Coming up with social media content ideas for a small business can be exhausting. That’s why we are here to help.
We understand that you have to manage multiple social media profiles. It is necessary to keep coming up with new content ideas to keep your posts fresh and up-to-date.
After all, having a strong social presence is crucial in today's day and age.
Did you know there are more than 4.5 billion social media users in the world? That’s almost half the world’s population.
Without a strong social media strategy, you’ll miss out on an effective, fast, and inexpensive way to reach half the population of the world.
Have you run out of social media content ideas for your small business?
Don’t worry.
We have compiled a list of 25 social media content ideas for a small business that will help you keep your feed populated with engaging posts.
Table of Contents
25 Amazing Social Media Content Ideas for a Small Business to Keep Your Posts Engaging
Are you struggling with a creative block? Do you find it difficult to come up with new social media post ideas all the time?
Don’t worry. We got your back.
Here are 25 fantastic social media content ideas for a small business that you can use.
1. Promote Your Blog Posts on Social Media
Does your company have a blog? If not, you may want to c because blogging is an excellent idea to keep your followers engaged.
Promoting your latest blog posts on social media is also a great idea to keep your feed updated with the latest content.
All you need to do is share an excerpt from your blog with a link to the original blog. It will not only populate your social media channels with content but also drive traffic to your website.
For a small business creating fresh content for social media all the time can be difficult. However, it is also crucial to post regularly on your social networks to stay connected with your audience.
Sharing excerpts from blog posts does help you post frequently and beat the algorithms of social media platforms that prefer more active accounts.
Here is an example of Shopify sharing a blog post with their audience on Facebook.
Image via Facebook
Here is another example of Slack sharing a blog post on LinkedIn.
Image via LinkedIn
Pro Tip: Don’t use the same content for every platform. Instead, create tailored content for each social media platform to get more views and engagement.
2. Give Customers an Insight into Your Company
Customers want to know more about the people behind their favorite brands. Social media platforms provide a wonderful avenue for brands to connect with their customers.
Here are a few ideas you can use for your small business:
- Share snippets showing what your business is all about
- Post images that depict your company values
- Create a video about how your company does certain things
- Create content that talks about your company culture
- Give your followers some behind the scenes content to let them know what a typical day looks like for your company
- Share some employee stories and testimonials
By letting your customers know more about your brand, you can build stronger relationships with them.
Here is Coschedule’s social media post about three new people joining their team.
Image via Instagram
3. Share Industry News
As a small business owner you have a lot on your plate. You may not have enough time to keep coming up with new social media content ideas for your small business.
Actually, there is no need to keep coming up with new content ideas. You can share previously-published content as well, especially news related to your industry.
Posting the latest news or other informational content about your industry can turn your page into a trusted resource for industry information. Comment on your social media posts to share your opinion on the issue.
You may also create your own graphics or infographics with the statistics or insights given in the news articles.
Look at how Sharethrough has shared statistics on its social media page.
Image via Facebook
4. Leverage User-Generated Content
72% of consumers believe that testimonials and reviews of customers are more credible than the brand talking about their products. 76% of people have bought a product because of someone else’s recommendation.
Posting user-generated content is a great way to build trust. It is one of the most creative social media ideas you can use with absolutely zero effort.
All you need to do is find content that your users have shared and repost it on your social media pages. But, how do you do that?
Here’s how:
- Create a branded hashtag and encourage people to use it. For example, Coca-Cola uses the hashtag #ShareACoke.
- Use the “Mentions” feature on Instagram to see all posts that mention your Instagram profile.
- Search for your brand name or product name on Pinterest, Tik Tok, Twitter, and other social media platforms.
Here is Daniel Wellington sharing user-generated content on their Instagram page.
Image via Instagram
Look at how this user has used hashtags for Daniel Wellington in their post, and also tagged the company.
Image Source: Instagram
5. Support a Social Cause
Millenials and Gen Z people want to make a positive impact on the world. That’s why they are more likely to associate with brands that share a similar vision.
Does your small business engage in eco-friendly initiatives? Do you support women empowerment, animal welfare, or other such social causes?
If you do, proudly share your social initiatives with your audience and win their trust and respect.
Here’s an example from Adidas.
Image via Instagram
Pro Tip: Include a link to the non-profit organization or charity you support to raise funds and spread awareness.
6. Create Polls or Ask Questions
Want to better engage your followers? Try posting interactive content.
You can create polls or ask a question to your audience related to your small business or any other trending topic. A quiz is also a great idea to pique your audience’s interest and get them to engage with your content.
You may build content around your small business or incorporate hot and trending topics.
Here is an example from TED.
Image via Instagram
7. Start a “Motivational Mondays Series”
Do you get the “Monday blues?” We’re sure your followers get them too.
So, why not share a motivational quote on Monday morning to help your audience start their week on a positive note? Motivational quotes are a great way to build a positive bond with your audience as you’re helping uplift their moods.
Similarly, you could also think along the lines of “Wednesday Wisdom,” sharing a motivational quote in the middle of the week.
