You asked, we answered. The #askASBTDC poll in our newsletter and on our Instagram revealed that you wanted to hear more about social media and marketing. Continue to let us know what you want to hear about by subscribing to our news letter and following us on Instagram.
Social media can look daunting, confusing, and be a huge time commitment. However, with a little learning and some useful tools, you can Instagram like a pro. No one knows and loves your business as you do. Without being a part of the day-to-day an external social media manager misses those authentic opportunities to share. You and your staff know the ins and outs of what makes your business special. There’s a unique buy-in in the success of your business that comes from having someone in-house manage social media.
It’s important to get personal; share the who, what and why. Your followers and clientele can tell when you’re being genuine. The excitement you have for your business in small things, like visiting with a regular, to the big things, like opening a new location, communicates best when it comes from you. Especially in NWA, we love locally owned and operated businesses. Even large businesses can give a mom-and-pop feel by the way they communicate with their consumer base on social media.
Coming up with content and planning your feed can take up an overwhelming amount of time. Check out our tips to manage your social media with less stress in less time:
1. Plan out your content for the month
It doesn’t need to be complex. Just write down some ideas. This allows you to spend an hour or so, once a month, planning out cohesive content. Check out our template: ASBTDC Social Media Content Calendar
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to reuse content.
Content ideas:
- Have a variety of professional photos on standby
- Post things that address your most commonly asked questions
- Share quotes from happy customers
- Introduce your staff
- Give a tour of your location
- Get personal
- Humblebrag
- Share your mission and vision statement
2. Try out Canva or other websites to design fun custom content
Pro tip: For a more polished and cohesive look, use the same few fonts and colors for each post.
3. Use a content planning website or app like Planoly
Upload your images, captions, location, and hashtags for the entire month and set them to auto-post.
Pro tip: Consider what time your followers may be scrolling on the platform in which you are posting.
4. Be social
With the hassle aside, you can enjoy interacting with your followers and the community. Businesses that communicate with their followers stand out. Like, comment, and follow other users and local businesses in your free time. Remember, social media can be a great networking tool- so don’t be afraid to engage with your followers!
Pro tip: Follow people that fit your client base.