Forget about copy-pasting. "Copy and paste" no longer works.
Imagine you are going to a party. For one, you will wear an evening dress or a suit, for another, comfortable jeans, and for a third, a costume, for example, if it’s a themed party. It would be strange to show up as the Mad Hatter at a business meeting. The same goes for social media. So why do we forget that our social media posts also need to be adapted?Today, multi-platform presence is one of the main trends and key concepts that helps brands and companies effectively engage with their audience on social media. But what is multi-platform presence, and why is it so important in marketing today?
Multi-platform presence means being present on multiple platforms and the ability to adapt content for different social networks so that it looks natural and organic. Each social network has its own audience, rules, and algorithms. Your task is to leverage all the opportunities of social media to the fullest.
Duplicating posts across all platforms may be convenient, but it is ineffective. Social networks are not just channels for broadcasting information; they are living communities.
Users are spoiled for attention. They want to see content that is created specifically for them. This means that marketers need to consider where their audience spends the most time, what formats they prefer, and what they respond to. For example, in Instagram, visual imagery is important; in X (Twitter), brevity and wit; and in TikTok, creative videos.
Differences Between Social Networks
Each social network is like a separate territory with its own laws. Each platform attracts its own audience and sets its own rules of the game.
Don’t try to speak to everyone in the same language. It’s better to adapt and use the unique opportunities of each platform. This way, your voice will be heard, and your message will be understood.
Demographic Differences and Behavioral Features
First, each social network attracts its own audience. For example, Odnoklassniki is a cozy place for communication where older people gather. Here, they discuss family events, share photos from their dachas, and exchange recipes. In contrast, TikTok is a space for youth, where creativity and humor reign supreme. Short videos, trends, and challenges are what succeed here.
User Needs
Each platform offers users what they are looking for. LinkedIn is like an office in your pocket. Here, people build careers, seek business connections, and discuss professional news. Instagram is about beautiful images, inspiration, success stories, and lifestyle. Beautiful photos and inspiring stories are important here. X (Twitter) is a platform for discussing news and current topics. Speed and conciseness of thought are crucial here.
Content Formats
Let’s not forget about formats. We all know that visuals are important for Instagram, brevity for X (Twitter), and long videos for YouTube. TikTok features short but bright and memorable clips. Vkontakte allows combining text, photos, and videos to create complete stories. Each platform has its own conditions, and if you don’t take them into account, you may be left behind.
Key Differences Between Platforms
Each platform has its own features and attracts a specific audience. Let’s delve into the nuances that make each of them unique.
Vkontakte: A Universal Platform for Communication and Content
Vkontakte is a social network where you can find everything from chatting with friends to news and music. People of various ages gather here, and everyone finds something for themselves.
A feature of Vkontakte is the ability to share diverse content: texts, photos, videos, and music. It’s easy to create a community based on interests, whether it’s a fan club or a group for learning foreign languages.
Vkontakte Audience:
Predominantly young, active, with a wide range of interests. Users value the ability to quickly exchange information and content.
Disadvantages:
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Ad overload: Sometimes ads can be distracting and annoying.
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Privacy issues: It’s important to carefully monitor privacy settings.
Telegram: A Messenger with Social Network Features
Telegram is a fast messenger that is always at hand, but it offers much more than just messaging. Channels and chats allow sharing information with a wide audience. Bots automate routine tasks.
Telegram Audience:
The Telegram audience is often more progressive and tech-savvy, making it an ideal place for startups and innovative projects.
Disadvantages:
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Limited advertising: It’s harder to promote commercial projects due to limited advertising tools and difficulties in audience segmentation (users do not fill out personal data that could be used for targeting).
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Lack of recommendation algorithms: Telegram does not have a built-in recommendation system like other social networks, so new users may find it difficult to discover interesting channels.
Instagram: Visual Content
This is the main platform for bloggers and photography enthusiasts. Everything here is built around visual content: photos, videos, stories. It’s the perfect place for those who want to showcase their lives in vibrant colors.