Here is an example:
Image via Facebook
8. Share Memes
Memes are ruling social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram these days. They are hilarious and make for fun social media posts.
If you think they are childish and not suitable for business, you are wrong. Memes offer something entertaining and help break the monotony of your typical content.
Here’s an example of Netflix sharing an entertaining meme on Instagram. It’s engaging because it encourages people to comment on what their current mood is like.
Image via Instagram
9. Announce a Contest or Giveaway
People love free stuff. Hosting a contest or giveaway is a great way to engage your existing followers and win new ones.
What do you need? Well, nothing much.
A great product shot. Instructions on how to enter, preferably by tagging friends and following your brand.
And, Voila! You have some amazing midweek content for your social media account.
Here is an example of a giveaway being announced on Instagram.
Image via Instagram
Pro Tip: Before announcing a giveaway, you should also determine how you will pick the winners. Mention that in your marketing material to get more followers excited about winning the prize.
10. Host An “Ask Me Anything” Session
Humans are curious by nature. Tap into this insatiable curiosity by hosting an “Ask Me Anything” session on your Facebook page or any other social media account.
You can also consider streaming a live video, answering questions directly from the comments. It is also possible to do a series of Instagram stories using Question stickers.
Here is an “Ask Me Anything” announcement on Twitter.
Image via Twitter
11. Run a Social Media Takeover
A social media takeover is when you let an influencer, an industry expert, or a team member take over the social media page for your small business for a specific period. It is a kind of influencer marketing.
A social media takeover is one of the best social media content ideas to help you expand your reach. If an influencer takes over your account for a fun Q&A session or live stream, their followers will flock to your page. You will be able to reach new audiences without putting in any extra effort.
Hosting a social media takeover is like having an expert in your corner. They can answer questions from your followers, engaging them in a fun and interactive way.
Here is an example of an account takeover by Finnair. One of their crew members took over their Instagram account for 3 days.
Image via Instagram
You may also have an influencer do a live stream at a specific time.
12. Start a Challenge
Social media challenges tend to go viral very quickly. Most challenge videos that you see online involve dance or eating something terrible.
But, you need not go that far.
Here is an idea from the rug company, Ruggable. It started the Camp Ruggable challenge that challenged viewers to “make a mess.” The videos were then used as social proof to show viewers how easy it was to wash their rugs.
Image via Facebook
13. Create a Tutorial Video
Nowadays, people turn to the internet to look for answers to any and all questions they may have. A tutorial or a how-to video could be a great idea to provide the answers that your audience is looking for.
Not only do your viewers get something of value, but it also cements your position as an authority on the subject.
Check out this Instagram post on how to clean your washing machine seal.
Image via Instagram
Pro Tip: When making a video for social media, ensure that you use a high-quality camera and non-blurry footage showing your product in the best light.
14. Share a Tip or Trick
Does shooting a how-to video sound like too much work? Well, you can always post a tip or trick related to your niche and useful for your audience.
Create an image giving away a valuable tip, trick, or hack.
Here is an example from Thinkific.
Image via Facebook
15. Share Customer Testimonials
Positive reviews can do wonders for a small business. One of the best social media content ideas for a small business is to share customer reviews and testimonials.
This is taking it a notch higher than user-generated content. Not only do you get to know your audience, you can also leverage their personal stories about your brand.
Do it like Depop, the online fashion marketplace, does it.
Here’s Depop featuring one of its successful sellers. You also get a peek into how Depop has benefited them as a small business.
Image via Facebook
Positive testimonials from customers fosters trust in your brand. It can also help attract customers who are still on the fence about trusting your brand.
You can feature customer testimonials in different ways. Create a long YouTube video or share short reels on Instagram, you can do what suits you best.
16. Celebrate Milestones
As your small business grows and reaches new milestones, take the opportunity to thank your customers. This is yet another social media content idea that’s great for a small business.
Betty Crocker thanked all the “bakers and makers” when it celebrated its 100 year anniversary.
Image via Instagram
You can do the same and celebrate important milestones for your business like an anniversary or gaining a certain number of social media followers.
17. Celebrate Holidays
There are numerous holidays throughout the year. Each of them could help you come up with great social media content ideas for your small business.
You don’t need to wait for 4th of July, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. You can also celebrate #NationalDanceDay, #MothersDay, #FathersDay, or even #International CoffeeDay.
Take a cue from Star Trek celebrating International Coffee Day on Instagram.
Image via Instagram
Every day could be celebrated for one reason or the other. From “International Doctor’s Day” to “International Waffle Day,” you can come up with endless social media content ideas for your small business.
Pro Tip: You don’t need industry-specific events and can create content around generic international days like the World Laughter Day, International Women’s Day, etc.
18. Let Your Audience Decide
When you are running short on social media content ideas for your small business, take the easy way out. Leave it to your audience.
Ask your audience about the kind of content they would like you to post. Conduct a poll to narrow down the choices.
Besides content ideas, you can also ask your audience for suggestions on product ideas, product names, and more.
