Leveraging Social Media: A Simple Guide for Small Businesses

In the digital world, social media is one of the most powerful (and free!) tools for marketing your business. However, many small business owners, especially in rural communities, either don’t have social media accounts or don’t know where to start. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to use social media effectively, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the most of it—even if you don’t have a dedicated social media person on staff.

Step 1: Choose the Right Platform

Not every social media platform is right for every business. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Facebook – Great for all businesses; best for building community and sharing updates.
• Instagram – Ideal for businesses with strong visuals (boutiques, restaurants, artists, etc.).
• TikTok – Best for businesses that can create short, engaging videos (fun, casual, behind-the-scenes content).
• LinkedIn – Useful for networking and business to business connections.
• Google Business Profile – While not a social media platform, keeping it updated helps customers find you. Click here to learn how to set it up and manage your Google profile.

If you’re just starting out, Facebook and Instagram are great first steps.

Step 2: Set Up or Update Your Profile

If you don’t have a business profile yet, create one! If you already have one, take a few minutes to refresh it:
Use a clear profile picture – Your logo or storefront image works best.
Write a simple bio – Explain what your business offers in a short, friendly way.
Add contact information – Make sure your phone number, website, and business hours are correct.

Step 3: What to Post & How Often

Consistency is key, but you don’t need to post every day! A simple schedule to follow is:

  Starting out?–make a goal of sharing 1 post per week.
  Feeling comfortable with social media? 2-3 posts per week – Share updates, photos, or specials.
  Stories (on Facebook & Instagram) daily, if possible – Quick, fun behind-the-scenes glimpses.
  1 video per week (if possible) – Even a short clip of a new product, your workspace, or a customer testimonial can boost engagement.

Step 4: Easy Content Ideas

Not sure what to post? Try these ideas:
Behind-the-scenes photos – Show your workspace, employees, or products in action.
Specials & Promotions – Announce sales, discounts, or new arrivals.
Customer Testimonials – Share reviews or shout out happy customers.
Community Involvement – Highlight partnerships, sponsorships, or local events.
Tips & How-To Posts – Share advice related to your business (e.g., a mechanic could post “5 Tips to Prepare Your Car for Winter”).

Step 5: Engage with Your Audience

Social media isn’t just about posting—it’s about engaging with customers. Take 10-15 minutes per day to:
Respond to comments and messages – Answer questions and thank people for their support.
Like & comment on local business pages – Supporting others helps build connections and visibility.
Encourage customer interaction – Ask simple questions in your posts (e.g., “What’s your favorite menu item?”).

Step 6: Keep It Simple & Have Fun!

You don’t need to be a social media expert—just be yourself, share your business’s personality, and keep things authentic. Don’t stress about being perfect; the key is to show up consistently.

Would you like help setting up or improving your social media? Reach out to the Indian Valley Chamber of Commerce for support and collaboration opportunities!