Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn: which network is right for your business?

When you handle your shop's marketing on your own, the worst strategy is trying to be everywhere. One or two well-kept networks beat five abandoned accounts. You still have to pick the right ones.

Instagram: the network of images and desire

Instagram is the network for businesses people can see: restaurants, bakeries, flowers, fashion, beauty, hairdressing, interiors, tourism. If your customers choose based on looks, atmosphere or results, it's your priority.

• Strengths: discovery by people who don't know you yet, short videos, Stories for everyday life.
• Good to know: you need a professional account (free) to see your insights and schedule your posts.

Facebook: the network of the neighbourhood

Facebook is still widely used by local customers, often a little older. Your page also works as a practical listing: opening hours, address, reviews, events. For many neighbourhood shops, garages and tradespeople, that's where the customers are.

• Strengths: local groups, events, word of mouth between neighbours.
• Tip: the same post can go out on Instagram and Facebook at once, at no extra effort.

LinkedIn: the network of professionals

LinkedIn won't sell a loaf of bread, but it's valuable if your customers are businesses: builders who work for companies, agencies, corporate photographers, caterers for events, consultants.

• Strengths: credibility, your network, visibility with decision-makers.
• Good to know: the tone is more measured, and two or three hashtags are enough.

The right choice for your business

• Restaurant, café, bakery, florist, boutique, beauty salon, hairdresser: Instagram first, Facebook alongside.
• Garage, driving school, tradesperson working for households, estate agent: Facebook first, Instagram alongside.
• Business-to-business activity: LinkedIn, plus Facebook or Instagram depending on your trade.

Post once, be everywhere

The good news is that you don't have to write the same thing three times. One topic can be adapted for each network, and a scheduling tool sends it everywhere at once.

That's what LibPost does: you prepare your post once, and it goes out on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn at the time you choose. For your captions, our free caption generator gives you three versions in a few seconds.