Just started your small business and wondering how to get customers?
Or maybe you’ve been at it for a while but your social media feels like shouting into the void?
Look, I get it.
You’re posting consistently, showing up, doing all the things the experts tell you to do.
But your engagement looks sadder than your coffee cup at 3 PM.
Meanwhile, your competitors seem to be crushing it while you’re still trying to figure out what day to post your behind-the-scenes content.
Something I’ve learned about social media for small businesses: it’s not about being everywhere or posting perfectly curated content all day long.
It’s about being smart with where you show up and actually connecting with people.
Let’s talk about social media success tips that work for real small businesses run by actual humans who have other stuff to do besides live on Instagram.
Stop Trying to Be Everywhere
First thing: you do not need to be on every social media platform.
Seriously.
You don’t.
Pick the platforms where your actual customers hang out and focus there.
For example, advertising hearing aids on Snapchat? Probably not your best move.
But Facebook? That could be exactly where your target audience spends their time.
Once you figure out where your potential customers actually are, you can create content that matters for that platform instead of spreading yourself thin across seven different apps.
Finding Your Ideal Clients Online
Not sure where to find your people?
Think about your ideal customer.
Are they young and trendy? Instagram or TikTok.
Professionals? LinkedIn.
Older adults? Facebook.
Understanding who you’re trying to reach makes everything easier.
You’ll save time and your efforts will actually work instead of just feeling like busy work.
Being Social Actually Matters
People don’t log into social media to see ads.
They want to connect and interact.
If you’re constantly posting links to your website, platforms like Facebook will show your content to fewer people.
Organic reach has dropped over the years, so you need to be more creative.
I once helped a local restaurant increase sales by posting daily images of new menu items on Facebook.
Simple.
Engaging.
It worked because people actually wanted to see it.
Different platforms work differently too.
Pinterest and TikTok are great for content that stays relevant over time.
This works well if you’d rather create quality content that lasts instead of chasing every single trend.
Tips for Organic Growth
Post Regularly
Consistency keeps your audience engaged. Try posting at the same times each day or week.
Create Quality Content
Make your posts interesting and relevant. Share tips, stories, behind-the-scenes looks at your business.
Engage with Others
Comment on and like other people’s posts. This increases your visibility and shows you’re actually part of the community.
Creating Your Own Social Media Content
If you’re making your own social media posts, have a solid plan.
Know your audience and what problems they face, then create posts that help them.
Consistency matters, especially for small businesses.
Post regularly and at the same times to keep your followers engaged.
Think about what your audience actually cares about.
Tips? Stories? Product updates?
Create content that meets those needs.
A content calendar helps you stay organized and post regularly.
Content types to consider:
Think about what your audience cares about.
Are they looking for tips?
Entertaining stories?
Product updates?
Tailor your content to meet these needs.
A content calendar can help you stay organized and ensure you’re posting regularly.
A few types of content to consider are:
- Educational Posts: Share tips, how-tos, and informative articles.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Give a peek into your business operations or team.
- User-Generated Content: Share posts from happy customers.
- Promotional Content: Highlight sales, new products, or special offers.
Quality Matters for Small Business Social Media
Post often, but quality matters just as much.
Make sure your posts are clear and visually appealing.
Your audience associates the quality of your posts with the quality of your products or services.
Quality doesn’t mean professional photos or videos.
Just make sure images are clear, text is easy to read, and your message makes sense.
Tools like Canva help you create graphics even if you’re not a designer.
Actually Be Social
Engage with your followers by responding to comments and interacting with their posts.
A genuine comment or like builds relationships.
Social media is a two-way street.
The more you interact, the more visible you become.
Ways to engage:
- Respond to comments and questions
- Ask questions to encourage interaction
- Share content from your followers
Paid Advertising
Paid ads help you reach more people quickly.
Platforms prioritize paying customers, so well-crafted ads help you stand out.
Just make sure you understand your audience and offer something they actually want.
Making Ads Work
Identify your target audience and create an offer they can’t refuse.
Start with something low-cost or free to build trust.
Maybe a free download or discount for their email address.
Later, you can use ads to target these engaged users with premium offers.
Follow-Up, Follow-Up, Follow-Up
Did you know only 3% of website visitors make a purchase on their first visit?
Make sure you have a follow-up process to convert the remaining 97%.
This could include retargeting ads or email marketing to keep your brand in their minds.
Here are some ideas for follow-up strategies:
- Email Marketing: Send regular updates and offers to your email list.
- Retargeting Ads: Show ads to people who have visited your website or engaged with your content before.
- Special Offers: Encourage repeat visits with discounts or special deals.
Whether you’re creating your own social media content or engaging with others, balance quality and quantity.
Focus on helping your audience and making their day better.
Paid ads can help you speed up your success if you have an offer they can’t refuse.
With the right approach, you’ll see your social media presence—and your small business—grow.
Remember, social media success doesn’t happen overnight.
Be patient, stay consistent, and keep engaging with your audience.
Your efforts will pay off in the long run!
Need help getting your small business’ social media chaos under control? I make social media easy for small business owners. Let’s chat!
