So, you've heard of Facebook. And Twitter. For sure Instagram. And for you professionals out there, Linkedin is probably your social media channel of choice.

But what about Reddit? And Clubhouse? Dispo?

These are the new, the old, the familiar, the maybe not-so-familiar social media channels that you may (or may not) spend a piece of your day scrolling through. Did you recognize them all?

If you did, congratulations! You do not live under a rock. If you did not, it's okay; it's why we are creating this series. We will walk you through the different platforms, their respective demographics, what makes that platform unique, and the ideal types of content for them so that you are best informed on what platform can best serve your organization.

First, let's define the term. According to Wikipedia, social media is "interactive digitally-mediated technologies that facilitate the creation or sharing/exchange of information, ideas, career interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks."

If you remember anything from this blog, remember this: social media is about community. The point of multiple platforms is to offer different ways for people to engage in an online setting or community. Because of that, you need to engage with the people on that particular platform. It's a conversation. If there isn't a conversation, it's not community, and you're just shouting into the void. And no one wants to listen to that. 

What A Marketing Agency (Us) Wants The Aerospace and Defense Industry (You) To Know

Your company does not have to be active on every social network in existence. Focus on the ones where your customers are and the ones that make the most sense for your company, brand, and message.

Throughout this summer, we will outline and give you the basics of each major and some minor social media platforms to see where your organization belongs. 

Before we get started on the first network, here are some key facts that you should know about social media marketing:

• It's always quality over quantity.
• The number of followers is a vanity metric — higher engagement rates with potential customers and fans is more valuable than 1 million unengaged followers.
• You don't need to post every day — post when it makes sense and with really rich, well-developed content.
• Do not post fliers and PDFs.
• Links are not clickable in Instagram captions.
• The KPIs you've set for your business don't always match or make sense for social. However, there are always ways that social can support those goals.
• With that said, long-term strategy can drive business impact, but one-off posts will not do anything.
• Going viral is not a strategy.
• If you don't understand a platform or don't personally use it, don't shoot down ideas and strategies; just ask for clarification or a demo.
• And lastly: if your organization isn't going to engage with people on social media — why are you on social media? 
  
  

What's Next: Facebook

Coming up next is the profile on Facebook...no pun intended. We'll discuss who's on it, why they are there, and if you need to be there too.

About Aerospace Marketing Lab

Aerospace Marketing Lab brings more than 20 years of aerospace marketing, sales, branding, and strategy development experience and insight to every customer. We understand aerospace’s complex marketing and sales models. We use this insider knowledge to break boundaries and raise aerospace and defense clients to the next level.