8 Best Social Media Platforms for eCommerce Businesses

Today, big and small companies sell their products on social media platforms. Studies show that in 2023, 4.89 billion people will use social media. This figure is predicted to increase to 5.86 billion people by 2027. Check out the eight best social media platforms for ecommerce today. 

1. Facebook

Facebook is the biggest social media networking site, with a whopping 2.8 monthly active users (MAUs). Its robust advertising platform allows ecommerce businesses to target specific audiences. Facebook also offers a variety of features like Facebook Marketplace and Facebook Shops, which let companies sell products directly on the platform. In addition, you have Facebook Messenger Chatbots and Facebook Ads.

All brands should create a Facebook business page to help promote their brand and increase sales. Whatever your niche is, there’s a higher chance you’ll find your target customers on Facebook. You can also establish your own Facebook store on the Facebook business pages. But, based on Facebook rules, you can’t sell services or digital or downloadable products from your Facebook shop. 

2. Instagram

Instagram has more than 1 billion MAUs worldwide. The platform is particularly popular with younger demographics. Instagram is incredibly image and video intensive. Instagram offers several features, such as shoppable posts like Instagram Stories, Instagram Shopping, Instagram Live, IGTV, and Instagram ads.

3. Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual search engine that enables people to discover and save ideas and inspiration. Pinterest has well over 250 million monthly active users. This social media platform is the perfect place to start your sales funnel. You can build awareness around your brand and products through Pinterest pins. Likewise, the site helps develop consumer interest and increase traffic. You can also use Pinterest to boost in-store and online sales and influence users to sign up, buy, and install products.

4. Snapchat

Snapchat is considered the future of social media shopping. Snapchat boasts a fantastic 287 million active users a month. Many brands use Snapchat to connect to their audience – especially the younger generation. 

Snap ads are interactive video ads. The best thing about Snap ads is that they boast a swipe-up rate that’s 5x higher than other comparable social medial networks. These could cost brands between $1,000 to $3,000 monthly to run.

Snapchat is also a popular platform for influencers. Ecommerce businesses can partner with influencers to promote their products. Conversely, influencers can create sponsored snaps showcasing the product and encouraging their followers to visit the website to purchase.

5. Twitter

Recent data shows that Twitter has over 350 million monthly active users, a famous microblogging platform. It’s also a great app for building customer relationships, growing your online following, advertising products and services, and conducting market research.

The Promoted Twitter Accounts, Promoted Tweets, and Twitter’s Promoted Trend can help improve your reach by promoting your account to users not yet following you. 

6. YouTube

YouTube is the second-largest search engine, with an average of over two billion monthly active users. It is an effective platform for ecommerce businesses that sell products that require demonstration or explanation. Companies can create product review videos, tutorials, and other content that showcases their products.

The world’s largest brands, such as Coca-Cola, American Express, and LEGO, regularly post content on a dedicated channel. Google says that 70 percent of people have purchased from a brand after seeing it on YouTube. But patience is a virtue. Building your audience before you reap the rewards on YouTube would be the best bet. You may read the 6-step guide on YouTube marketing to learn more. 

7. LinkedIn

Statistically speaking, LinkedIn boasts 303 million monthly active users. It is an ideal place for entrepreneurs looking to make a name in the business-to-business market. You can launch three kinds of ads on LinkedIn: Sponsored Content, Sponsored InMail, and Text Ads.

LinkedIn’s ad targeting isn’t as sophisticated as Facebook’s. However, you can still reach your ideal audience by setting filters, including company, company size, job title, location, seniority, age, education, and expertise.

By creating a solid presence on LinkedIn, ecommerce businesses can establish themselves as industry leaders and increase revenue.

8. TikTok

A relatively new player in social media, TikTok lets brands upload and share videos up to three minutes long. It has over 1 billion monthly active users in over 150 countries worldwide. TikTok has become universally popular in recent years. The platform’s highly engaged users make it an effective social media platform for ecommerce marketing. 

In 2020, TikTok introduced TikTok for Business, which lets business owners connect their online store and TikTok account. You can engage new and existing customers on TikTok by using hashtags, collaborating with influencers, and running four different types of ads, including Dynamic Showcase Ads, Collection Ads, Spark Ads, and Lead Generation Ads.

Critical Techniques on Using Social Media Platforms for eCommerce

There are several essential techniques that ecommerce businesses can use to leverage social media platforms for ecommerce effectively. Below are some of the most important strategies:

• Define your target audience.
• Create engaging content.
• Use social proof, such as customer reviews and user-generated content.
• Leverage influencer marketing.
• Use paid advertising
• Utilize the platform’s shoppable features.
• Monitor analytics and track performance.

Conclusion

Almost every company selling a product or service has a site that allows people to purchase directly. You need more than a website to help customers discover your product. That’s where social media platforms play a crucial role in the success of ecommerce businesses. The best social media platforms for ecommerce depend on the sector or niche and its target audience but generally include Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.