Written by Kelsie Theel

By: Kelsie Theel 

Social media is a great tool for small businesses to expand their market, connect with potential buyers, and interact with loyal, existing customers. Not to mention, when used strategically, it is a valuable platform that will add no extra cost to a business owner’s marketing budget. But, if you’re not careful, social media can be a distracting time suck that is easy to push to the wayside when things get hectic. 

Here are 4 quick tips small business owners can use to create a successful social media presence: 

Identify Your Objectives 

The first step before creating a social media presence is to identify your marketing objectives. Once you have your objectives clearly outlined, you can then determine how social media can help your business meet those specific goals. Reminder, you don’t have to be on every social media platform just because it’s 2020; align your business objectives with the platform best suited to reach your goals.

Time Management 

Creating a powerful social media presence for your business is time consuming, so managing your already limited time is important. During your downtime, create a posting plan and find platforms that can help you schedule your posts. Appearing to always be on social media without actually being on social media, is key. 

Engage

Social media values businesses and business pages who actively engage with their platforms. Set aside 5 minutes a day to interact authentically with your customers in a way that makes the most sense for your brand. 

Post daily, respond to comments, answer private messages, use new features etc. — all of these tactics will help your exposure without using your wallet. 

Tip: create a content calendar with national days and find hashtags relevant to your brand so you can be part of trending topics and gain more organic exposure. #NationalLoveYourCustomersDay #SmallBusinessSaturday 

Be Authentic 

Customers can spot a disingenuous social media post from a mile away. Develop a voice that is most appropriate for your social media brand and stick to it! Don’t stray away from your original marketing goals to look like other businesses on social media. If customers are most important to your brand, highlight them in your posts! If you need more sales, create engaging shoppable posts! If you need to spread the word, find some influencers that genuinely love your product! Always stay true to your brand, objectives, and marketing goals.