5 Social Media Tips for Small Businesses That Actually Work
If you're a small business owner trying to grow online, social media can be one of your most powerful tools—but only if you use it strategically.
At Makemake Collective, we work with small businesses to craft content that builds community, increases engagement, and drives real growth. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your current strategy, these five social media marketing tips for small businesses will help you show up with confidence and clarity.
1. Know Your Audience and Speak Their Language
Successful social media marketing starts with understanding your audience. Who are they? What problems are they trying to solve? What kind of content do they engage with?
Create a clear customer persona based on age, interests, location, and buying behavior. Use this information to tailor your content, choose the right platforms (e.g., Instagram for visual storytelling, LinkedIn for B2B networking), and post at times when your audience is most active.
2. Keep Your Branding Consistent Across Platforms
A consistent brand helps build trust. That means using the same logo, colors, fonts, and voice across all of your social media platforms. Whether you're posting an Instagram Reel or sharing an update on Facebook, your content should always reflect your brand personality.
Tip: Use tools like Canva or Adobe Express to design templates for your posts to maintain visual consistency.
3. Post With Purpose—and a Plan
Random posting leads to random results. A small business content calendar ensures your content is intentional, balanced, and aligned with your goals. Mix it up with:
Educational posts (tips, how-to’s)
Engaging content (polls, Q&As, behind-the-scenes)
Promotional offers (sales, product launches, events)
Batch-creating content and scheduling in advance can also save you time and stress.
4. Leverage the Power of Video
Video is no longer optional—it’s essential. From Instagram Reels to TikToks to YouTube Shorts, short-form video is dominating engagement rates. The good news? You don’t need a professional camera crew.
A simple smartphone video showing your product, sharing a customer testimonial, or telling your story builds trust and connection with your audience.
5. Track Your Results and Optimize
Don’t just post and hope for the best. Use platform analytics (like Instagram Insights or Facebook Page Manager) to measure what's working. Pay attention to:
Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares)
Follower growth
Click-throughs to your website or shop
Use this data to tweak your strategy, double down on what’s working, and let go of what’s not.
Need Help With Your Social Media Strategy?
Managing social media for your small business can feel like a full-time job—and that’s where Makemake Collective comes in. From strategy sessions to done-for-you content creation, we’ll help you take the guesswork out of growing online.
