Typical social media errors made by political parties - part 5

 Think each social network is the same

It's easy to lump our favorite social networks together. We bucket each platform under the "social media umbrella" when talking about, thinking about, and planning our political parties' social media strategies. By routine, we update Facebook, scan Twitter, and check Instagram every day, swaying us to view these platforms as a package, not as individual tools. The underlying commonality is that they're all great at connecting us directly with our potential voters. But just because Facebook and Instagram can both put us in front of your prospects doesn't mean they should be treated the same. By recognizing the respective value of each tool, we can connect with our audience in even more valuable ways. Every system has its peculiarities as well as a unique set of benefits and drawbacks that are specific to that system. For example, Twitter is great for sharing short and snappy updates, whereas Instagram is better for sharing visual content. Both platforms allow users to connect. In addition, when it comes to professional networking, LinkedIn is superior to Facebook, whereas Facebook is superior when it comes to connecting with family, friends, and voters.
 
Even though it is easy to think of all social networks as being the same, it is essential to examine the individual features of each platform to determine which one is best suited to meet your political needs. This can be done by comparing the features of each social network.
 
Deciding how to use each platform requires not only a solid knowledge of the various social media sites but also a high level of emotional intelligence and someone who can put themselves in another’s shoes. Facebook is a slower platform with the largest reach. For many (but not all) brands, their Facebook page operates much like a website. On the other hand, information flows very quickly through Twitter, which is also the most successful platform for connecting celebrities, politicians, and brands with people. The rules often seem looser on Twitter and engagement; flash deals, goofy accounts, and randomness can be appropriate for the right brand. Instagram is, at its foundation, simply about aesthetics. Political parties need to understand what defines their ideal aesthetic and create content that appeals to their audience. The real challenge is evaluating an image’s fit with the political party.