In this article:

• Why small businesses need social media
• The do’s and don’ts of small business social media marketing
• Getting started for just $1/day

Why Small Businesses Need Social Media

If you’re a small business, you should be on social media–the exception to this rule is rare.

It doesn’t matter what kind of business you have–a large percentage of your customers are online for hours every day. Whether they are actively posting on their personal accounts, anonymously scrolling through feeds, or just searching for products and services, sooner or later, if you do it right, they are bound to come across your social media posts.

And this is not just talk. According to Christina Johnson, Strategic Solutions Account Executive, and Business Development Consultant at Santa Clara University, “Today, over 50% of online adults use two or more social media sites on a regular basis. Over 80% of CEOs and high-level executives say they use social media to help make purchasing decisions.”

If all of this is motivating you to finally invest in your social media presence, here are some dos and don’ts of social media marketing you need to know:

The Dos of Small Business Social Media Marketing

#1. Define Your Audience

Make time to study and understand your target audience. Social media platforms are diverse, each catering to different demographics.

Identify where your audience spends their time and craft your strategy accordingly. For instance, if you’re targeting a younger demographic, platforms like Instagram and TikTok might be more effective than Facebook.

#2. Craft Compelling Content

Content is king, and creating engaging posts is crucial. Share a mix of content – from informative articles and industry updates to behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business.

Visual content, such as images and videos, tends to perform exceptionally well, so don’t shy away from incorporating them into your social media strategy. The first split second should grab people’s attention.

#3. Consistency is Key

Regular posting is essential for maintaining audience interest. Develop a content calendar that outlines the type and frequency of your posts.

Consistency not only keeps your brand visible but also helps in building trust with your audience.

#4. Engage with Your Audience

Social media is a two-way street. Your audience will want you to engage genuinely with them. Take advantage of local events and trends. Like making a post about a local Taylor Swift concert to attract attendees.

Respond promptly to comments, messages, and mentions. Foster a sense of community by actively engaging with your audience. Pose questions, run polls, and encourage user-generated content to create a dynamic online environment.

#5. Reply to Comments and Enquiries Promptly

In the fast-paced world of social media, timely responses matter. When customers or potential clients engage with your posts or reach out with inquiries, responding promptly shows that you value their input.

It builds trust and contributes to a positive online reputation. So, don’t leave your audience hanging — be quick with your responses.

#6. Proofread your Content before Posting

Spelling and grammatical errors can harm your brand’s credibility. Before hitting that post button, take a moment to proofread.

A well-crafted message reflects professionalism and attention to detail. For video content, be sure to go over it again to remove any irrelevant parts in it.

#7. Harness the Power of Hashtags

Hashtags are more than just trendy symbols. They help your content reach a broader audience interested in specific topics.

But don’t overdo it – you don’t want your posts to look spammy and unprofessional. Only use relevant and concise hashtags to increase discoverability.

For example, if you want to take advantage of National Small Business Week, research the Small Business Administration’s branded hashtags to help boost your content.

The Don’ts of Small Business Social Media Marketing

#1. Don’t Like Your Own Posts

It might be tempting to give your posts a little ‘like reaction’ but resist the urge. Liking your posts can come across as desperate for attention. Let your audience do the liking – it’s more authentic.

#2. Don’t Neglect a Clear Strategy

Wing it and you’ll likely hit a dead-end. A lack of a clear social media strategy can lead to inconsistent messaging and disengagement. Define your goals, target audience, and content strategy before diving in.

#3. Don’t Overreact to Negative Comments

Negative comments are inevitable, but don’t let them ruffle your feathers. Respond professionally, address concerns calmly, and use it as an opportunity to showcase your commitment to customer satisfaction. Avoid getting defensive or engaging in public arguments.

#4. Avoid Overusing Automation

While automation can save time, overusing it can make your interactions seem robotic and impersonal. Balance automated posts with genuine, manually crafted content to maintain a human touch. Personalized interactions build trust and loyalty.

#5. Don’t be Too Salesy

While the end goal is to drive sales, bombarding your audience with sales pitches can be a turn-off. Johnson advises that you “post sale or product information only 1-2 times per week and post relevant information or engaging questions the rest of the time.”

#6. Avoid Following Trends Blindly

Trends come and go, and not all of them align with your brand’s values. Avoid following trends for the sake of it. Ensure that any trend you jump on is consistent with your brand identity and resonates with your audience.

#7. Avoid Inconsistent Branding

Your brand’s identity and voice should be consistent across all platforms. From your logo and color scheme to the tone of your posts, maintain a cohesive brand image. Inconsistency can confuse and alienate your audience, derailing your digital marketing goals.

Getting Started for Just $1/Day

If you’re interested in growing your business through paid social media marketing, you can start organically. But if you want to scale faster, consider boosting posts that get the most engagement for just $1/day. That will trigger the social media algorithm to show your posts to more people, and if they get a lot of traction, you can add more ad money. If they don’t get results, create new ads and try again.

Access Specialized Business Financing through Biz2Credit

Are you ready to scale, but you’re not sure where to get funding? Biz2Credit is here to help. As a leading funding platform, Biz2Credit connects small businesses with timely financing options.

By leveraging our expertise and funding solutions, you can get the resources you need to take your business to the next level.

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