Instagram Audience:
The Instagram audience is mainly young people looking for inspiration and new ideas. It’s a platform for bloggers, experts, influencers, and brands that want to be in the spotlight.
Disadvantages:
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Algorithms can be tricky: They often change, and what worked yesterday may not work today.
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High competition: Many bloggers and brands compete for attention.
Using Differences When Planning Strategy
To effectively leverage social media opportunities, it’s important to understand how each platform can help achieve your goals. Let’s explore how to create a strategy based on multi-platform presence.
Defining Goals on Each Platform
Let’s start with goals. Vkontakte is an ideal platform for creating communities and engaging with a wide audience. Here, you can share news, conduct polls, and hold contests. If your goal is to build an active community, Vkontakte is your choice.
Telegram is great for delivering exclusive content and creating more private communication. It’s a place to share insider information, conduct polls, and receive feedback from the most interested users.
Instagram is your face. Here, it’s important to create attractive content that inspires and captures attention. If you want to promote your brand through visual imagery, Instagram is your best friend.
How Social Networks Complement Each Other
The secret to a successful strategy is that social networks work together. For example, Instagram can be a source of inspiration, while Telegram is where you delve deeper into the topic and offer subscribers more information. Vkontakte helps gather feedback and maintain active communication.
Audience Segments and Content Formats
Each platform attracts its own audience. Vkontakte is a mix of youth and adults who appreciate diverse content. Telegram has a younger and more tech-savvy audience. Instagram is a paradise for visuals and those seeking inspiration.
Content formats also differ. Vkontakte works well with long posts and videos. In Telegram, short notes, videos, and audio messages are effective, providing "here and now" content. In Instagram, photos, engaging trending videos, and stories are key.
Cross-Promotion
Cross-promotion is when you use one platform to promote content on another. For example, you can announce exclusive content in Telegram on Instagram. This creates intrigue and attracts the most interested users.
The Instagram-Telegram connection works great. On Instagram, you attract attention, while in Telegram, you deepen engagement.
Use the strengths of each platform to achieve your goals and create a strong connection with your audience. The main thing is to be creative and not afraid to experiment.
Example of Adapting One Post for Different Social Networks
Imagine you are an SMM manager for a sanatorium, and you have great news: an innovative procedure for treating the spine has arrived. The task is to share this on social media in a way that makes everyone want to try it. Let’s explore how to adapt posts for each platform.
Vkontakte: Creating a News Hook
Let’s start with Vkontakte. Here, your task is to create excitement. Post: "We have a revolutionary procedure for treating the spine at our sanatorium! Want to know how it works and why everyone is talking about it? Join the discussion!" Add a photo of the procedure, spark interest, and ask questions: "Who is ready to try it? What questions do you have?" People love to share their opinions, so give them a reason to do so.
Instagram: Visual Content
Now, let’s move to Instagram. Here, visuals are key. Shoot a reel: the camera shows how the procedure is performed, while a voiceover explains what this innovation is and what results can be expected. The video should be dynamic and captivating. End with a call to action: "Want to know more? Head over to our Telegram channel!"
Telegram: Live Communication
Finally, Telegram. Here, everything happens in real-time. A specialist from the sanatorium records "stories," where they talk about the procedure in the first person. "Hi! Now I’ll show you how our new spinal treatment method works. If you have questions, write to me, and I’ll respond in real-time!" This creates a sense of presence and engagement.
Multi-Platform Presence in Action
Each social network has its unique audience and format, and to effectively engage with users, you need to adapt content for each of them. Think about TikTok, where short, dynamic videos grab attention, and compare it with LinkedIn, where a professional tone and analytical approach are important.
Updating knowledge about platforms is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Algorithms change, trends come and go. Your followers expect fresh ideas, and your job is to surprise them.
Recommendation: Experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new formats and approaches. Analyze what works and what doesn’t. Learn from your mistakes and others' successes. Only then can you remain relevant and interesting.
