Social media can make the life of a small business owner much easier. From the most popular sites, such as Facebook and X, to the more niche platforms, like TikTok and Instagram, these resources can be precisely what a company needs to bolster a financial plan.
Why is that, exactly? For starters, social media is a cost-effective strategy, often requiring little to no money to get underway. While these sites require a substantial time commitment, they are frequently well worth the investment. With them, reaching a broad audience and bringing in more potential customers will be easier than ever.
Before signing up for social media, though, it may be worth noting a few social media tips for better small business marketing.
X Can Be a Valuable Asset
X can work for anybody, from teenagers to small businesses. Therefore, it should never be ignored when a company is discussing a new social media strategy.
Suzanne Lucas, a contributor to Inc. magazine, wrote that X can make a person’s life and career better, and there is a lot to learn from the experts. Sarah Salbu, a senior account executive at SHIFT Communications, provided Lucas with some social media tips about improving this aspect. For example, it may be worthwhile to live-tweet during a convention to stay focused and have an easy way to check later to see what topics were discussed. Better yet, this can provide value to followers and keep others interested in industry news.
In addition, X can be a valuable resource for meeting new people and getting into more meetings, Salbu explained. A good social media presence could attract the attention of other professionals and become an important networking tool. Because of that, X can be used to reach out to others. Engaging with colleagues or leaders never hurts, and there is no penalty for taking a chance here. It can also be a fantastic way to stay connected with people known in real life—at its core, it is about relationships, first and foremost.
Instagram Marketing for Small Businesses
Instagram is a visually driven platform that offers unique opportunities for small businesses to showcase their brand personality and products.
Businesses can use Instagram’s features, such as Stories, Reels, and interactive polls, to engage with their audience in creative ways. While high-quality photos and videos are essential, small businesses can also leverage behind-the-scenes content or user-generated posts to build a sense of authenticity and connection with their audience.
Additionally, Instagram’s hashtag system makes it easier to reach niche markets. Small businesses can expand their reach by using a mix of trending and branded hashtags. With a business account, companies also gain access to insights and advertising options, allowing them to refine their strategy and target specific demographics.
Use Facebook To Engage Others
Facebook is one of the most popular social media sites—for good reason. It is a fantastic way to stay connected with others, meet new people, and build relationships. What’s more, just as mobile banking is so valuable to a small business, the on-the-go aspect of Facebook can be a perfect complement to any social media strategy.
According to Constant Contact’s social media community manager, Danielle Cormier, marketing and Facebook are a perfect match. Many small business owners already do this if they have a page set up, and they should make sure that everything looks great to get the most benefits possible. For example, it has to be designed with mobile devices in mind. The page will look different on a computer than on a phone, so it is worth checking out before starting.
In addition, Cormier explained that the Facebook page for a small business has to be up-to-date and complete. Many people use the site to find companies instead of other, more traditional options. The business hours, location, categories, and other elements must be filled out correctly to avoid missed opportunities. Most importantly, small business owners should always be aware of how their organization is reflected on social media. It is worth the time to search the name online and see what pops up. That way, any problems can be quickly fixed, and a financial plan can stay on track.
Marketing on TikTok and Other Social Media Platforms
TikTok has become a game-changer for small businesses looking to connect with younger audiences. Its short-form videos are ideal for showcasing creativity, sharing tutorials, or participating in viral trends. By using trending sounds and hashtags, businesses can increase their visibility and potentially go viral with minimal effort.
Similarly, other platforms like LinkedIn, Pinterest, and YouTube offer unique marketing opportunities. LinkedIn is perfect for B2B businesses or networking, Pinterest is great for sharing visually appealing content like DIYs or products, and YouTube allows for long-form storytelling that can build a deeper connection with audiences.
By understanding the strengths of each platform and tailoring their strategies accordingly, small businesses can create a comprehensive social media marketing plan that drives results.