I remember the days when people used to ask me, “Hey man, are you on MySpace?” Then, it seemed like in one day, MySpace was over and Facebook was the hottest new social network.
You now have a plethora of choices when it comes to staying in touch with friends, family, customers, and your interests. Sometimes it can get a little overwhelming. Which social network fits me best? Well, it depends on what you’re wanting to do. Your choices are many and I will be touching on a few of the most popular platforms. The ones that stand out to me are Facebook, Google+, Pintrest and Twitter.
#1. Facebook
Facebook is the most popular social network with more than 1 billion users worldwide and is a favorite from people young and old. A great place to keep in touch with friends and has a huge gaming platform. Many people start just to stay in touch with friends and before they know it, they are addicted to Farmville. Brands use the social network to promote content and drive traffic to their web properties. Facebook has stated that it affects the user experience and therefore adjusted their algorithm to make it more and more difficult for brands to promote to users. Many brands have actually began to focus less on Facebook and more on other social platforms that don’t regulate the distribution of their content.
#2. Google +
Google + has made headway in the shadow of Facebook. It now has more than 400 million users and is gaining popularity. It boasts many features that make it very appealing to brands and users alike. SEO friendly post titles and the Google Hangout are just a couple that have people raving. So, hanging out in a chat box and talking to your friends is cool, but clicking a single ‘hangout’ button and your instantly connected via audio and video to your friends is a new level. It offers the ability to have that face-to-face chat with the important people in your life, even when you’re not there. And for brands who share and promote content via social networks, what could be better than SEO friendly titles. Not only do you get the SEO from the title of the post that you are sharing, but now Google + has amped it up to offer SEO on your G+ titles too. It also offers a very robust and well integrated mobile platform, especially to those who happened to use Android OS.
#3. Pintrest
Pintrest has just launched over the last couple years and is hugely popular in certain circles. For the crafty moms or the people who love recipes, Pintrest is a great resource. It has a very share friendly platform and re-pinning ‘pins’ is super easy and actually lots of fun. If you’re looking for 10 ways to make your own household cleaners or the best Thanksgiving stuffing recipe, then Pintrest is definitely for you.
#4. Twitter
Twitter is a favorite amongst celebrities and athletes. People from Lady Gaga to the touring comedian use Twitter to inform fans and friends of what’s going on and where they are. It’s also a great place to follow your favorite “people” as well. It’s like a constant and instant feed from all the people you find important. If you want to know “everything” your favorite celeb is up to, or share what you had for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, Twitter is likely a good platform for you.