How Many Social Media Platforms do I Need to Be On?

Last week, Sarah (58) asked me: “Do I really need to be on TikTok? Everyone says I need to be everywhere or I’ll fail.”

Short answer: No.

Trying to master every platform is the fastest path to burnout and mediocre results. So the question is ‘How Many Social Media Platforms do I need to be on?’…here’s what actually works…

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What You’ll Learn

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1. The One-Platform Strategy

Most successful online entrepreneurs focus deeply on 1-2 platforms where their audience already spends time. Being excellent on one platform beats being mediocre on five.

Why this matters:

You’ll actually master the platform instead of staying perpetually confused
Your audience will know where to find you
You’ll see measurable progress, which builds momentum
You won’t quit from exhaustion before you get traction

The truth nobody mentions: Younger creators fail at this too. It’s not an age issue – it’s a focus issue.

2. Three Questions to Choose Your Platform

1. Where Does Your Audience Already Hang Out?

Don’t force people to follow you somewhere new. Meet them where they are.

Examples:

Teaching retirement planning? → YouTube, Facebook
Showcasing travel destinations? → Pinterest, Instagram
Professional services/consulting? → LinkedIn
Building a tight community? → Facebook Groups

Carol, 63, wasted three months on Instagram because “everyone” was there. She switched to Facebook Groups where her actual audience lives. Result: Three new coaching clients in two months.

2. What Content Do You Enjoy Creating?

Match the platform to your natural strengths:

Hate video? → Pinterest (images/graphics)
Love explaining things? → YouTube, podcasting
Prefer writing? → LinkedIn, blogging
Good with photography? → Instagram, Pinterest

You’ll post consistently only if you enjoy the process. Pick accordingly.

3. What Can You Realistically Maintain?

Be honest about your available time. Here are actual sustainable schedules:

Pinterest: 3-5 pins weekly (30-60 minutes total)
YouTube: 1-2 videos monthly
Blog: 2-4 posts monthly
Instagram: 2-3 posts weekly
LinkedIn: 2-3 posts weekly

None of these require hours daily. Choose what fits your life.

3. The Repurposing System (Save Massive Time)

Create once, share everywhere. Ask AI for help with this system. Here’s how:

Write one blog post (your core content)
Pull out 3 key points → Create Pinterest graphics
Share those graphics → Post to Instagram
Write a summary → LinkedIn post
Highlight best tip → Email newsletter

Same content, five different homes. Total repurposing time: 90 minutes.

Janet does this every two weeks with travel content. One blog post becomes 3 Pinterest pins, 1 Instagram carousel, and 1 newsletter. Her traffic grows steadily with minimal time investment.

VIDEO: How to Repurpose Content as a Creator

4. Platform Quick Reference

Your Goal	Best Platform	Why It Works
Visual discovery (travel, products, design)	Pinterest	Long content lifespan, searchers in planning mode
Teaching/education	YouTube + Email	Searchable, builds authority, you own the email list
Professional services	LinkedIn	Direct access to decision-makers
Tight community	Facebook Groups	Organized discussions, familiar to 40+ audience

5. Your 90-Day Start Plan

Month 1: Learn

Answer the three questions above
Choose ONE platform
Set up your complete profile
Post your first piece of content (doesn’t need to be perfect)

Month 2: Show Up Consistently

Pick a manageable schedule (even once weekly is fine)
Engage with 5-10 accounts daily
Notice what content resonates

Month 3: Assess

Is your audience growing?
Are you enjoying this?
Does it feel sustainable?

If yes – keep going. If no – adjust or try a different platform. This is data, not failure.

6. Addressing the Real Concerns

“What if I choose wrong?” Nothing’s permanent. Three months is enough to know if a platform fits. Pivoting is smart business, not failure.

“Everyone in my industry is on [X platform]…” Your competitors’ choices don’t determine your strategy. Less saturated platforms often work better because you stand out more easily.

“I’m worried about my age…” Margaret started her YouTube craft channel at 71, never having edited video before. Two years later: 45,000 subscribers and a thriving shop. Your life experience is an advantage – you have authentic stories and real expertise younger creators lack.

7. When to Add a Second Platform

Only expand when you’ve hit these milestones on your first platform:

✓ Posting consistently without struggle
✓ Seeing measurable audience growth
✓ Have systems in place
✓ Have extra time and energy
✓ Have a specific strategic reason (not just “I should”)

When you do expand, choose a complementary platform (Pinterest → Instagram, or YouTube → Podcast) so you can repurpose existing content.

8. Take Action

One platform done well beats five done poorly. Quality wins over quantity every time.

Your action steps today:

Answer the three questions honestly
Choose ONE platform
Set up your profile completely
Schedule your first post for this week

The online world needs your perspective and experience. Start focused, start now, and stay consistent.

Remember: You’re not behind. You’re strategic.

How long until I see results?
Expect meaningful engagement within 2-3 months of consistent posting. Results vary by platform and goals.

Can I succeed starting in my 50s/60s/70s?
Yes. Mature creators often succeed faster because they have clearer messages and better discipline. Age is an advantage.

Should I focus on followers or engagement?
Engagement always. 100 engaged followers who interact beat 10,000 passive ones.

What if everyone’s on a platform I hate?
Then your audience isn’t actually everyone. Find where YOUR specific people are, not where the masses congregate.