Social Flow: Tips for Small Business Social Media
Maddox Marketing Co
February 7, 2022
Social Media
With 3.6 billion social media users and 32+ major social platforms, it’s no wonder social media can feel overwhelming! Social media has changed the way we communicate and market. Consumers expect brands they support to have active social media channels with authentic content. As a business owner, you have to not only manage your day-to-day operations, but also your growing list of social media profiles.
The key to effective small business social media is to view it as a set of tools that can be used to enhance what you’re already doing. As a service provider, you’ve probably already identified your core values and design aesthetic. (If not, we can help with that!) You can use those values and key focus areas to drive the content you create while also helping to shape an authentic voice.
As a small business owner, getting found online and ranking in search engine visibility is key! If you aren’t already, it’s time to seek out those positive testimonials!
Practice the “If the Shoe Fits” Method
Authenticity is incredibly important in social media, and this applies to both influencers, thought leaders, and brands. To maintain a voice that is representative of you or your services, only use the social media applications that are a natural fit. (Insert a sigh of relief here.) Of course you need to be mindful of where your audience is, but if you don’t feel like tweeting — then you don’t have to be on Twitter! Maybe you prefer to write more long-form content pieces for LinkedIn. Or maybe you would rather use short-form videos for YouTube.
The “If the Shoe Fits” method aims to eliminate stress and social media burnout by having you focus on things that naturally align with who you are and what you have to say. You can be mindful of storytelling and narrative, while finding freedom in using a communication medium that is more familiar.
Have a Plan and Monitor Your Time
Social media with intention will save you time and increase the connection with your audience. Before you open any social media application, I encourage you to have a plan with what you’re going to do and how long it’s going to take to complete those tasks.
Some people even prefer a checklist: Here’s a quick example of how you might maximize your time on social media:
- Respond to comments on your posts (10 mins)
- Like content from people that are following you (5 mins)
- Share your own IG reel and or a blog post on LinkedIn (10 mins)
Your small business social media content can be planned and created before you open the app. Even if you’re shooting TikTok info videos and editing in the app, you should have a plan of the content for each shot beforehand.
By doing this, you create instead of consume. Without a plan you might waste time being swept up in the “media” aspect of social media. (And you don’t have time for that!) Monitor your time for best results.
Don’t Get Caught Up In the Drama
While reading and responding to comments is important to building community, it’s inevitable you may encounter some negativity along the way. The best thing to do is to take a break. Especially if you are feeling emotionally affected by ongoing drama.
Remember social media is a great way to grow your brand and meet people who love and support what you do. Don’t spread yourself too thin trying to use every platform. Choose social platforms that are a natural fit and make sure to connect and communicate with your audience.
