Week 2 A

Which social media platforms seem geared towards personal use? Why do you think so?

Although social media is a constantly evolving platform, I’ve always felt that sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, Pinterest and Snap Chat were all platforms that are geared towards personal use. I’ve always used social media sites, like Facebook and Instagram, to document aspects of my life and share it with family and friends. Sites like WhatsApp gives me the ability to stay in touch with friends who are overseas. In today’s world,  people are still using these platforms to connect and engage with everyday people. Twitter, for example, is a site where someone can communicate to their audience of friends all at once, or Snapchat, a creative way share photos and mini videos about your day to all your friends and family.

Which ones seem to work better for business? What makes them seem more suitable to business use?

If you are a creative, out the box type of individual, you can probably use any platform to connect with potential clients or customers. For Example, Dr. Rubinshtein is a dentist who uses Snap Chat to connect with potential patients through his Q&A sessions. For someone who is starting out, I would first suggest getting to know your target audience and then build from there. So if you are in the business of making jewelry for women I would start my marketing campaign with  Pinterest first.  Nearly half of Pinterest users are females. Ultimately, it would probably be best to be on all platforms that are geared towards personal use. The Likeable Social Media textbook provides good examples on when a customer on social media complains about a product or service, and the stratification that is received from said customer when a company listens to their complaint and respond with a resolution. The books also speak about the adverse effects of not listening to your consumer's complaint, via social media.

Do any seem to work well for both? How are they used differently?

I believe that digital marketing on social media sites that are geared towards personal use works well together.  Companies with a good marketing team are able to create a space that allows them to interact with their customers, via social media, without it being a distraction for the everyday user. Many companies are able to use sites like Instagram, Pinterest or YouTube to plug in their advertisements, as well as respond to their customers inquires. Additionally, a lot of people like to connect with their favorite brands through social media, as well as connect with other like-minded individuals.