What is Social Media?

Social media is a network where users are able to create and share content as a means to interact with others online, which is called social networking. Many people are able to benefit from social media; work from home parents, business owners, big name brands and the average every day adult. Whether you are seeking to use social media for entertainment or business branding, today we will discuss the question, “what is social media” and furthermore what social networks are predominately used in the world of social networking.

Social media is a social networking platform that enables any use from the beginner to expert to create and share a wide range of content. Social media is used to keep up with social ties, such as the trending news topics, what celebrities are up to and to promote your product or service. Social media may also be used to build brand awareness for business owners and entrepreneurs hoping to make money more online.  In this day and age you can think of social media as the old news source like CNN or local news stations, but it is now at the tip of your fingers allowing you to social network with the news stations one on one as well as interact with other members of society interested in the same topic as you.

Social Media – Facebook

Facebook is a social media platform that enables user to form a closer bond, many people use Facebook as a means to connect with old school mates, family members and other long lost friends. Facebook Pages is a great avenue for business owners and entrepreneurs to connect closer with their customers as it allows a platform for likes and comments in a threaded format.

Social Media – Twitter

Twitter is a social networking platform where users can tweet content with a maximum of 160 characters per update. While 160 characters may make Twitter the social networking platform with the least amount of content allotted to be shared at one time, many people use Twitter daily and this is a great avenue to interact and keep up to date with the latest trending topics versus reading a newspaper daily. Twitter uses hashtags for means of tracking and connecting with like-minded individuals which is beneficial for social networking marketing associates.

Social Media – Pinterest

Many bloggers use Pinterest for social networking as well as other image friendly products because Pinterest is a photo based social networking platform that enables users to stimulate followers visual sense. If you are a visual person or someone who is looking to showcase crafts and recipes, then Pinterest will become the best social networking platform to promote your website.

Social Media  – Instagram

Instagram is an online mobile based photo and video sharing platform that allows social networking one update at a time. Using hashtags seems to be the most popular method to gain exposure to potential clients as well as friends. Instagram can be viewed on a desktop but is predominately meant for mobile application where you can manage multiple accounts and upload content using your smartphone.

While there are a few other social networking platforms out there as a means to use social media to promote your product, company or brand as well as connect with friends, the top four listed here are the ones that users seem to take most advantage of. To sum it up; Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram are the four most popular social media platforms to use. Once you become familiar with each social media account and how you plan to use social media for social networking, you will be well on your to keeping up with the times.

What is your favourite social media outlet and why?