How to Build an Audience on Social Media
Your potential customers spend hours daily on social media. But that’s not enough to guarantee they’ll notice your business. Let’s focus on actual steps to get their attention and turn it into real engagement. We’ll start with universal tactics that work across platforms, then get specific about Facebook and Instagram since that’s where most small businesses see results.
Pick Your Platform First
Understanding where your time is spent is the first step toward social media success. A neighborhood bakery selling pastries works well on Instagram. Meanwhile, a business consultant explaining complex concepts might get better engagement on Facebook.
The goal is to match your content type with the proper platform.
- Instagram is best suited for businesses that can showcase their products or services through pictures or short videos. Think restaurants, retail stores, and personal services.
- Facebook is perfect for businesses who wish to share longer updates, initiate community debates, or provide thorough information about their services.
Universal Growth Tactics That Actually Work
Certain techniques increase interaction regardless of the platform you choose. These tried and tested strategies assist you in making lasting connections without spreading yourself too thin.
Content Planning That Makes Sense
Stop posting randomly! Instead, develop a straightforward content plan centered on three sorts of content: informative, entertaining, and promotional. A fitness trainer, for example, might share workout tips (informative), behind-the-scenes gym moments (entertaining), and new class announcements (promotional).
Timing Your Posts
Social media engagement happens when your target audience is actually online. A decent starting point is to post between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. However, your individual target audience may differ. Keep track of the times when your posts receive the most reactions and stick to them.
Creating Content That Connects
Your social media strategy needs content that stops people from scrolling. Here’s what works:
- Share solutions for common challenges within your industry
- Tell stories of customer success (with their consent)
- Provide short, practical suggestions based on your knowledge
- Show that genuine people are behind your business
Instagram Growth Specifics
Instagram values consistency above perfection. What do successful small businesses do differently?
Visual Content That Performs
Your feed should have a consistent look that viewers will recognize. But this doesn’t mean spending hours on editing. Simple approaches work:
- Use similar filters on all photos
Example: If you run a café, stick to bright, warm filters to make your food photos pop consistently - Stick to 2-3 main colors in your graphics
Example: A spa might use soft greens and blues across all posts to create a calming, cohesive feel - Keep text on images minimal and readable
Example: Instead of cramming your entire sale announcement on one image, simply write “Summer Sale – 40% Off” in large, clear font
Stories That Actually Matter
Stories work best for time-sensitive content like:
- Limited time offers
Example: “Next 3 hours: Book any massage service and get a free aromatherapy upgrade.” - Behind the scenes moments
Example: Show your chef preparing tomorrow’s special or your team setting up for an event - Quick tips or how-tos
Example: A hairstylist showing a 15-second tutorial on achieving the perfect messy bun - Customer testimonials
Example: Share a screenshot of a great review with the customer’s permission, adding engaging stickers or GIFs
Facebook Engagement That Works
Facebook’s algorithm prioritizes meaningful interactions. Focus on:
Community Building
Start conversations that matter to your audience. A bookshop owner might ask followers about their current reads, whereas a restaurant might post a new recipe and ask for cooking tips.
Content Mix
Vary your post types between:
- Native videos
Example: A 2-minute tutorial showing how to style your boutique’s newest arrivals - Text posts with insights from your industry
Example: A real estate agent sharing current market trends in their local area - Photos showing your work or products
Example: A before/after transformation of a room by an interior designer - Links to valuable resources
Example: A personal trainer sharing a detailed blog post about proper nutrition for beginners
Making It All Manageable
This might sound like a lot of work. That’s where AI social media marketing tools make a difference. Inita social media automation handles the heavy lifting:
- Creates engaging posts based on your business type
- Schedules content at optimal times
- Maintains consistent branding across platforms
- Tracks what works and suggests improvements
Starting Right Now
Your social media marketing for small business efforts don’t need to consume all your time. Start with one platform, post consistently, and use tools that make the process simpler.
Inita offers a 7-day free trial to test its social media automation features. You’ll get AI-generated posts, scheduling tools, and analytics to track your growth.
Create an account today and start growing your social media presence.
Being an IT guy and working with programs a lot, I believe in people communication as the key to building solid products, strong company culture and healthy teams. I like growing people and companies, removing blockers, and developing cost-effective and time-to-market solutions.
