Starting Up: Small Business Social Strategies
Reading Time: 3 minutes It is never easy to get a small business up and running. From finding funding and new employees to getting the licenses needed to operate, small business owners have to think of everything in order to be successful. Social media is no exception. Today’s consumers are more active on social networks than ever before and this trend shows no sign of slowing. As your small business begins to develop its social media marketing strategy, you want to know who your target audience is, where you can best reach them on social media. Then, you reach one of the most difficult obstacles: content. What type of content should we be sharing and how should we share it. Focus on these three things and starting up your small business’s social media presence will hit the ground running.
Educate
While many businesses find that they’re able to enlighten and educate most through white papers, email newsletters, and in-store interactions, social media can serve as yet another channel to add to your arsenal. As your small business begins developing its social media strategy, make sure that what you’re posting regularly educates your audience. You want what you share to add value to others. When it comes to your social marketing strategy, focus on educating your audience and it will grow. Information you can share:
- Local events your business is at, that your customers will want to be at, or that are significant to your area.
- Industry insights. Trending topics for your particular industry, as well as that of your customers, is valuable information for your audience across the board.
- Practical tips always come in handy. Maybe someone has forgotten a best practice or your business has a tried and true tip to share. These add value!
Entertain
People connect with businesses on social media not only to get answers to their customer service and product questions but also to see how is behind the brand. Use your social media to entertain your customers. The success stories of others, visuals that portray great company culture and personality will entertain your following, encourage sharing and help your business connect with customers as more than a brand. Some businesses have more flexibility as to how entertaining, in a comical sense, they can be. Keep your brand’s voice and your business’s reputation in mind to ensure you don’t cross a line.
Engage
If you’re able to entertain your audience with personal anecdotes, customer stories of success and interesting, relevant information that adds value to their life or business, you’ll have no problem fostering a presence of engagement. Engage with other businesses by reaching out on social networks, beginning discussions in forums and groups, and holding dialogues via the network. Let your customers, clients, partners, and employees know where your business is online. Social media platforms are not one-way streets and small businesses who take the first step in reaching out will find greater success than those that don’t.
Setting up a small business social media strategy isn’t easy, but having a solid foundation with the basics and your approach is a great place to start. Share, curate and create content that will educate your audience. Entertain them with “Behind the Scenes” anecdotes and customer success stories. Engage in conversations and take the first step in reaching out. Doing these three things will allow you to set up your small business social strategy for success.
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Co-Authored With
Erica Bell is a small business and social media writer for lead generation company Business.com. She covers a range of topics including online marketing and social media best practices.
