The End of “Big 4” Social Media? 5 Platforms Worth Your Attention
- srpawar3
- Apr 2, 2020
- 3 min read
If you’re running a small or medium-sized business in Perth, chances are your marketing efforts have revolved around the usual suspects. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (now X) have dominated the space for years.
But here’s the reality. These platforms are crowded, expensive to advertise on, and increasingly difficult to stand out in without significant spend or constant content output.
So where should you look next?
Here are five alternative social media platforms worth considering if you want to diversify your digital presence, reach new audiences, and stay ahead of the curve.
1. LinkedIn (Yes, Still Underrated for SMEs)
Most people think of LinkedIn as a job-hunting platform, but it’s evolved far beyond that. For SME owners, it’s one of the most effective places to build authority, especially if you’re in B2B, professional services, consulting, or even high-ticket B2C.
Why it works:
Organic reach is still strong compared to other platforms
Great for personal branding and thought leadership
Decision-makers are actively present
What to try:
Share insights from your business journey
Post client success stories
Create short, opinion-driven content on industry trends
2. Pinterest (Not Just for DIY and Recipes)
Pinterest is often overlooked, but it’s a powerful visual search engine rather than a traditional social platform. It works particularly well for businesses in lifestyle, retail, home services, fashion, fitness, and events.
Why it works:
Content has a much longer lifespan than Instagram posts
High intent users actively searching for ideas and solutions
Drives strong website traffic
What to try:
Create pins linking to your blog or service pages
Showcase before-and-after visuals
Build themed boards around your niche
3. Reddit (Community-Driven and Authentic)
Reddit can feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most honest places on the internet. It’s not about selling directly. It’s about contributing value to niche communities.
Why it works:
Highly engaged, topic-specific communities (subreddits)
Great for market research and customer insights
Builds trust when done right
What to try:
Answer questions related to your expertise
Share genuine advice without pitching
Observe conversations to understand customer pain points
4. YouTube (Long-Form Content Still Wins)
Short-form video is everywhere, but long-form content on YouTube is still incredibly powerful. It’s ideal for SMEs that want to educate, demonstrate expertise, or build a strong brand presence over time.
Why it works:
Second-largest search engine globally
Content keeps generating views for months or years
Builds deep trust with your audience
What to try:
How-to videos related to your service
Behind-the-scenes of your business
Client case studies or testimonials
5. Discord (Building Your Own Community)
Discord isn’t just for gamers anymore. It’s becoming a go-to platform for businesses that want to build tight-knit communities around their brand.
Why it works:
Direct, real-time communication with your audience
Creates a sense of exclusivity and belonging
Great for customer retention and loyalty
What to try:
Create a private space for your customers or clients
Share exclusive updates or offers
Host live Q&A sessions or discussions
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be everywhere. In fact, trying to manage too many platforms can dilute your efforts.
Instead, choose one or two of these alternatives that align with your business model and audience behaviour. Test, learn, and refine your approach over time.
The digital landscape is shifting fast. SMEs that adapt early, experiment smartly, and focus on building genuine connections will be the ones that stand out.
If you’re not sure where to start or how to tailor these platforms to your business, that’s where a local digital partner can make all the difference.
Disclaimer: This content is fpor the sole purpose of gteaching and learning at Edith Cowan University.
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