Why Every Business Needs a Social Media Strategy (and How to Create One)
Social media isn't just a place to post cute dog pictures or your latest meal—it’s a powerful tool for business. Without a solid social media strategy, you’re just throwing content into the void and hoping for the best. A strategy helps you build your brand, reach the right audience, and turn followers into paying customers.
So, let’s get into why a social media strategy is an absolute must and how you can create one that works for your business!
The Why
Brand Awareness
A strong social media strategy helps people recognize and remember your business. Consistently posting valuable content allows you to stay top-of-mind for potential customers. It also helps build trust—when people see your brand regularly, they’re more likely to think of you when they need your product or service.
How Social Media Builds Brand Awareness:
Puts your business in front of new customers every day.
Showcases your brand personality and values.
Helps you connect with your audience in a more personal way.
Data
One of the biggest advantages of social media is the data you get from it. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn provide insights into what’s working (and what’s not). Without a strategy, you’re missing out on valuable information that can help you improve your marketing efforts.
How Data Helps:
Shows which posts your audience engages with the most.
Helps you understand your audience’s interests and behaviors.
Allows you to refine your approach to get better results.
Working with Traditional Marketing Strategies
Your social media strategy shouldn’t exist in a bubble—it should work alongside your traditional marketing efforts. Whether you’re using email marketing, local advertising, or in-store promotions, social media can amplify your message and help you reach a wider audience.
How Social Media Supports Traditional Marketing:
Promotes in-store sales and events to a larger audience.
Reinforces your branding across different marketing channels.
Encourages customers to engage with your business beyond just one interaction.
The How
The 50/30/20 Rule
A great social media strategy follows the 50/30/20 rule to balance content types:
50% Engagement Content: Start conversations and interact with followers.
30% Valuable Content: Educate, entertain, or inspire your audience.
20% Promotional Content: Showcase your products or services
This keeps your content mix engaging and prevents your page from looking too salesy.
What to Share
Not sure what to post? Here are some content ideas:
Educational Posts: Tips, how-tos, and industry insights.
Behind-the-Scenes: Show your process, your team, or a day in the life.
User-Generated Content: Share customer reviews or photos.
Promotional Posts: New product launches, discounts, or special offers.
Engagement Posts: Polls, questions, and fun interactive content.
When to Post
Consistency is key, but that doesn’t mean you need to post every day. Here’s a general guideline:
Instagram & Facebook: 3-5 times per week.
LinkedIn: 2-3 times per week.
TikTok: 4-7 times per week (if relevant to your business).
Pinterest: 5-10 pins per day (if applicable).
Experiment and see what works best for your audience, then adjust accordingly!
Final Thoughts
A social media strategy isn’t just a “nice-to-have” for small businesses—it’s essential. With the right plan in place, you can grow your brand, attract new customers, and build a loyal community online.
Now that you know the why and how of social media strategy, it’s time to put it into action! Need help? Let’s chat about how you can take your social media game to the next level.
FAQs About Social Media Strategy
1. What’s the best social media platform for small businesses?
It depends on your audience! Instagram and Facebook are great for B2C businesses, LinkedIn works well for B2B, and TikTok is excellent for brand awareness.
2. How do I know if my social media strategy is working?
Track key metrics like engagement, follower growth, website traffic, and conversions. Most platforms provide free insights to help you measure success.
3. How often should I update my social media strategy?
At least every 3-6 months! Trends change quickly, so it’s important to stay flexible and adapt based on your results.
4. Do I need to be on every social media platform?
No! It’s better to focus on 1-3 platforms where your audience is most active rather than spreading yourself too thin.
5. Can I do social media marketing myself, or should I hire someone?
If you have time and enjoy it, you can definitely do it yourself. But if social media feels overwhelming or you’re not seeing results, hiring a social media manager can be a game-changer.
