Top 9 “New” Social Media Platforms for Small Businesses

When creating your content strategy, think beyond the most popular mainstream social media platforms. Smaller alternative platforms may be new (to you) options to build your brand especially if you use the 1:30 method to create and repurpose your long-form content.

Of course, we can’t be active on every platform. When choosing a supplementary platform consider which platforms your ideal customer is likely to use. Beyond that, there is some trial and error to finding the best schedule and style of content to inspire engagement. Quality content reins on each of these platforms just like any other social media.

Alignable

Launched in 2014, Alignable is a relatively new business to business social media network where small businesses may connect. Participating in Alignable’s forum provides an opportunity to showcase your expertise and possibly generate leads as a result.

Snapchat

Founded in 2011, Snapchat is an image messaging network popular with tweens, teens, and adults. According to Hootsuite, in 2018 around 45 percent of Snapchat users were aged 18 – 24 and 71 percent were younger than 34 years old. 

Verticle images do best on Snapchat, so the platform may work well in visual or entertainment fields appealing to younger consumers. One creative content option includes creating custom Sponsored Geofilters. By sponsoring the filter, it has the ability to reach more users and even go viral. 

Medium

Founded in 2012, Medium is a hybrid between a blogging platform and a social media platform. 

Publishing content on Medium may result in increased reach. Some brands use Medium as their only blogging platform. Before going that direction, consider whether you want to invest your content strategy in a platform you don’t own rather than build up your own website. 

Some find Medium complements their website especially if they link to their own site within their Medium articles or offer mailing list subscription opt-ins in their Medium articles. Large publishers use Medium as a syndication option and also pick up engaging stories. 

Medium members engage with “claps,” by sharing content, and through comments. Personal essays and long-form content tends to inspire engagement when readers connect with the content. 

Twitch

Founded in 2011, Twitch is known as a social gaming network. For that reason, the platform is attractive to those in the gaming industry and other affiliated fields. As a video platform, Twitch offers the opportunity to livestream content on other topics as well. Some brands find that Twitch users tend to be young and highly engaged as the platform allows direct interaction between the streamer and the viewer. Although the network runs pre-roll advertising, it may be less saturated with brand content than other popular video platforms. 

Google My Business

In 2014 Google launched Google My Business as a way for brands to better influence the information Google presents about their business. While this platform is not exactly a social media network, brands may post updates and content. Also, your Google reviews may appear and users may ask questions about your business.

The first step to fitting Google My Business into your content strategy is to claim your business profile, verify it, then create your profile. Images and updates are among the top content for this platform. Use your updates to promote your opt-in offers, pillar content, events, and promotions.

Reddit

Founded in 2005, Reddit isn’t exactly new but this forum-based platform recently opened up to advertising and promotional content. For years, content strategists used Reddit discussions to generate topics that would interest their audience. Since members join subreddits according to their interests, the platform is well segmented. 

As an individual you may participate in Reddit subreddits and showcase your skills and expertise. Some entrepreneurs find leads through Reddit, but most subreddits frown on spamming or overt promotion. Other than advertising, organic participation are the best content strategies to employ on Reddit.

Vero

Vero was launched in 2015, Vero is a social platform where users share videos, images, and text. While the platform went viral on occasion, some users see it as more authentic as it currently lacks advertising. Brands who adopt a platform before it monetizes often have the easiest time building a presence. Whether it is worthwhile to you depends on your audience. 

Tumblr

Founded in 2007, Tumblr was one considered a top tier social network along with Facebook and Twitter. The platform always attracted creative teens and young adults who share images, poetry, blog posts, GIFs, and video content. Tumblr is still home to a passionate fan culture where enthusiasts with niche interests like cosplay, comics, and various subcultures of the moment. If your ideal audience happens to be on Tumblr, the platform profiles a platform that may not be as saturated with branded content as more mainstream channels. A quirky, opinionated and conversational tone tends to do well on Tumblr, so consider whether the platform matches your brand personality and audience. 

Quora

Founded in 2009, Quora is a popular social question and answer platform. Reputation based professionals may find Quora a useful platform for establishing their expertise and thought leadership. With a little creativity, you may be able to use Quora to repurpose some of your long-form content and send readers to that content. The best content on Quora is well written and helpful answers to user’s questions.