When it comes to social media success, pinpointing your ideal client's preferred platform is super important.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a presence on every social media platform just because others are doing it. The right fit depends on your business and target audience. You will need to consider where your ideal client spends their time online and also see if the platform aligns with your business goals.
Imagine you're invited to a party – but not just any party. This one is filled with dog lovers who share the same values as you and they are genuinely interested in what you have to say. The conversations flow easily and you walk away feeling inspired and connected.
Being on the right social media platform is like finding this amazing party to attend. When you hang out where your ideal client hangs out, it’s easier to share your expertise and talk about your offers and services.
At the end of the day, it’s not about spreading yourself thin across every social media platform out there. We’d all burn out very quickly!
To determine your ideal social media platform, ask these five key questions:
1. What are my goals?
It’s important to figure out WHY you are posting on social media. Whether it's raising brand awareness, driving sales, or sharing valuable insights, your goals can help you decide which platform to choose.
2. Who is my ideal client?
This should be the foundation of your content creation and social media marketing. Really try to understand who you are trying to attract on social media. Who do you want to speak to? What does their day-to-day life look like with their dog? What challenges do they face? How can your business enrich their lives?
Imagine having a cup of coffee with a close friend and asking them about their favorite things – that's the level of familiarity you're aiming for.
3. Where would this person hang out online?
Every social media app has its own culture and demographics.
Is your ideal client someone who likes to join Facebook groups to get dog training tips? Or maybe they love sharing photos and videos of their dog on Instagram. Maybe they live a fast-paced life so TikTok’s short-form videos are best for them.
This is why it’s so important to REALLY get inside your ideal client’s head and then choose the app you think they would spend the most time on.
4. What's my content style?
Understand your own content style and use that to your advantage. Oftentimes we feel like we need to learn brand new skills to make content but it’s a better idea to utilize the skills you already have. Make content that feels natural for you.
If you love visuals and telling stories, Instagram could be your go-to. If you enjoy making videos, you could focus more on TikTok or Youtube. If you like connecting and chatting with people inside communities, Facebook is perfect for that.
5. Where have I seen past results?
If a specific platform has drawn clients before, make that your focus. Once you feel like you are doing well on that platform, then you can try adding more platforms to your marketing strategy.
Remember you don’t need to be everywhere at once.
Just because other people are hopping on (insert social media platform), doesn’t mean you need to as well. Stay focused on your ideal client. Find out where they hang out online and start building those connections with them!
If you need help with marketing your dog training business on social media, reach out to me for help!