As an introduction here are five platforms that have emerged as the most popular and effective for Logistics companies.
The most popular social networking site among business professionals is LinkedIn. The platform provides a way for individuals (and companies) to post information essentially like an online resume about themselves. The structure of LinkedIn creates a way for people to connect with other professionals and to open up a dialogue with other people either individually or as part of a group (see the Social Media for Logistics Group on LinkedIn). If your company’s audience is Logistics Managers or other C-Level Supply Chain Management people then LinkedIn is where you need to be.
Facebook is the most popular social networking site in the world – by far with over 500 MM users. Much like LinkedIn, users create and update profiles with information about themselves. Unlike LinkedIn, the information can be “hidden” more easily and also tends to be more personal in nature. The upside to Facebook is its popularity so the potential audience is huge. The down side is people’s use of the platform is largely kept amongst “friends”. Nonetheless, it offers a large opportunity to find and connect with people and groups.
Understand that YouTube is not just a place to post home videos. It is that of course, and many companies take advantage of the platform to post company videos, presentations, and even commercials. YouTube offers that ability to create your own “channel” to include video content focused on your company. YouTube is a great location to point customers for service information, employee training videos, company presentations, or any video content your company would like to share internally or externally.
Twitter is a “micro-blogging” site – which means users are able to send 140 word or less messages to people who “follow” them. Users follow, and therefore receive messages from people that interest them and have established themselves as experts on certain topics. This happens equally for business, personal, and entertainment. Many third party tools such as Hootsuite allow users to manage their Twitter presence more easily by integrating with other social media platforms (such as LinkedIn or Facebook). The most underrated benefit of using Twitter is as a Search Tool. Twitter is in many ways the most real-time platform for quality content, listen to conversations, and engaging.
Possibly the most powerful social media tool, blogging is the easiest and most immediate way to realize the benefits of social media. Free blogging platforms (such as Blogger, Wordpress, or Tumblr) provide a way for companies to distribute the content and information that customers are looking for, and take that crucial step in establishing themselves as the thought leader in their market. Expert on package optimization and ecommerce order fulfillment for frozen food, or transportation management software? Blog about it. Blogging also allows easy engagement with customers through comments and provides immediate Search Engine Optimization benefits. This means people find you on Google before your competitors.
