Hidden Gems: Taking Advantage of Underground Social Media Platforms
Okay, you have started using social media to promote your business, that's great, but you can do more. What platforms are you on? No, don't tell me, I can guess. Is it Instagram, X, and Tik Tok? These platforms are what I like to call “The Big Three.” These are great starting points, and it is good to have your name on any social media, but you shouldn’t limit yourself to these three platforms. Social media is constantly evolving and changing. New platforms are coming out every week, and they all have different features that could be better for accessing your target audience. In this post, I will introduce you to four social media platforms you might be overlooking.
1. Bluesky
Bluesky is a similar format to X, where people can post pictures, videos, and text, and others can choose to repost, like, and comment. Created by Jack Dorsey, one of Twitter’s founders, Blue Sky can be preferred because it tends to have fewer ads than X, as well as it is way less algorithm-focused. This means that the users have more control over their experience. BlueSky can also be preferred because of a person's politics. For a person who does not want to support Elon Musk (owner of X) they might gravitate towards BlueSky. Why does this matter to you? If you figure out your target audience, it can help you decide where to promote your business.
2. Lemon8
Lemon8 is seen as a mix between TikTok and Pinterest. It focuses on video and picture sharing. In an aesthetic format. It gives users the option to click on the videos that seem interesting. It’s ideal for businesses in visual-driven industries like fashion, food, and home decor. The platform promotes highly curated, personalized content, allowing brands to showcase their products in a polished, creative way. Lemon8 is very focused on authenticity and inspiration this makes it great place to connect with an audience that values style and creativity, making it perfect for businesses wanting to build a visually appealing brand presence.
3. Reddit
Reddit is an often-overlooked platform for business promotion, but it’s a goldmine if you approach it right. With a huge variety of niche subreddits, Reddit allows you to target highly specific audiences who are already interested in your product or service. The best thing Reddit has to offer is engagement. Reddit thrives on authentic conversations and value-driven content. Instead of pushing your product directly, think about how you can contribute to the communities you're a part of. Share insights, answer questions, and build relationships. Over time, this can drive more traffic to your business without feeling like a hard sell. Plus, with its upvoting system, Reddit is a place where good content can go viral in no time.
4. Threads
Launched by Meta, Threads was designed as a direct competitor to X. With Instagram's influence, Threads is set up for seamless integration with your Instagram account. This means if you already have instagram you can easily link a threads account to it this makes it easy to build on an existing community. It’s built for fast, conversational content with a focus on text-based posts, allowing businesses to keep things light and interactive with their audience. If you’re already active on Instagram, you can quickly start engaging on Threads without losing momentum. The real power of Threads is the chance to create direct, more personal connections with your followers.
So, should you still be focusing solely on “The Big Three”? Absolutely not. While Instagram, X, and TikTok are still essential, diversifying your social media presence can unlock new opportunities and audience segments. By embracing newer platforms like Bluesky, Lemon8, Reddit, and Threads, you’re not just keeping up with the trends; you’re staying ahead of the game.
Remember, social media isn't about being everywhere all the time. It’s about being where your audience is and delivering content that resonates with them. Take the time to explore these platforms, experiment with different types of content, and see which ones work best for you. The world of social media is vast, and the possibilities are endless.