As a business owner, you’ve likely asked yourself, “What should I post on social media today?”
Not only is it a common struggle, but it’s also time-consuming. As a social media marketer, it’s part of my role to develop ideas for clients that reflect their brand voice and maintain a relevant presence to keep up with growing yet ever-changing demands.
If you need inspiration, I’ve got plenty of ideas below to get you unstuck. But before we dive in, let’s cover some basics to set you up for success.
Know your audience and your goals
First things first: Who are you trying to reach, and what do you want them to do after viewing each post? Tailor your content to your target audience. Whether you’re selling handmade crafts, offering professional services, or running a café, your posts should reflect your audience’s needs, interests, and pain points.
Also, remember to provide a mix of value, entertainment, and information that builds authority in your posts. People follow brands that make their feeds interesting and worthwhile. Don’t be shy about including posts that promote your products or services; however, keep in mind you don’t want to be in selling mode all the time.
Keep up with your competitors
Have you seen what your competitors are posting? To stay competitive in your industry—especially against big brands—you need to meet your audience where they are. Often, they’re on social media, engaging with content that entertains and informs. With your own original and creative posts, you can captivate that same audience and make a lasting impression.
Keep it simple: One message per post
Each post should focus on ONE clear message. Whether you’re sharing a discount or showcasing a new product, avoid overloading your audience with too much information. Simplicity sells.
Now, let’s dive into 10 creative social media post ideas that will elevate your local business!
1. Show behind-the-scenes action
Take your audience behind the curtain. Share how your products are made, how your team collaborates, or even a day in the life of your business. This builds trust and creates a personal connection with your followers.
Pro Tip: Use Instagram and Facebook Stories or Reels to make it engaging and fun.
2. Relevant statistics, news, facts, and memes
Staying up-to-date with industry trends and sharing relevant statistics or news can position your business as an authority in your field. For instance, share eye-catching infographics or surprising facts related to your industry that your audience will find valuable. Don’t shy away from humour either—a well-timed meme can be a fun way to connect with your audience.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Trends or subscribe to industry newsletters to stay informed. Pair your post with a witty caption to boost engagement.
3. Share user-generated content
Encourage customers to tag you in their posts, then share their content (with permission). It’s an easy way to show your products or services in action and engage with your audience.
Pro Tip: Create a unique hashtag for your business to make finding user-generated content easier, or ask permission to co-create a collaborative post!
4. Share success stories or case studies
Talk about how your products or services have made a difference for a customer. Success stories like the SEO strategy case study above, build trust and encourage others to try your business!
Pro Tip: Keep these posts visually appealing with before-and-after photos or infographics.
5. Educational how-to posts
Create step-by-step guides or share tips related to your niche. For example, a florist could share a “How to Care for Your Bouquet” post or a digital marketer could share valuable tips on ranking higher on Google.
Pro Tip: Turn your tips into carousel posts or short videos for better engagement.
6. Run contests or giveaways
Everyone loves free stuff! Host a contest or giveaway to increase engagement and attract new followers. Make sure your rules are simple and encourage sharing.
Pro Tip: Collaborate with another local business for even more reach and encourage followers to tag a friend.
7. Feature your team members
Your team is your brand! People buy from people and businesses they feel a connection with. I personally will seek services, products, or restaurants purely because I know I’m in trusted hands, I’ll get great service, or I share the company’s values.
Therefore, introduce the people behind your business. Share fun facts, something interesting they have accomplished, interviews, or even their favourite parts of working with you. With so much generic AI content being produced, your people are your secret weapon. It humanises your brand and strengthens customer trust.
Pro Tip: Use captions that highlight their unique contributions to your business.
8. Customer spotlights and testimonials
Highlight your happy customers! Post testimonials, photos of them using your products or even short interviews. Social proof goes a long way in building credibility.
Pro Tip: Offer a small discount for customers who let you feature them in a short video.
9. Seasonal promotions and themes
Tie your posts to holidays, seasons, or trending topics. Offer special discounts or highlight seasonal products to keep things fresh.
Pro Tip: Use festive visuals and relevant hashtags to boost visibility.
10. Call out for feedback and engage with your audience
Engage your audience by asking for their input. Post polls, questions, or surveys to get insights while boosting engagement. Don’t forget to respond to comments promptly and make valuable comments on other pages in your niche to expand your reach.
Pro Tip: Use Instagram Stories’ built-in poll or question stickers for easy interaction.
End every post with a clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
A great post is wasted without a strong CTA. Tell your audience what you want them to do next. Whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or stopping by your store, make it clear and compelling.
For example:
- “Shop our new collection now—link in bio!”
- “Tag a friend who’d love this deal!”
- “Click below to book your appointment today.”
- “DM us to find out more!”
How often should I post?
This isn’t a cookie-cutter question, as it all depends on which social media platform you’re using and your business goals. However, if you want to maintain an online presence while staying relevant, I recommend posting at least twice a week or even more! Nothing casts more doubt than visiting a business page to see their last post was back in 2019. #redflag
No matter your posting schedule, consistency is key. Test different frequencies and track engagement metrics to find the sweet spot for your business. The goal is quality over quantity—focus on creating posts that resonate with your audience rather than overwhelming them with too much content.
Need more help? We’ve got your social media covered!
Having an online presence on social media is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. From increased brand awareness to enhanced customer engagement and lead generation, you don’t want to miss out on what social media can do for your business.
If creating social media content feels overwhelming, don’t worry—our team is here to help! We live and breathe social media, so you don’t have to.
From brainstorming creative ideas to managing your social media accounts, our team has the tools and expertise to elevate your online presence.
Learn more about our social media services or discover our small local business package here. Let’s start growing your business together today.
