Choosing Platforms: Where to start

Choosing a platform for personal branding or to market a business can be very difficult. There are so many out there so which ones do you choose?

First you must establish your objective: Is it to generate reach? To market to a specific target audience? If you have not yet identified your target audience, here is a quick guide to getting started. Once you have established that, choosing a platform becomes slightly easier. 

Each platform is designed for different target audiences who wish to communicate in different ways. Platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest is best used for visual content and to break up the everyday clutter of 'word based' platforms like Facebook and Twitter. If you are looking to communicate in a professional manner and increase your networks, a platform such as LinkedIn is the best option. 

If you want to increase your reach, consider using platforms that have the greatest market share. Business Insider compiled a list ranking the world's largest platforms. They were ranked in terms of estimated global monthly active users (MAUs):

Business Insider Dec 2013

From the graph, you can see the most notable platforms rank:

1. Facebook

2. YouTube

3. Google+

4. Tumblr

5. Twitter

6. LinkedIn

7. Instagram

8. Pinterest

9. Myspace

10. Snapchat

Keeping in mind who uses the platforms, for what purpose, their overall market share and most importantly your objective, choosing a platform or a few platforms becomes an easier decision.