When this brand wanted a name for its new product, it turned to its audience on social media.
Image via Twitter
19. Answer FAQs
Your customers may have a lot of questions about your small business. With time, the list of frequently asked questions only grows longer.
So, why not take a few of these questions and create social media content by answering them.
Answering FAQs on your social media accounts saves time for you as well as your customers. You can pin them on your Facebook page or save them as Instagram highlights.
Get creative with social media content ideas for your small business. Don’t stop at text when answering FAQs. You can create animated clips, images, infographics, and so much more when answering frequently asked questions.
Here is an example.
Image via Instagram
20. Bust Some Myths
The internet is a great place for seeking information. Social media, however, can sometimes be a breeding ground for myths and misinformation.
Some of these myths or misinformation could hurt your small business.
Take a look at this post below shared by Aesthetician Ashley Renee. Many of her customers hesitated from getting microblading done because they thought it would make their eyebrows look unnatural.
Ashley, therefore, created a post debunking that myth.
Image via Instagram
Are there any such myths in your industry? Make a list of such myths.
We are sure you will get several social media content ideas for your small business when you start debunking myths.
21. Post about Trending Topics
There may be a million things you need to do in a day to run your business. But keeping your social media news feed engaging and interesting is also necessary.
Posting about trending topics is one of the social media content ideas that you can use for your small business. Instead of trying to come up with fresh content every day, just hop on to the latest trends.
Take a look at this post from Chubbies. It got their followers talking about the length of Matt Gay’s pants.
However, take note that they did not create a new post. They simply shared a screenshot from Front Office Sports.
Image via Instagram
22. Give Your Followers a Virtual Tour
Giving your followers a virtual tour is one of the best ways of saying “come visit us.” You will find a lot of hotels, cafes, and restaurants using this type of content.
Take a look at the example below.
Four Seasons has cleverly used user-generated content to give you a peek into one of their properties.
Image via Instagram
Even if you don’t own a hotel or a restaurant, you can still use this social media content idea for your business. And no, you don’t need fancy production equipment either.
However, what you will need to do is make your store nice to look at. After all, we live in a photo-sharing world and beautiful visuals get shared more.
Spruce up your store and share a video on your social channels. You will have new customers visiting your store in no time.
23. Share Discounts and Promotions
As we said earlier, people love free stuff. As a small business, it may not be a good idea to keep giving away free items all the time.
However, you can always offer discounts and promotions.
The increased traffic to your store could do wonders for brand awareness. As more and more customers become aware of your business, it will surely boost sales.
Here’s an example of eBay announcing a discount on Adidas purchases.
Image via Instagram
24. Go Live
Start an Instagram or Facebook Live, and give your audience the chance to interact with you in real-time. Connecting and engaging with your audience is crucial to up your social media game.
You can share a lot of information on a live video. From announcing a new product to doing a Q&A with your fans, the possibilities are endless.
Here is an example from MTV.
Image via Instagram
25. Host Twitter Chats
Do you want to have in-depth conversations with your followers? Well, Twitter chats are a great way to do that. These conversations can be a great way to build a connection with your audience.
There’s more.
The tweets that you receive can be a goldmine of social media content ideas for your small business.
Check out this example below where Adweek starts a conversation with its followers.
Image via Twitter
FAQs
Q1. How can I promote my business on social media?
A. The social media content ideas for small businesses that we shared above can be a great way to drive engagement across all social media platforms.
Here are a few ideas to promote your small business on social media:
- Choose the right platforms
- Follow a well thought out content calendar
- Add branded hashtags to your posts
- Quickly address issues
- Create a community
Q2. Where can I find content ideas for social media?
A. We have rounded up 25 of the best social media content ideas for small businesses. However, there are many other ways to come up with social media post ideas.
Keep an eye out for trending topics or the latest news. You can always use them as social media content ideas for your business.
Q3. What should small businesses post on social media?
A. When it comes to social media posts for small businesses, the possibilities are endless.
Here are some effective social media content ideas:
- Infographics
- Industry-related posts
- Question posts
- Behind the scenes posts
- Customer reviews and testimonials
Q4. How do small businesses plan social media content?
A. Social media marketing is crucial for the success of small businesses.Here’s how you can plan your social media content to run a successful social media campaign:
- Identify your target audience
- Drive engagement and build relationships
- Search social media platforms for new opportunities
- Find the best hashtags to use using hashtag generator tools
- Audit your social presence
Q5. How can small business owners improve their social presence?
A. Here are a few ideas to improve your social presence to meet your business goals:
- Find the right social media platforms
- Offer valuable content
- Post regularly
- Engage with your followers
- Keep up with the latest trends
Conclusion
We hope the social media content ideas for small businesses shared above will keep your creative juices flowing. However, not all ideas may work for you.
We recommend experimenting with different ideas to see what works for your business. See what kind of content ideas your audience responds to the best.
With time and a little bit of planning, you will be able to create social media content that boost engagement and help you create a community of like-minded people.
Do you have any other social media content ideas for small businesses? Please share in the comments below.
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