to appear high in the search engine results is huge.

Why you should pass:

  • Producing videos can be a time consuming venture. Do you have the resources (time, money, ideas, team) to create compelling video content? Make sure you’ll be able to maintain an active presence.
  • What are the benefits of producing videos for your business? Think about the kinds of videos that can engage your clients before you get started.

pinterest_logoWe’ve moved into a visual culture, and Pinterest is one of the best ways to introduce your products through images.

Why you should join:

  • There is huge potential for your content to be reshared over and over again.
  • Images are fun to look at, and they grab attention quickly.
  • This is especially useful for retailers and restaurant owners – if you can tempt your clients with beautiful pictures of your products, Pinterest is worth it!

Why you should pass:

  • If you don’t have interesting visual content, there won’t be much to gain from using this social networking site.
  • Currently Pinterest is very female-driven, so think about your target audience. However, don’t let this point deter you too much: this is quickly changing.

tumblr_logoAnother microblogging site that focuses on both image and text.

Why you should join:

  • Like Pinterest, Tumblr is very image-centric. There are some more options with Tumblr though – you can write short articles and have a bit more control over how your page looks. You can also add video and sound!
  • Tumblr is becoming more and more popular for Fashion and broadcast media.
  • Very mobile-friendly!

Why you should pass:

  • Again, before you get started with Tumblr, make sure you have stunning visual content to share.
  • Tumblr users tend to be in the younger age range – from 20s to 30s, so keep in mind whether your business would benefit from catering to this audience.

Instagram_logo

Speaking of images, don’t forget Instagram, that hip photosharing program that you can download as an app on your smartphone.

Why you should join:

  • Don’t underestimate the power of Instagram for your business – it’s a unique way to use social networking.
  • It’s the way to go if you want to give off that casual, approachable, and down-to-earth vibe.
  • Another bonus: You can choose fun filters to spruce up your images! You’ll feel like a cool indie blogger instantly.

Why you should pass:

  • If you’re not planning to use your smartphone, it’s too much of a hassle to maintain your Instagram account.
  • Think about the kind of business image you want to maintain: if you want to remain strictly professional, Instagram might not be the program for you.

Conclusion:

There are a plethora of benefits to getting your business on a social media network. Before you get started, however, be sure to consider your target audience, your brand, and whether you’ll have the resources to keep active on whatever network you choose. Happy networking!

Any comments? Leave ’em below, we’d love to know what you think.

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