Social Media Tips for Small Business Owners: What Really Drives engagement
Running a small business means wearing a lot of hats. You’re the boss, the accountant, the customer service rep, and probably the one still figuring out what an algorithm does.
When it comes to social media, one thing’s clear: you have to get it right if you want to connect with your audience, drive engagement, and ultimately grow your business. It’s not an option at this point.
But here’s the thing: social media isn’t about throwing random posts at the wall and seeing what sticks. It’s about strategy. It’s about creating content that actually resonates with your audience and gets them to take action - whether that’s liking, sharing, or clicking on external links.
1. Know Your Audience (Like, Really Get to Know Them)
You can’t speak to your audience if you don’t know who they are. And no, “everyone is my audience” won’t cut it. Dig deeper and think really hard about it.
Start by asking yourself questions like:
What problems does my product or service solve for my audience?
What’s keeping them up at night?
What do they care about?
Why should they care about what you offer?
If you’re only thinking about selling, you’re missing the point. People connect with businesses that get them (even if you don’t, but they think you do) - and that means creating content that aligns with their values, interests, and pain points.
Here’s your homework from us at Noodle Soup Digital: come up with a clear picture of your ideal customer. Then, tailor your content to speak directly to them. Whether it’s a funny video, a customer testimonial, or a behind-the-scenes peek at your business, make sure it’s relevant to the people you’re trying to reach. And if you’re still confused, maybe give us a call.
2. Video Is King - But You Knew That, Right?
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be Kurosawa or Park Chan-wook, but if you’re not using video on social media, you’re missing out. Video is the most engaging content format out there. It’s dynamic, it grabs attention, and it’s proven to drive more engagement than any other type of post.
That’s why you need to start thinking about your content strategy through a video lens.The secret is in making your videos authentic, relatable, and valuable - no one likes their time being wasted, especially when the difference between them staying on your video is only a swipe away.
The best part? Video doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, authenticity is often more important than high production value. People want to see the real you, not a polished version that feels too corporate - and that’s coming from someone who primarily focused on corporate videos for a number of years.
You really don’t need to become a content creator, a little movement and music can go a long way.
3. Consistency, Consistency, Consistency
Consistency doesn’t mean posting the same thing over and over again. It means creating a consistent experience for your audience. When they scroll past your post, they should instantly recognise your brand and get a sense of your personality. Don’t post for the sake of posting. Make sure your posts align with your brand and serve a purpose
Posting a few times a week is a good start, but consistency in engagement is just as important. Respond to comments, answer questions, and keep the conversation flowing.
If you’re just broadcasting your products or services without engaging with your audience, you’re missing out on one of the most powerful aspects of social media: the conversation.
Respond to comments and messages.
Ask questions that get your followers talking.
Create polls or surveys that involve your audience in decision-making.
The key is to build relationships. People want to feel heard. They want to be a part of something, not just be sold to.
4. User-Generated Content (UGC)
Want to build trust and engagement without lifting a finger? Time to utilise the power of user-generated content. When your customers share their own photos or videos of your products, they’re not just helping you market your brand - they’re building credibility for you.
Encourage your audience to share their experiences by:
Running a hashtag campaign.
Offering incentives for tagged posts.
Reposting content from your followers on your own channels.
UGC gives you social proof and shows that real people are engaging with your brand. Plus, it builds community and makes your customers feel valued.
Don’t be shy about reposting their content. It’s a great way to show off your products in an authentic light and encourage others to engage.
The Time is Now
Social media is not just a marketing tool; it’s a conversation platform. By being authentic, consistent, and engaging, you’ll not only build a loyal following but also drive real results for your small business.
Start creating content that speaks to your audience, engage with them regularly, and use video to bring your brand to life. The more you connect with your followers, the more they’ll connect with your business. And that, my friend, is how you drive real engagement.
And remember, Noodle Soup Digital is here to help.
Sources:
HubSpot: Social Media Strategy Guide for Small Business Owners
Sprout Social: Social Media Engagement Tips
Hootsuite: The Ultimate Guide to User-Generated Content
Buffer: How to Build a Social Media Content Calendar
