Small business owners don’t always have time to think about what to post next and on what platform. Here are some quick user-generated, real time, and educational content ideas that we use at Main Street Hub to help our local business customers get more customers through effective social media marketing.
1) Cross-Promotional Content
Promoting your Yelp reviews on Facebook is an excellent way to get the word out about what customers are saying about your business, and it encourages them to check your Yelp page. Use an app like Canva or PicMonkey to turn a great Yelp review into an engaging Facebook post in a snap.
2) Educational Content
You’re an expert about your business, share that knowledge with your fans! It not only varies the content in your feed, but it also builds rapport and trust with your customers. Sharing valuable tips from other relevant sources with an engaging caption works for a quick post!
3) Informational Content
Users want to know about your business and what it offers, so give them what they’re looking for! Highlight a product or service that you offer, whether that’s a dish on your menu or your car wash service, it will give customers insight into what your business is all about. You can also post interior and exterior photos — your customers will love being reminded about what it’s like to be at your business.
4) User-Generated Content
Customers are posting about your small business on their personal channels — use that content to your advantage! Share their post or photo, tag or credit them, and say thank you. These posts are great opportunities to show what’s happening in your business in real time and encourage new customers to give your business a try.
Content variety is essential, even if you’re on a time crunch. Think about what your customers want to hear from you, and you can always find a way to cross-promote and post exciting content on all of your social platforms. Don’t be afraid to get creative — creating engaging posts and interacting with your audience can turn Twitter followers and Facebook fans into foot traffic.
Caroline Barker is the Content Marketing Manager at Main Street Hub in Austin, TX. She oversees the company’s brand, social media, and content marketing strategy. Her work has been published in POLITICO, Mic, and Allure.