Top 5 Social Media Websites and What Marketers Should Post on Them
With new social media websites popping up daily, companies need help choosing the right online platform for their business. Moreover, established platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are introducing new features like live streaming, Reels, and a virtual marketplace to sell and purchase products. This has made it difficult for companies to decide which social media website to use to achieve their business objectives.
Social media platforms are an important channel to help marketers achieve their traffic and conversion goals. However, marketers must be more intentional when choosing these platforms depending on their specific requirements. So, let’s dive right into the best social media platforms to target and for what kind of content.
What are the Five Most Popular Social Media Websites in India?
Social media users in India are projected to grow by over 400 million by 2025. According to the Hindustan Times, by 2026, India will have the second-highest social media users. Businesses that want to reach a wider audience and increase their online presence can start marketing on these popular social media websites:
1. Facebook
Facebook is one of India’s most popular social media websites, with over 2 billion daily active users. According to NDTV, India is among the top three countries for active user growth on Facebook.
Businesses across industries use the platform to drive leads to their pages. The platform offers many advertising options, like sponsored posts, carousel ads, and video ads. These can showcase products and services and increase a brand’s online visibility.
Besides paid advertising, companies can use social media to build a strong organic presence. They can create engaging content that resonates with their audiences.
One unique advantage of marketing on Facebook is that the platform connects businesses with local communities. For instance, businesses can use Facebook groups to engage with customers and build a community of users to create trust and loyalty.
2. WhatsApp
With over 400 million users in India, WhatsApp is among the most popular and frequently used apps. WhatsApp has become a potential marketing platform due to its widespread use. Companies can use the WhatsApp Business app to reach their target audience. It is also one of the most effective ways to send messages directly to customers. It can even send promotional messages, order updates, customer support, etc.
Another way to use WhatsApp for marketing is by creating groups or broadcasting lists on the platform. Businesses can use these groups to share product information and offer with customers.
However, organizations must get customers’ consent before adding them to a WhatsApp group or broadcast list. The messaging platform has strict policies regarding spam and unsolicited messaging. Businesses violating these policies can face penalties and account suspensions.
3. YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing platform changing how people obtain knowledge, learn new skills, and get entertained. The video-sharing platform is expected to reach 833 million users by 2025. The top 10 Indian channels have a cumulative video view count of 687 billion, a testament to the reach and impact of YouTube. The online platform offers a vast audience for businesses to promote their products or services. Companies can create their own YouTube channel and upload promotional videos, tutorials, and other content that resonates with their audience. They can also collaborate with famous YouTube influencers to reach a wider audience.
Companies must focus on creating high-quality and engaging video content to succeed on YouTube. They should also optimize their content according to the latest trends and algorithm changes.
4. Instagram
Instagram is a popular social media website growing rapidly in India. According to the Economic Times, Instagram will be India’s most downloaded short-video social media app in 2022. With over 120 million users, Instagram is the perfect place for businesses to showcase their products or services, share stories, and engage with customers via organic posts. Businesses can also utilize Instagram ads to reach wider audiences. Instagram ads allow companies to reach specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. It also has a shopping feature, which enables businesses to showcase their products and services directly on the platform.
In India, influencer marketing has also gained popularity on Instagram. Brands collaborate with popular influencers to promote their products to their target audience. This form of marketing has proven effective, especially among younger demographics who value the opinions and recommendations of social media influencers.
5. Twitter
With about 23.6 million users in India, Twitter is a popular platform for real-time news and updates. The micro-blogging site offers many tools that help businesses achieve their marketing objectives. Companies can use tools like Twitter Trends, Twitter Circles, and Twitter Spaces to optimize their online presence and engage with their audience.
One of the main advantages of marketing on Twitter is its ability to reach a wide audience quickly. Additionally, the ability to communicate with the target audience, respond to customer queries, and receive real-time feedback are factors that businesses must leverage.
Businesses need to understand the local market and cultural nuances to connect with their audience on Twitter. Moreover, they must be aware of relevant hashtags, participate in trending conversations, and host weekly Twitter Space conversations with the audience to increase visibility and engagement.
ALSO READ: Know How Social Networking Can Help a Business Expand its Presence
What Kind of Content Works Best on Different Social Media Websites?
It is impossible to manage one’s presence on every possible platform. However, with the right knowledge and guidance, companies can effectively engage their audience across platforms. Here is a look at the kind of content that works best on India’s popular social media websites.
1. What to Post on Facebook
Live videos, blog posts, and curated content are the type of content that does well on Facebook. In short, long-form content that is visual works best on Facebook.
2. What to Post on Instagram
High-quality pictures of products, short-form videos, quotes, and stories are the type of content that does well on Instagram.
3. What to Post on YouTube
Long-form content such as product demonstrations and reviews, tutorials, and explainer videos are the type of content that does well on YouTube.
4. What to Post on Twitter
Breaking news, industry, and real-time updates are the type of content that does well on Twitter.
How to Create an Authentic Online Presence
Here are some tips for businesses trying to enhance their online presence.
- Businesses should create content that reflects their brand identity and resonates with their audience.
- Organizations must be transparent about their mission, values, and business practices. This can be shared through behind-the-scenes photos and videos on social media websites. It will help the audience understand the company better.
- Businesses must engage with their audience through social media, blog comments, and email. This will strengthen the bond and increase trust.
- Organizations must create content that provides value to their audience. Share helpful tips, industry insights, or exclusive offers to keep the audience engaged and build a relationship of trust.
What are the Biggest Challenges of Social Media Marketing in India?
Let’s look at three of India’s biggest Social Media Marketing (SMM) challenges.
- Language Barriers: India is a diverse country with a large population speaking various languages. Brands must create content in different regional languages to connect with their audience, which can be challenging for small or medium-sized businesses.
- Competition: The social media landscape in India is highly competitive, with several brands vying for their audience’s attention. This makes it crucial for brands to create unique and compelling content that stands out.
- Changing Algorithms: Social media algorithms are constantly changing, making it challenging for brands to keep up with the latest changes.
ALSO READ: Analysing the Impact of Social Media On Different Businesses in the Last Decade
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