Social Media, the Trifecta

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram integration tips

Originally, social media sites were created for people and friends to connect with one another, but they’ve grown far beyond pics, vids and status updates. This rich environment has attracted many companies who have begun using the Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to their advantage. These three mega platforms are much more than separate websites. Each of these networks seamlessly connects to one another and can be used to target different audiences.

Don’t focus your attention on just one social media platform. Users are expecting integration.

Facebook

Aside from creating a fan page, Facebook offers an alternate method for people to connect to your website. The majority of people, including professionals and mobile users, prefer logging into websites using Facebook credentials over any other social network. By linking your website with Facebook, users are more likely to remember login credentials and don’t have to go through the hassle of retrieving lost passwords and usernames.

By linking your website with Facebook, you’ll be able to gather additional information about the end user such as their likes and interests, which ultimately allows you to target the user with products that might fit their interest.

Facebook’s interactive nature allows users to use tools found on Facebook, when they’re navigating your website. Therefore, people can immediately like and share interesting things with their friends without the hassle of leaving your website or logging into Facebook.

Despite these advantages, many people are skeptical about giving companies their personal Facebook information so make sure you’re offering a significant benefit for them to do so. Consider incentives for using Facebook to access your website.

Twitter

For obvious reasons, Twitter is very text-oriented compared to the photographic nature of websites like Pinterest and Instagram. The main ploy of Twitter is getting people to convey themselves in a mere 140 characters.

Consumers are more likely to reach out to brands and ask questions on Twitter over Facebook. Due to the quick rate of response found on both of these platforms—Twitter in particular—people expect to receive answers quickly.

When addressing people’s concerns, be sure to post individualized responses. People don’t want their questions and concerns answered with pre-written, formulaic responses. Take a little time and respond to their question directly.

While it’s great to receive glowing comments on Twitter, you will definitely get some negative feedback. Don’t be afraid to address negative tweets. When responding to criticism, make sure to reply in a respectful and professional manner. Of course, it may not be possible to respond to every need, but look at your Twitter feed carefully to determine which tweets need to be addressed.

Instagram

Instagram is one of the fastest growing sites out there. People can view the photos you post instantly without the bother of clicking through to an external link. If you want to use Instragram, don’t be the sole creator of content; instead, share content created by your followers. Ask your followers questions to learn more about what’s important to them, what their passionate about.

Depending on your company, you can use Instagram to give people a sneak peak and behind-the-scenes view of what you’re working on – product development, creative process, or brainstorming, for example. Showing these intimate scenes can add a personal, emotional touch to your company while engaging your audience.

The mobile nature of Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram allows you to tap into the increasing trend towards mobile media. When using social media to market yourself, do it in a discrete way. Show how your audience can benefit from buying your product or service. If there’s another business or service you enjoy using, don’t be afraid to show it to your followers.

Social media is about much more than pushing product. Use it wisely to convey the mood, values and atmosphere of your company. Take special care to broadcast content with merit and personality. It is a significant part of your digital persona after all.