People don’t just scroll anymore — they expect quick replies, useful content, and real connections. If you’re running a small business, social media can help you reach more customers, build trust, and grow.
But it’s not about posting randomly. It’s about using the right strategies that actually work. The good news is — you don’t need a big budget or a marketing team. With the right approach, social media can be your best tool to bring in new customers and keep the old ones returning.
Here are some strategies to help you do just that:
Use AI and Automation to Save Time
Running social media is time-consuming, but AI tools can help. You can schedule posts in advance, so you’re not always online. AI-powered chatbots can also handle basic questions, like business hours or order tracking, so customers get quick answers without waiting.
Some tools analyze what’s working and suggest content ideas. Adam Fard, Founder & Head of Design at UI Design with AI, adds, “If some posts get more likes, AI can recommend similar ones. This helps you focus on what your audience enjoys instead of guessing.”
Automation makes things easier. By letting AI handle the routine tasks, you get more time to connect with customers.
Work with Local Influencers
You don’t need a celebrity to promote your business. Local influencers — like food bloggers, fitness coaches, or fashion enthusiasts — have loyal followers who trust their recommendations. A simple post from them can introduce your business to hundreds or even thousands of potential customers.
Find influencers whose audience matches your business. A restaurant can team up with a food vlogger, while a boutique can collaborate with a fashion blogger. Offer free products or a small payment in exchange for a post or video.
Tim Jones, Founder of Zendash, says, “People trust influencers who feel real. If they genuinely like your product, their followers will too. This can bring in new customers and boost your brand’s reputation.”
Short Videos Get More Views
People scroll fast, and short videos grab attention better than text or pictures. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts are great for reaching new customers without spending on ads.
Keep it simple. Show your product in action, share a behind-the-scenes look, or post quick tips. A coffee shop can record a 10-second clip of a barista making a latte. A salon can show a quick before-and-after haircut. No need for fancy equipment — just use your phone.
Posting often helps. One viral video can bring in new customers, but consistent content keeps them engaged. Start with a few videos a week, see what works, and do more of it. The key is to be real, be quick, and make every second count.
Personalize Content with Customer Data
People like content that feels made just for them. Instead of guessing what your audience wants, use social media insights to see what works. Facebook and Instagram show what types of posts get the most likes, comments, and shares.
Use this information to tailor your content. If customers engage more with behind-the-scenes posts, share more of those. If discounts and special offers get more clicks, make them a regular feature. Even small things — like using a customer’s first name in a response — can make interactions feel more personal.
Eran Mizrahi, CEO of Source86, shares, “Personalization builds trust. When people feel like your business understands them, they’re more likely to return.”
Get Customers Involved with User-Generated Content
Customers love seeing real people, not just brands. If someone shares a great photo using your product, repost it (with their permission). If they leave a nice review, highlight it on your page.
Encourage customers to share their experiences. A coffee shop could run a contest where people post their drinks using a hashtag. A clothing store can ask customers to share outfit photos.
Steve Morris, Founder & CEO of NEWMEDIA.COM, shares, “User-generated content makes your business look more trustworthy because it’s real people showing they love what you offer. This type of content also gets more engagement because people are excited to see themselves featured.” It’s an easy way to boost visibility without creating all the content yourself.
Improve Local Search with Reviews and Listings
When people search for businesses online, reviews matter. A restaurant with dozens of good reviews will attract more customers than one with none.
Make sure your business is listed on Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook. Keep your details updated — hours, location, contact info — so people can find you easily.
Ask happy customers to leave reviews. A simple reminder like, “We’d love your feedback on Google!” can make a big difference. Respond to reviews, both good and bad. A quick “Thanks for your support!” or a polite response to a complaint shows you care about your customers.
Use Social Media Ads to Target Local Customers
Social media ads aren’t just for big companies. Even with a small budget, you can reach the right people in your area. Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok let you target ads based on location, age, interests, and behaviours.
For example, a bakery can run an ad targeting people within five miles who love desserts. A gym can show ads to locals searching for fitness tips. These ads appear in feeds naturally, so they don’t feel like traditional advertising.
“Local ads work best when they feel like part of the conversation, not just another sales pitch. The right message at the right time makes all the difference,” Richard McKay, CEO & Managing Director of Sprung Gym Flooring.
Ads don’t have to be expensive. You can start with as little as $5 a day to test different types of content. Try promoting a special offer, a new product, or an event. Pay attention to the results — what gets clicks, what brings engagement, and what leads to actual sales? Most platforms provide insights, showing which ads perform best.
Also, retargeting is best. If someone visits your website but doesn’t buy anything, you can show them an ad later to remind them of your business. Many customers need to see a product multiple times before making a purchase. Retargeting helps bring them back.
The key is to experiment. Test different images, captions, and offers. See what connects with your audience. A few small, well-targeted ads can bring in real customers without breaking your budget.
