An article came to our attention recently saying social media has been part of our lives for almost 20 years. Facebook was launched in February 2004. LinkedIn got its start in May 2003. Twitter (now X) began in March 2006.
We asked Google how many social media platforms there are in 2023 and there was no definitive answer, however, most totals were north of 100! The website Statista shared a ranking of platform popularity and the original, Facebook, leads the pack by a country mile in measurement of monthly active users (MAUs). Their top 10 reads:
Did you have to look up a couple of those? We did, too! If you’re wondering where X (formerly Twitter) ranked on their list, it comes in at number 12. In an enewsletter from PR News, they wrote, “X, formerly known as Twitter, finds itself hemorrhaging users and advertisers. As users find themselves frustrated with X’s content, algorithm and safety changes, they may look to other, newer platforms such as Threads or Bluesky for a different experience.” Threads? Bluesky? New to us! LinkedIn didn’t appear on Statista’s ranking, speaking to its narrower user appeal.
Social media platforms will continue to launch as they target particular audiences based on culture, interests, geography, and other demographic specificity. The question we ask ourselves revolves around audiences. Where are your customers and prospects? We expect you would find them all over! Clearly, Facebook is essential.
One of your missions in your messaging is to drive your audience to your social platforms where you invest your resources. Keep the information for connecting with you highly visible on your communications, so you entice the folks you want to reach to consume your content. Try sharing some of your content in direct contacts – via emails and/or enewsletters – to illustrate the value of your social media posts.
Recently, HMG asked a question on our social media, wondering what promotional items folks valued receiving most. The resulting crowd-sourced replies were enlightening and fun.
Being on social media is essential. Use social media to drive your messaging and gain information, harvesting the mutual benefit of the interaction. The team at HMG can help you make the most of this journey!
It has often been said, when you’re busy being grateful, you don’t have time for negative thinking. In November, as we approach Thanksgiving, our gratitude is focused on our customers, past and present, who have given us the opportunity to tell their stories. We are grateful, too, for our family and friends who support us in our work.
Heartland Marketing Group will be closed November 23 and 24 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
