Social media can be a game changer for small business owners like us. At least, that’s what the successful small business owners on TikTok and Instagram tell us, right? It’s supposed to be like having a personal megaphone to get our message out there and connect with our audiences, but let’s face it… sometimes, it feels like we’re talking to a wall.
In this article, I will break down the most common reasons business owners hear *crickets chirping* on social media and give you specific, actionable steps you can take to get the engagement you deserve.
Here are three categories to address when analyzing and reworking your social media presence. Maybe you’ve got a gap in one or more of these areas? Let me know in the comments!
Have a Solid Game Plan
It’s like mapping out your route before going on a road trip. You gotta know where you’re going, who you want to reach, and what kinda content you want to put out there. Without that “map”, you’ll end up driving around in circles and getting nowhere.
Taking that metaphor one step further, sure you can plug in the destination to your favorite mobile map app and blindly follow the directions, but you’ll end up following a path someone else laid out for you – a path that might not be the best one for you. The same is true for most of the miracle social media content “done for you” offers floating around out there.
Here are the first three things you’ll want to get clear on.
- Define your social media goals: What do you want to achieve through social media?
- Decide who you are talking to: Who are they, what are their interests, and what kind of content do they engage with the most?
- Develop a content strategy: What kind of content does your audience need from you to solve a problem or fill a need?
Know Your Audience
It’s like being a bartender and knowing what kind of drinks your regulars like. If we know what our followers are into, what they’re struggling with, and what gets them hyped, then we can create content that speaks to them and gets them engaging with your content.
Some of the tips below are things you might be tempted to skip. Audience research can be daunting. Buyer personas can feel limiting. Pro-tip: DON’T SKIP THIS WORK. What you learn will be invaluable in the long run.
- Conduct audience research: Use social media analytics to understand who your followers are and what they engage with the most.
- Develop buyer personas: Create detailed profiles of your ideal customers to guide your content creation and messaging.
- Personalize your content: Use language, visuals, and topics that resonate with your audience.
Stay Consistent
It’s like showing up for your weekly book club meeting. You gotta be there, every time, with something to contribute. Otherwise, you’re missing out on the most valuable part of the club – fellowship, interaction, and enrichment. By showing up consistently on social media, we build trust with our followers and keep ’em coming back for more.
Here are some ideas for conquering the blinking cursor paralysis that happens when you try to create great content on the fly.
- Develop a posting schedule: Decide on the frequency and timing of your posts.
- Create a content calendar: Plan out your content in advance to ensure consistency and avoid last-minute scrambling.
- Engage with your followers: Respond to comments, messages, and mentions to build relationships with your audience.
With these strategies in your arsenal, you’ll be miles ahead of your competition. Feeling the momentum to jump in right away? I’m sharing the content planning worksheet that I use myself to plan posts and keep track of results. You can grab your copy for free below.