How To Stay On Top of Social Media While Running a Business

In today’s digital age, staying relevant and active on social media isn’t just a bonus—it’s essential. But managing a business is a herculean task by itself. Adding social media to the mix? Daunting, to say the least. Yet, weaving it into your operations can be the differentiator in your winning digital marketing strategy.

But how do you keep the engagement high without sinking in the fast-moving sands of the digital world? Let’s dive in.

1. The Power of Planning Ahead

To successfully juggle social media alongside a business, you need a strategy. Plan your content weeks, or even months, in advance.

• Calendar Everything: Use tools like Trello or Hootsuite to map out your posts.
• Thematic Days: ‘Motivation Mondays’ or ‘Flashback Fridays’ can streamline content creation.
• Relevance: Always leave room for unplanned, timely posts.
• Consistency is Key: Regular posting keeps your brand on top of mind for your followers.
• Holidays and Events: Ensure you’re aware of upcoming holidays or industry events to integrate into your content.
• Content Diversification: Mix up post types – videos, articles, infographics, and more – to keep the audience engaged.

2. Automation is Your Best Friend

In the bustling life of a business owner, automation tools act as lifesavers.

• Scheduled Posts: Buffer and Later are excellent platforms.
• Automated Analytics: Platforms provide insights without you lifting a finger.
• Response Templates: Prepare for FAQs to avoid typing the same replies.
• Service Vendors: You can buy Instagram followers and engage with other growth services.

3. Engage, Don’t Broadcast

Social media isn’t a megaphone. Engage with your audience rather than constantly broadcasting.

• Allocate Daily Engagement Time: Spend 10-15 minutes daily responding to comments and messages.
• Use Polls and AMAs: Engage in Ask Me Anything sessions or put out polls to interact.
• Highlight User Stories: Showcase testimonials or experiences to build community trust.
• Join Relevant Groups: Engage in groups that resonate with your brand or industry.

4. Curate Instead of Always Creating

Being original is great, but you don’t always have to start from scratch.

• Share Industry News: Keeps your audience updated.
• Leverage User-Generated Content: Reposting content from your users or clients can foster community and often provides authentic and relatable posts.
• Highlight Customer Testimonials: Sharing positive feedback or case studies can serve as social proof for your business.

5. Prioritize Platforms

Each platform has its value, but focusing on the ones most effective for your audience is key.

• Know Your Audience: If you’re B2B, maybe LinkedIn over TikTok.
• Deep Dive Over Surface Skim: Better to excel in one platform than to be mediocre in five.
• Analyze Performance Metrics: Regularly monitor which platforms drive the most ROI.
• Stay Updated with New Features: Platforms frequently update. Ensure you’re leveraging the latest features.
• Platform-Specific Strategy: Tailor your strategy to each platform’s unique strengths and audience preferences.

6. Learn and Iterate

Trends change. So should your strategy.

• Weekly or Monthly Audits: Check what’s working and what isn’t.
• Stay Updated: Join forums, subscribe to newsletters, or partner with a top social media marketing agency to stay informed.

7. Delegate

You don’t have to do it all. Delegate tasks to team members or outsource.

• Hire a Social Media Manager: If resources allow, bring an expert on board.
• Collaborate: Use tools like Slack or Asana for team coordination.
• Train Your Team: Equip your team with the latest trends and tools in social media marketing.
• Outsource Specific Tasks: Consider hiring freelancers for graphic design, content writing, or analytics.

Real-Life Application: A Quick Case

Imagine a local bakery trying to make its mark in a big city. The owner, who is also the main baker, finds no time to handle social media. So, they start by planning a month in advance, mixing posts of freshly baked goods, reposting customers’ photos, and sharing behind-the-scenes content.

Once every two weeks, they host a poll to decide the next flavor or offer. They stick primarily to Instagram but maintain a passive presence on Facebook.

As months pass, they notice Instagram Stories get more traction than posts. So, they pivot, posting more frequently on Stories and going live during baking sessions. They also collaborate with a neighboring coffee shop for shout-outs.

By year’s end, they’ve not only gained a loyal social media following but have also seen a significant uptick in foot traffic—all while the owner/baker remained focused on what they did best: baking.

Final Thoughts

Balancing the demands of a business with an active social media presence isn’t easy. But with foresight, tools, and adaptability, it’s far from impossible. Remember, social media is an extension of your business. It deserves diligence but not at the cost of your core operations. Let it enhance your business, not overwhelm it.