{"id":13320,"date":"2016-09-14T06:00:31","date_gmt":"2016-09-14T12:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/memberpress.com\/?p=13320"},"modified":"2017-09-19T17:01:18","modified_gmt":"2017-09-19T23:01:18","slug":"lesser-known-social-media-platforms-for-business-owners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/memberpress.com\/pt\/blog\/lesser-known-social-media-platforms-for-business-owners\/","title":{"rendered":"Lesser-Known Social Media Platforms for Business Owners"},"content":{"rendered":"

By now you\u2019re probably familiar with our posts on social media and how important it is for your business and brand to have an online presence. We\u2019ve talked about the \u201cBig 5,\u201d <\/a>so we\u2019ll assume you\u2019re already on at least two or three of those. But maybe these platforms are actually too big? After all, your business is one of a kind\u2014maybe even in a niche community. Want to drill down to the exact audience that shares your passions, opinions, and ideas? How about a niche platform?<\/p>\n

There are a host of them out there! Goodreads<\/a> is great example of one of these smaller social media platforms. It\u2019s where readers can share their favorite books with other users, join reading groups and communities, and connect with their favorite authors. Users can even share their writing on their profiles or within communities. If you\u2019re not an avid reader or writer, chances are you aren\u2019t familiar with Goodreads. And that\u2019s okay\u2014Goodreads is a niche community. And you\u2019ll want to find one that fits your audience. But aside from catering to specific industries and interests, these smaller, niche platforms feel less crowded and may appeal to your business and clientele.<\/p>\n

Only you can decide which of the numerous social media networks out there is right for you and your business, but those we list below can be tailored to almost any business and are worth your precious social media budget!<\/p>\n

Quora<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Quora\u2019s mission is \u201cto connect the people who have knowledge to the people who need it, to bring together people with different perspectives so they can understand each other better, and to empower everyone to share their knowledge for the benefit of the rest of the world.\u201d <\/a>That\u2019s a pretty impressive statement on which to build a platform\u2014a platform solely about the sharing of knowledge. Quora\u2019s format is question-and-answer, where you follow the topics you\u2019re interested in and can submit answers if you identify yourself as an expert when you create your profile. For example, if you\u2019ve indicated you\u2019re a health-and-fitness expert, you might see several exercise questions in your feed. Users can \u201cupvote\u201d or \u201cdownvote\u201d answers on the thread, making it so that the definitive answer is decided on by those reading and using the feed.<\/p>\n

So how can Quora benefit your business? Well, for starters, you\u2019ll interact with people who share your interests. Additionally, establishing yourself as an expert in the field can lead people to your business. Be aware, however, that Quora is not the best place for self-promotion\u2014people use it to get answers, not to be marketed to. But, naturally, the more you prove your expertise and credibility, the more people are willing to visit your business page.<\/p>\n

About.me<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the simplest and sleekest social media networks out there, this one-page profile allows you to link your multiple online identities. Just set up your profile and include links to all of your other networks\u2014your social media platforms, your blog, and your website. Think of it as your online business card with a \u201cReader\u2019s Digest\u201d version of who you are and what you offer. The interaction in About.me is not as social as other networks, but you can browse profiles and connect with others in your field by \u201cstarring\u201d their profiles, sending them emails, or leaving comments on their profiles. From a business standpoint, it\u2019s a fantastic way to expand your network and clientele base.<\/p>\n

Spayce.me<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Spayce.me\u2019s vision and goal is to connect the physical and digital worlds, building relationships and events into what they call \u201cmemories.\u201d In all honesty, the description sounds a bit mystical, but that\u2019s the appeal. It \u201cfeatures image montages of the memories people have made around you, so you can see your neighborhood, city, college campus, or other location through the lens of the memories left there.\u201d<\/a> You create the memories and share them with others in your area, and you view the memories of others you follow. It\u2019s about the places you go and the memories you make there. With Spayce, you\u2019ll know what\u2019s happening in your neighborhood or at local libraries and convention centers. You\u2019ll know where the hottest restaurants, clubs, and bars are. And how does this benefit your business? Well, you can set up a professional profile and include your occupation as well as list three businesses you\u2019re associated with. When you enter a place, the app connects you with other users who are there, allowing you to virtually connect. Imagine the networking possibilities at a convention or retreat! Spayce is one of the newest platforms out there, so be prepared for a little trial-and-error run when you use it.<\/p>\n

If none of the above tickles your social media fancy, don\u2019t worry. With the plethora of networks out there, you\u2019re sure to find one that feeds your needs. A simple search for social networks within your industry should lead you to a few niche networks. Here\u2019s a list of social networks in various fields:<\/p>\n

Active Rain<\/strong><\/a>: This social community allows Realtors and agents to connect and share ideas with each other.<\/p>\n

Allrecipes<\/a><\/strong>: It\u2019s not just for chefs! Allrecipes allows you to browse tried-and-true recipes, add your own, and follow your friends or other cooks.<\/p>\n

Athlinks<\/strong><\/a>: This niche space is especially for endurance athletes who want to connect with their peers to share their experiences at the finish line\u2014first, last, or barely.<\/p>\n

Behance<\/a><\/strong>: This successful platform allows creative artists to show their work and to connect with other artists. It\u2019s also a good way for companies to find new talent.<\/p>\n

Catster<\/a>\/Dogster<\/a><\/strong>: These sister sites are for those who love cats and dogs. Users can create custom pet pages, interact with other owners, and read pet-related content.<\/p>\n

Fold3<\/a><\/strong>: This fascinating platform provides access to historical military records, stories, and photographs. It focuses on helping you find and share stories of the men and women who have served their country.<\/p>\n

Kaboodle<\/a><\/strong>: Love to shop? Kaboodle connects you with other shopaholics and the products they\u2019re crazy about.<\/p>\n

As with any social media network, be sure you follow these rules:<\/p>\n