Ten Proven Ways Anyone Can Build a Killer Small-Town Business With Social Media
There's always a ten-year-old who can help you build social media.
One of the most common complaints from business owners about social media is the lack of time to keep up with it.
Time management has always been difficult for busy business owners.
But if someone, not always the business owner, takes on the role of social media manager, your business can connect with new customers and keep in touch with your best customers.
Small towns often burst with community spirit and close-knit relationships, making them fertile grounds for businesses to thrive.
With the omnipresence of social media, even small-town entrepreneurs can amplify their reach and fortify local connections.
In 2023, Facebook boasts a monthly user base of 3.03 billion active users. Of those active users, 2.064 billion access the platform daily, representing 68.11% of the monthly engaged audience.
Some of those 2 billion are your current small-town customers.
And Facebook is just one social media platform.
Here are ten proven methods to harness social media's power for your small-town venture.
1. Spotlight Local Stories: Showcase your town's unique flavor. Feature local events, highlight notable town figures, or share historical facts. You promote your brand and strengthen community ties by tying your business to these narratives.
2. Collaborate with Nearby Businesses: Forge partnerships with other local businesses to run joint promotions. Sharing each other's posts and hosting giveaway contests can benefit both parties by reaching wider audiences and adding variety to content.
3. Engage in Community Conversations: Stay active on local Facebook groups or town forums. Offer advice, answer queries, or share events related to your industry. This positions your business as a community helper, building trust and rapport.
4. User-Generated Content: Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your business on social media. This information could be through reviews, photos, or stories. It not only provides you with content but also promotes organic engagement.
5. Use Local Hashtags: Small towns often have specific hashtags (#) representing community events, landmarks, or slogans. Incorporate these into your posts to increase visibility among locals.
6. Go Live: Use platforms like Facebook Live or Instagram Live to host events, tutorials, or behind-the-scenes looks at your business. Live events make your audience feel involved and offer a transparent look into your operations.
7. Offer Exclusive Deals: Share special promotions for your social media followers. These could be discounts, early-access sales, or limited-time offers. Such strategies incentivize people to follow and engage with your page.
8. Host Virtual Events: Whether it's a webinar, workshop, or Q&A session, virtual events can position your business as a thought leader in the community. Plus, they can be shared and re-watched, providing long-lasting value.
9. Embrace Authenticity: Small-town customers value genuine connections. Share stories about your journey, challenges, or successes. Avoid over-polished or salesy content; let your town see the real faces behind the business.
10. Regularly Seek Feedback: Use social media polls or questions to ask your community what they want to see from your business. This two-way communication not only provides you with valuable insights but also makes customers feel valued and heard.
Seven Steps Needed to Create a Small-Town Social Media Plan
Navigating the intricate lanes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more can sometimes feel like a maze. But let's simplify this!
Achieving social media greatness might be simpler than you anticipate. Any entrepreneur can use a straightforward blueprint to shine on social media. Follow these seven steps to set you on the path.
1. Pinpoint Your Marketing Objectives. Begin with intent. Jot down a concise list of marketing goals. For instance, you might aspire to:
Bolster loyalty among your existing clientele.
Curate a subscriber list for announcing product launches or updates.
Boost your website traffic for brand information or sales.
Position yourself as an authority in your niche.
Broaden your brand's visibility.
2. Choose Your Ideal Platforms. Select the platform that aligns with your objective. For instance, Twitter is perfect for crisp messages, while Facebook allows brand pages and live streaming. Instagram and Pinterest shine for visual content. Evaluate which platforms resonate with your brand's voice.
3. Initiate Your Social Profiles—Kickstart with an engaging profile. Pen a captivating business bio, incorporate your logo and add pertinent visuals. An attention-grabbing cover photo can be a game-changer. Utilize tools like Canva for designing, or consider investing in professional services like DesignPax or Fiverr for bespoke cover designs.
4. Keep Your Profiles Active. After laying down your social foundations, ensure they remain vibrant. Regularly update with fresh content, be it news, images, or videos. Mix in curated content from reputable sources, giving due credit. This approach not only keeps your profile lively but also fosters networking.
5. Dive into Interactive Waters. Merely posting won't crown you a social media champion. Engage with your audience by commenting, replying, and sharing. Remember, it's called "social" media; thus, interaction is critical. Picture a social gathering – you wouldn't only speak about yourself, would you? So, engage in discussions, participate in live sessions, and celebrate other's content as much as yours.
6. Embrace Automation – But Stay Genuine. Efficiency tools like Zoho Social, Buffer, and Hootsuite can streamline your processes as your social activities scale up. While automation aids in scheduling and centralizing tasks, it shouldn't replace genuine interaction. The trick is to blend automation with personal touches to maintain authenticity. (See the last hard and fast rule below.)
7. Monitor and Evaluate. Harness analytics to gauge your progress. Built-in tools in platforms like Facebook or Twitter provide insights, but consolidated dashboards from third-party services like Buffer and Hootsuite can offer a comprehensive overview. Respond to feedback and adapt your strategies based on these insights.
The last hard and fast rule:
Seventy percent of your posts should be informative, not just endless sales pitches.
Give people a reason to visit your site often for needed information.
Make short employee videos on your smartphone to introduce customers to them and explain why they are experts at solving customer's problems.
Ask your best customers if they would be willing to do a short video testimonial about your business.
While the vastness of social media can seem daunting, breaking it down into these manageable steps can pave the way for any small-town business owner to harness its power effectively.
In conclusion, while the dynamics of a small-town business are unique, the power of social media is universal. By incorporating these strategies, small-town entrepreneurs can effectively create a digital extension of their physical community, ensuring sustained growth and deeper local engagement.
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