1-888-353-5012Social media is a valuable tool in any small Business Owner’s marketing toolbox. We’ve all heard how important ‘engagement’ is, but figuring out how to use social media and knowing what will increase engagement isn’t as straightforward as it seems. So, how do you get in the game and make this sometimes-overwhelming tool work for your business? To start, let’s focus on these two key things:
Consistency
and Relevance:
Your business needs a steady, relevant presence on social media. That means, social media must be part of your marketing calendar, and you should be posting fresh, compelling content at least once a week.
Engagement,
Not Just Posts:
Your goal isn’t just to post content, but to post content that drives ‘engagement’. It’s not just about HAVING a lot of followers – it’s about having followers who CARE about your content and actively PARTICIPATE with it. That means they like, comment, share, or even visit your website after seeing your posts.
Whether you’ve already been using social media or just getting started, coming up with fresh, engaging ideas can be tough. So, to help you out we’ve put together a list of 10 Ways To Fill Your Social Media Calendar and Drive Results. BONUS: We’ve also included a list of ready-to-use post ideas, making it easier than ever to build your upcoming Social Media Calendar and see real engagement.
Reveal Behind-The-Scenes Insight
People love a peek behind the curtain, so give them one! Show the hardworking team members who bring your business to life and highlight the processes that make your products or services possible.
Create Contests, Share Winners, Market Prizes
Whether it’s your mechanics working on a car, chefs prepping a delicious dish, or a bartender crafting a new cocktail, let your followers see the magic in action. Show renovations or upgrades happening, have some fun with the staff, and never let your business look empty—busy scenes make your business look vibrant and thriving!
Contests are fun, engaging and exciting, but they do NOT have to be complicated. Check out the list of Ready-To-Go Content examples for more help.
PRO TIP: Use the submitted content in your upcoming social media posts! Highlight the top five submissions and share details about the prizes and winners.
Create “How-To” Videos
Instructional videos are a great way to provide value in an interesting and compelling way. PLUS they can help position you as an authority in your industry and a leader in your community.
What intriguing tips and tricks can you share that will help empower your customers in a relevant way? Check out the list of Ready-To-Go Content examples at the bottom of this article for more help.
Run Simple Polls Or Quizzes
Everyone loves a quiz. And whether you keep it serious or make it fun, quizzes will help you learn more about your audience while keeping them engaged. Check out the list of Ready-To-Go Content examples for more help.
Share Funny Memes And Jokes
Be entertaining. Whether it relates to your type of business, popular items, town or state current events, the local sports team, or a special event, making people laugh is one of the best ways to connect with them and make them remember you.
There’s a caveat though…these ALWAYS need to be in good taste, so make sure you have a few people to act as your filter before you post.
Highlight Compliance And Safety Measures
Customers want to feel they’re in good hands, and while you may be doing a lot behind the scenes to ensure their safety, they might not always see it.
Share what you do to stay compliant with regulations, maintain high safety standards and protect your customers. And explain why they matter to give customers confidence that they’re choosing a business that cares about their safety and peace of mind.
Publish Customer Testimonials & Photos
Why do your customers love you? Show it! Customer testimonials don’t have to be dull. Capture candid video clips of happy customers sharing their experience, or use screenshots from Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor reviews.
You can even create a fun compilation using tools like Canva. If a customer tags you in their social media posts, reshare it on your account to build social proof. Another great idea? Launch a “Customer Photo of the Week” contest and credit the contributor.
Showcase Products & Services
Once a month, highlight either something new you are offering or an old favorite that people love. Have you started takeout and/or delivery, home pick up of cars, or streamlined something that you previously received feedback about?
Do you have a timely seasonal car maintenance package or new merchandise or a product you are bottling and selling? Do not assume your customers are aware of everything you offer, so whatever it is, tell a compelling story about it and shout it from the rooftops!
Share Recruiting & Job Opportunities
Your followers can be a great resource to find new potential team members. They might have teenagers or friends that are looking for jobs. It’s a great way to spread the word about job openings in your business.
Promote Your Rewards Program
Customers who enroll in your Rewards Program receive REAL value and benefits, including your Welcome Offer. Use it to your advantage!
Royalty Rewards® can provide ready-to-go social media posts designed to promote your Rewards program and encourage new member sign ups. Call your Coach today at 1-888-353-5012.
Remember, people ENGAGE with social media content when it serves their own social purpose or fills a need for THEM. So write each post with that in mind, aiming to reach your audience, connect with them, and with your ULTIMATE goal of turning them into a paying customer, who frequents your business – not just someone who follows you on social media.
Ready To Go Social Media Content
In addition to a list of 10 Ways To Fill Your Social Media Calendar and Drive Results, we’re also providing you with actual ready-to-go examples for some of the top social media content categories. If you don’t already have someone who can help you put together these posts, recruit from within! Chances are one of your existing team members has a knack for this and can take it on as part of their role.
Create
How-To Videos
For Restaurants:
-How to Make the Perfect Margarita
-How to Make Homemade Pasta
-How to Create the Ultimate Charcuterie Board
-How to Pair Wine with Food
For Auto Repair:
-How to Check Your Oil Level & Tire Pressure
-How to Clean Your Car’s Interior Like a Pro
-How to Replace Your Windshield Wipers
-How to Maintain Your Car Battery
For Retail:
-How to Style a Capsule Wardrobe
-How to Fold Clothes Like a Pro
-How to Layer for Fall/Winter
-How to Thread a Sewing Machine
Create
Social Media Contests
For Restaurants:
-Best Food Photo Contest
-Recipe Contest
-Name the Dish
-Guess the Ingredient
-Happy Hour Trivia
For Auto Repair:
-Show Us Your Ride Contest
-Best Car Maintenance Tip Contest
-Before & After Detailing Contest
-Quiz Your Car Knowledge Contest
-Auto Trivia Contest
For Retail:
-Style Your Outfit Contest
-Sew It Yourself Contest
-Best Fashion Photo Contest
-Guess the Fabric Contest
Run
Simple Polls Or Quizzes
For Restaurants:
-What’s Your Go-To Comfort Food?
-How Do You Like Your Steak Cooked?
-Which is Your Favorite Pizza Topping?
-Which Side Dish Could You Eat Every Day?
For Auto Repair:
-How Often Should You Get Your Oil Changed?
-Do You Prefer Using Regular or Premium Gas?
-Which Car Maintenance Do You Dread the Most?
-What’s Your Dream Car?
-How Often Do You Wash Your Car?
For Retail:
-Which Season’s Fashion Do You Love Most?
-What’s Your Go-To Wardrobe Color?
-Which DIY Project Are You Most Interested In?
-How Often Do You Shop for New Clothes?