Stay Active and Engage with Followers
Social media isn’t just for posting—it’s for conversations. Customers want businesses that respond quickly. If someone asks a question or leaves a comment, reply as soon as possible. A simple “Thanks for stopping by!” or “We’re happy to help!” makes a difference.
Engage with your audience beyond just replies. Run polls, ask questions, and encourage discussions. A café might post, “What’s your go-to coffee order?” A salon could ask, “Should we bring back this popular hairstyle?” People love sharing opinions, and it keeps them engaged with your brand.
“Engagement isn’t just about replies — it’s about building real connections. When businesses interact authentically, they turn followers into loyal customers,” Raviraj Hegde, SVP of Growth at Donorbox.
The more you interact, the stronger your community grows.
Optimize Your Social Media Profiles
Your social media pages should be easy to find and full of useful info. Make sure your business name, contact details, and website link are updated. A clear profile picture (like your logo) and a simple bio help people understand what you offer.
Use keywords related to your business in your descriptions. If you run a pet grooming service, include terms like “dog grooming,” “pet care,” or “local pet spa.” This helps your page show up in searches.
Also, pin important posts — like promotions or business hours — so they stay at the top of your page. Jake Smith, Founder of Private Number Plates, mentions, “A well-organized profile makes a strong first impression and helps customers find what they need quickly.”
Make Content That Fits Each Platform
Not all social media platforms work the same way. People go to Instagram for visuals, Twitter for quick updates, LinkedIn for professional content, and TikTok for fun, short videos. “If you post the same content on every platform, it won’t always get the best results. Instead, tweak your content to match how people use each site,” says Dan Close, Founder and CEO at We Buy Houses in Kentucky.
Here’s how to adjust content for different platforms.
- Instagram & TikTok: Focus on eye-catching visuals and short videos. A local bakery might share a time-lapse of cake decorating or a quick behind-the-scenes clip of their team baking fresh bread.
- Facebook: Great for community engagement. Post longer updates, run polls, and share customer testimonials. Facebook Groups can also help local businesses connect with nearby customers.
- X: Best for quick updates, promotions, and engaging in trending topics. A bookstore can tweet daily book recommendations or participate in popular hashtags.
- LinkedIn: More professional. Service-based businesses (like consultants or local agencies) can share industry tips, success stories, or business updates.
- YouTube: Long-form content works well. If you own a fitness studio, upload workout tutorials or client success stories.
The goal is to use each platform in a way that feels natural. If your audience sees the same content everywhere, they may lose interest. Adjust your posts slightly to match how people engage with different platforms.
Also, don’t feel pressured to be on every social media site. Focus on 2-3 platforms where your audience is most active.
Build Trust with Reputation Marketing
Customers check reviews before deciding where to shop, eat, or get services. A strong online reputation can bring in new customers, while bad reviews (or no reviews) can push them away. Reputation marketing is all about managing and promoting what people say about your business online.
Here’s how to get positive reviews.
- Ask Happy Customers to Leave Reviews: Most people won’t leave a review unless you remind them. A simple request like, “If you loved your experience, we’d appreciate a quick review on Google!” can make a big difference.
- Respond to All Reviews: Whether reviews are positive or negative, reply to them. Thank happy customers, and address concerns from unhappy ones. A professional, polite response to a bad review can show potential customers that you care.
- Make It Easy: Share direct links to your review pages on social media or your website. The fewer steps, the more likely people will leave a review.
- Offer Incentives: Some businesses give small discounts or entries into a giveaway for customers who leave reviews. Make sure to follow platform rules (Google doesn’t allow paid reviews, but Yelp does in some cases).
- Take It Offline: If the issue is serious, invite the customer to discuss it privately. Something like, “We’re sorry you had this experience. Please call us at [phone number] so we can make it right.”
Run Giveaways and Contests to Boost Engagement
People love free stuff, and giveaways are a great way to attract attention. A well-planned contest can bring in new followers, increase engagement, and even turn participants into customers. The best part? It doesn’t have to cost much to be effective.
Giveaways create buzz. When people see a chance to win something valuable, they interact more — liking, sharing, and tagging friends. This boosts visibility, making your business reach more people without extra effort. A good giveaway also introduces your brand to new customers who may not have found you otherwise.
Choose a prize that makes sense for your business. A bakery can give away a cake, while a salon can offer a free haircut. Keep the entry rules simple — like following your page, liking the post, and tagging a friend.
Once it’s over, thank participants and consider offering a small discount to non-winners. Giveaways, when done right, build excitement and attract real customers.
Conclusion
Social media is one of the best ways for local businesses to grow, connect with customers, and stay ahead in 2025. But use the right strategies. Simple things like engaging with followers, using short videos, working with local influencers, and running giveaways can make a big difference.
Plus, you don’t need a big budget or a marketing team. Just be consistent, respond to people, and create content that your audience enjoys. Small efforts add up, and over time, you’ll see more customers, better engagement, and a stronger brand.