Someone asked me recently why you need followers, and it’s not about the numbers game; it’s about community. When you build up a following, you’re building a community around your business, you’re creating a space where you can be unapologetically you, and you’re bringing together those who want to hear what you’ve got to say.
For small business owners, this is vital – not only from a marketing perspective, but for your mental health as well!
It’s not about you
It is very easy to think that your social media should be all about you and your business, when in reality, every post you create is for your followers – or for those who are soon to press that follow button. Before you post, ask yourself, “What can someone gain from this?”
That could be entertainment or education, but it could also be more than that. It could be the solution to their problem, or a hope that a solution is possible. It could be feeling seen, understood, part of something.
Don’t get me wrong, posts about you are a powerful way to make people feel seen! Check out how you can include personal posts in your social media strategy.
Don’t forget to be social
Social Media isn’t just about having a good strategy in place and posting quality posts on a regular basis; it’s also about engaging with others. Community is a two-way street, and people are more likely to want to support you if you have been supporting them.
Make sure you give yourself some time each week to engage with some posts. You want to be in your ideal client’s notification bar as much as possible, you want to support those who support you, you want to keep your followers up to date with news in your industry, and you want to be a part of the conversations that matter most to you!
Not sure how to actively engage on social media? Check this out!
Join existing communities
They say that introverts don’t make friends; they get adopted by an extrovert. As an introvert myself, I can relate to that! The good news is that there is a social media equivalent. Social media is full of well-established and supportive communities for small businesses to join!
Some are based around certain hashtags, like #BookTok on TikTok. Some are based around networking. Some are based around your local area.
Social media is all about conversations, and when you post, you are starting a conversation – but there are already so many conversations happening right now! Use the search option, check out the hashtags, and notice where your people are hanging out. If you’re on Facebook, check this out to find out more about the Facebook Groups you could join.
The community I am most active in is the Get **It Done Club, and I highly recommend it for a good balance of business and personal support. There’s always someone there to listen!
You don’t have to do this alone
As a small business owner, you’re probably wearing all the hats – I know I am! That’s why I created the Ace Group; a space for people like you to get the social media they need.
What I love about it is that it doesn’t really matter where you are at with social media, this membership group can help you. If you need basic ‘how-to’ guides to get started, I’ve got you. If you’re ready to dive deeper, I’ve got you. If you need inspiration to take it further, I’ve got you.
I help passionate small business owners with their social media so that they can create a powerful and supportive space to promote their business.
Share this blog