Social Media Tips for Small Businesses
Photo of Mabel’s Market in Lemont, IL by Molly Hebda Photography
As a small business in Downtown Lemont, you’re probably wondering how to crack the algorithm, go viral, and take advantage of the free marketing resources that is social media. We’ve heard the success stories of many businesses who get in front of the eyes of celebrities and millions of potential customers with just one simple post. As part of our growing effort to support our local small businesses, we’ve compiled a list of some simple best practices to keep in mind.
#1 Invest your time where your people are.
Not all social media platforms are built the same and they typically attract a different demographic. Save yourself a lot of time and energy by catering your message to the platforms where your target audience spends the majority of their time.
TikTok: The reach varies by country but this is the go-to platform and highest growing market for Gen Z users. According to Hootsuite, “TikTok’s reach is highest for Gen Z users, reaching 25% of female users aged 18-24 and 17.9% of males. A TikTok ad can potentially reach 50.3% of adults in the United States, or 130,962,500". This user is a niche user who is looking to learn a little bit more or discover the next trend with quick 30-60 second videos.
Instagram: A tried and true favorite amongst Millennials. This consumer is typically looking for what they can see, do, purchase, or engage with now. They want to save hot spots, products, and ideas to their favorites list that they can re-share with their friends and family.
Facebook: Facebook continues to be the fastest-growing social media platform and is the absolute best place to build community. Consider starting a Facebook group or community page where you can share offers directly to your audience and they can interact with you.
LinkedIn: If your business is more professional-focused, consider LinkedIn your best friend for letting others know what you’re up to. This is an excellent place to promote new products, services, hiring initiatives, and meeting business milestones.
Twitter: This is the place to join the conversation. Follow the topics and conversations that are relevant to your brand. Chime in when you or a product or service you offer is mentioned and reach customers instantly if they have an issue.
#2 Create simple, quick, and engaging content.
You don’t need to bring in a full production team to share content people want to engage with. Post pictures of new products, menu items, and drinks they should order at your next happy hour. Take people through a day in your life on Instagram Stories or Tik Tok. What do they need to know about your business? What should they know about you? Let people get a feel for you and your business with quick content they can use.
#3 Your social profiles should make a great first impression.
When you stumble upon a business’ social profile, it should greet you the same way a friendly sales associate would when you walk in the storefront. While you don’t have to post daily, be as consistent as possible so your fans and followers know you’re active. Schedule out content on social media management programs like Later or Hootsuite providing quick content like your weekly menus, upcoming sales, and promotions, new products and restocks, and any changes in hours of operation.
Your bio, those few little lines under your profile picture, should include easy calls to action. If you’re a restaurant, consider adding your hours, phone number, and a direct link to book a reservation. If you’re a store, list your hours, online shop, and a link to sign up for emails. If you’re a service provider, list your direct website where folks can go to find more information.
#3 Consider Social Media is the next best thing to IRL.
Instead of popping on to Google Search for ‘small business near me’, your potential customers are opening up Instagram and searching to find their next hairstylist, a nice place to celebrate their anniversary dinner, and/or a fun activity to do with their children when the weather gets cold.
Make sure your page can be found by creating a business profile on any one of your social media apps and being clear in the description about the service you offer. This is your portfolio and not only will a bright, engaging profile get their attention but a clear call-to-action that lets them know your business hours, location, and where to go with questions will help drive traffic to your business.
#4 Engage with other small businesses and play nice!
Every day is a great day to make a new friend and potential customer on social media. Respond to every message and comment on tagged posts. Make friends with local content creators and frequent customers. Search your location to see who has tagged photos of themselves at your business and reshare with permission. Use every tool of your social media strategy to build a dynamic community.
#5 Have fun!
Social media can be an overwhelming task for any small business owner. The most important thing to do is to have fun and be genuine. If you’re honest and capture your journey and all that you have the offer, you’re certain to attract the smiles of many new friends.
Ready to dive deeper? Check out more tips and advice on our social media for small businesses one-pager!
