Are you a small business owner who is pumped to take social media head-on and make it big? Well, then first things first, CONGRATULATIONS! You have made the right decision and if you think that you can not only create an online presence on social media but also increase your profits, then let us tell you that you are on the right path. The number of businesses that started during the first lockdown is proof that at the beginning of your business, social media presence is pretty much the only infrastructure you need to sell your product.

You don’t need huge funds or a big production team to start your small business on Instagram. If you believe that you have a product that can bring utility to your customers or your product has a unique persona that can attract a certain niche audience, then you can make it on social media.

Why is social media the right place for small businesses?

The growing audiences on social media are not a secret. Today, almost everyone has an Instagram account, and hence, Instagram is an ideal platform for a side hustle. You can easily start your business on this platform without having to quit your full-time job. Make the most of Instagram by using the business account to get all the analytical details that you need. There are many benefits of the Instagram creator account as well as a business account.

Let’s not forget that Facebook too is an exemplary platform for small businesses. You should connect your Instagram to Facebook so you can unlock benefits like posting on both platforms at once, running ads, or using detailed analytical features.

Here is a list of do’s and don’ts that you must always keep in mind before making any decision for your business.

Do’s

1. Be a storyteller

When you share your stories with your audience because that type of content on social media gives you a chance to build an emotional appeal. You get to connect with your audience on a personal level. This is not only important to build an audience for your brand to build relationships.

2. Focus on content marketing

Content marketing is a skill and a fundamental need to build your business on social media. You do not have to go out of your way and take courses to learn it. Just remember that it comprises consistent posting, knowing your audience, and increasing your engagement rate. There are a lot more things when it comes to content marketing but as a beginner, this can help you get started on a good note.

3. Use influencer marketing

People always think that it’s content marketing vs influencer marketing. But the truth is influencer marketing is a part of content marketing. As a small business owner on social media, you should look for micro-influencers to collaborate with. There are many ways to increase your sales with micro-influencers. To target a niche audience, and to achieve an influencer marketing campaign with less budget, you must work with micro-influencers.

4. Connect with your audience

Connecting with your audience is not just about posting consistently or sharing your stories. It’s just a part of it. You must focus on building two-way communication with your audience. You can do this by replying to their comments, creating UGC campaigns, replying to their DMs, acknowledging their feedback, etc.

5. Stay consistent

The only way to see the results, to see your audience grow, and to see your products sell, it’s important that you stay active and consistent with not just posting content on social media, but with your ideas, innovation, process, updates, and production.

These are the things that help you make your small business turn into an established business using social media. For better results and professional assistance, you can use influencer marketing tools. Now let’s talk about the don’ts of social media

1. Don’t exaggerate

Just to stand out in the crowd, don’t lie or exaggerate your products to services. No matter if the goal of your product is to provide utility or you offer services with goal-based results, you should be realistic. Clickbait can only get your views but not a business.

2. Don’t overpromise

Before you make any claims or promises you must run it through your own conscience and figure out if you are being realistic. If you think that overpromising can help you build an audience, then don’t forget that if you fail to deliver that, you will have the same audience ready to call your bluff.

3. Don’t follow trends if you don’t want to

All social media platforms are flooded with trends. They each have their own ways of communication. But if you feel that these trends do not set the right tone with your brand, do not follow them. If you want to integrate your brand with any trending reel or act, you must ensure that it blends well and makes sense.

4. Don’t post mindlessly

One of the top priorities that you should have as a small business owner is to build brand loyalty. The key to that is not posting every day, it goes beyond that. You have to be mindful of your posts. Build a content marketing strategy and include posts that strike the right tone with your audience. When they visit your profile, make their time worth it.

5. Don’t just rely on social media

If you think, that just by being famous on social media you can become a successful business owner, then let us tell you that it might not help you go a long way. You should also rely on the integrity of your company, the quality of your products, your word-of-mouth marketing, etc. A mere combination of all of these with a fantastic social media strategy will make your business boom gradually.

Small businesses who use influencer marketing can definitely make a difference in their campaigns using WORD Marketplace. You can use this influencer marketing platform to find influencers, track your campaigns, get analytical reports, etc.

Social media can help you build and connect to the right audience if you use it right. You can use it to enhance customer experience, increase your profits, expand your business, enhance your SEO, and so much more. Just use it right and don’t do everything at once.