6-Step Guide to Social Media for Small Businesses

Step 1: Uncover Rivals’ Winning Strategies

The first step in launching Sunrise Joe’s social media—or improving the performance of existing social media channels—is understanding what works in the niche for its competitors. 

For Sunrise Joe to succeed with social media marketing, some analysis is needed first.

Step 2: Create a Content Strategy 

Now that Sunrise Joe has insight into its competitors, what social channels to use, and opportunities to consider, it’s time to build a winning engagement generation content strategy.

It doesn’t have to be all words and pictures. Consider different types of content when mapping out your social media marketing strategy for small business. Here are some types to consider:

• Video
• Live streaming
• Blogs and articles
• Text-based posts
• Images
• External content
• Infographics
• Ebooks
• Testimonials

Use a combination of these content types for variety and to appeal to all types of followers.

Step 3: Create Small Business Social Media Content

Start creating content! We know that may be easier said than done. However, content possibilities are endless when it comes to social media. 

There are a few obvious ways to create content—designing graphics, sharing links to your blog posts, or linking to third-party sources. But other nontraditional forms of content creation can keep your channels interesting.

• User-generated content (EGC)
• Employee-generated content (EGC)
• Repurposing content
• Customer testimonials
• Micro-influencer takeovers

For example, Sunrise Joe could take a five-star testimonial, make it into a graphic, and distribute it on its preferred social channel. 

The business could also record employee spotlights and details of what it’s like working in the coffee shop.

Step 4: Distribute Small Business Social Media Content

Content distribution is a crucial part of social media strategy. For instance, Sunrise Joe can have the most stunning content. However, the business must still distribute it to different channels to reach its target audience. 

Step 5: Engage With Your Audience 

How to grow social media for business? Interacting with your target audience is crucial to show you care for your customers. Social listening and reputation management are critical in social media marketing for small business. If Sunrise Joe wants to create the strong coffee-lover community it hoped for, it must interact with its audience.

Step 6: Analyze Your Social Media Results

A business should never stop analyzing its social media progress. Regular observation can help address what is or isn’t working, find solutions for dips in engagement, and discover improvement opportunities.