Marketing 2 min read
Social Media Basics for Local Businesses
Pick the right platforms, post what locals actually want to see, and keep it up in about an hour a week.
Choose One or Two Platforms
You do not need to be everywhere. Pick where your customers already spend time and do it well.
- Facebook: great for community groups, events and customers over 35.
- Instagram: best for food, retail, beauty, fitness and anything visual.
- TikTok: short, fun videos; strong for younger audiences and behind the scenes content.
- LinkedIn: professional services and business to business work.
- Nextdoor: neighborhood recommendations for home services and local shops.
Set Up Your Profiles Right
- Use the same name, logo and description everywhere.
- Add your address, hours, phone and a link to your city listing or website.
- Pin a post that says who you are and why locals love you.
What to Post
A simple rule: mostly helpful or fun posts, and only sometimes a direct sales pitch. Ideas that work for almost any local business:
- Behind the scenes: opening up, prep, deliveries, your workspace.
- People: introduce a team member or a regular customer (with permission).
- Before and after: a finished project, haircut, cleanup or repair.
- Tips: a quick how-to related to what you sell.
- Local love: shout out a neighboring business or a town event.
- Offers: a deal, a new product or a seasonal special.
A One Hour Weekly Routine
- Monday: take five to ten photos or short clips during normal work.
- Tuesday: write three short captions and schedule them for the week.
- Daily: spend five minutes replying to comments and messages.
- Friday: check which post did best and do more like it next week.
Tips That Make a Big Difference
- Use natural light and hold the phone steady. Vertical video works best on most apps.
- Tag your location and neighborhood so locals find you.
- Reply to every comment, even with a quick thanks.
- Consistency beats perfection: three good posts a week beats one perfect post a month.