Erin Ruta • January 30, 2024
That time I was a podcast guest - and had a ton of fun doing it!
Mic Drop Moment: Spilling the Tea on Small Business Social Media on The Unforget you Show!
So, at the end of 2023 I had the absolute thrill of chatting about all things social media strategy for small businesses on the incredible Unforget you Show Podcast.
Let me tell you, stepping into that virtual recording booth felt like strutting onto a catwalk - except my stilettos were a fuzzy pair of slippers and the only spotlights were from my trusty desk lamp.
But nerves aside, the conversation that unfolded was pure gold. We dug deep into the trenches of the social media jungle, sharing war stories, actionable tips, and enough insider secrets to make a Meerkat blush.
If you're a small business owner juggling to-do lists longer than a CVS receipt, here's a taste of what we dished up:
1. Know Your Why (and Your Who):
Before you even think about hashtags or filters, figure out your "why." Why social media? What are you hoping to achieve? Building brand awareness? Driving sales? Engaging your community? Once you have that nailed down, define your target audience. Are you speaking to avocado-toast-munching millennials or bespoke-suit-wearing CEOs? Knowing your "who" helps tailor your content and avoid awkward social media blind dates.
2. Quality Over Quantity:
It's tempting to spam post like a TikTok teenager on sugar, but trust me, quality trumps quantity. Craft engaging content that resonates with your audience. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses, offer valuable tips, and tell your brand story in a way that makes hearts flutter and wallets wiggle. Remember, it's better to have a small, engaged following than a legion of crickets chirping under your posts.
3. Consistency is Queen (or King):
Building a social media presence is a marathon, not a sprint. Show up consistently, whether it's daily, weekly, or on a schedule that works for you. Plan your content in advance, use scheduling tools, and resist the urge to disappear when inspiration strikes a vacation. Your audience (and algorithms) crave consistency, so be the reliable friend they can count on.
4. Don't Be Afraid to Get Personal:
Social media is about connection, not robotic brand pronouncements. Show your personality! Inject humor, share your struggles, and let your audience see the human behind the brand. This authenticity will foster trust and endear you to your followers. And remember, it's okay to be imperfect - even a misspelled tweet can become a hilarious bonding moment.
5. Embrace the Analytics:
Data isn't the enemy, it's your BFF! Track your engagement, reach, and website traffic to see what's working and what's not. Don't be afraid to experiment, tweak your strategy, and ditch what doesn't perform. Data-driven decisions are the secret sauce to social media success.
And there's so much more! We also talked about platform-specific strategies, mastering the art of storytelling, and the importance of community building.
If you're curious to hear the full, unfiltered conversation, head over to [Podcast link]! Trust me, it's worth the listen.
Remember, small business owners, you don't need a six-figure budget or a team of social media gurus to dominate the digital jungle. Just sprinkle in these tips, stay true to your brand, and have fun along the way. Who knows, your next podcast invite might be the one dropping truth bombs on YOUR unique social media magic!
Now, excuse me while I go update my bio to "Podcast-Wielding Social Media Sorceress." It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?
Stay Sociable!
Erin Ruta
Owner, Brand Success Director
BeSociableBrand
Welcome
Looking for expert advice, insider tips, and valuable insights? Look no further than this blog, covering everything from social media to Google and beyond!
We are thrilled to share an incredible milestone for BeSociableBrand! We’ve been named the Best of Georgia winner in the Digital Marketing Firms category by the Georgia Business Journal. This prestigious honor is a reflection of our unwavering dedication to providing outstanding results and innovative solutions for our clients.
BeSociableBrand Social: Ignite Your Brand's Potential Ready to shatter glass ceilings and dominate the digital landscape? In just one year, BeSociableBrand Social has doubled in size, earned Georgia's top industry honors, and expanded our arsenal of services to include website creation, app management, hosting, and Google/Meta ads. This female-led powerhouse is poised to revolutionize advertising and marketing in 2025. Why choose BeSociableBrand? Small Business Champions: We're passionate about empowering small businesses, especially women-led ventures, to thrive in the social media arena. Proven Expertise: Our team of seasoned advertising, marketing, and social media strategists knows how to create campaigns that deliver tangible results. Strategic Focus: We'll develop a customized strategy that leverages your brand's unique strengths and captivates your target audience. Holistic Approach: From PR and advertising to marketing strategy, creative design, and content creation, we've got all your bases covered. Community-Driven: We know how to tap into the power of local Facebook groups to drive engagement and sales for your brand. HOPE is not a strategy... Don't let your competition steal the spotlight while you're still hitting the snooze button. We don't wait around for inspiration to strike. We take decisive action and create dynamic campaigns that get your brand noticed. Ready to unlock your brand's full potential? Partner with BeSociableBrand Social and let's make some noise in 2025!
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BeSociableBrand: Championing Small Businesses, Winning Big Awards In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, one agency shines brightly: BeSociableBrand. Recognized for its unwavering commitment to small businesses and its innovative approach, BeSociableBrand recently clinched the prestigious 2023 Best of Georgia Regional Award , a testament to its impact on the industry and its clients. But what sets BeSociableBrand apart? It's not just their cutting-edge marketing strategies. It's their unwavering dedication to their clients' success. They understand the unique challenges small businesses face and offer comprehensive solutions that address them head-on. Whether it's full account management, website development, or tailored Google Analytics services, BeSociableBrand empowers their clients to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. This client-centric approach is a cornerstone of their success. The Best of Georgia Award , voted on by satisfied customers, is a powerful validation of their commitment to service quality and building trust. As Erin Ruta, Owner and Executive Director, puts it, "We're not just your marketing agency; we're your partner in growth, your cheerleader in the stands, and your confidante in the boardroom." More than just marketing: BeSociableBrand doesn't simply offer cookie-cutter solutions. They understand that every business is unique, and their bespoke services reflect that. Their social media packages capture each brand's individual voice, while their Google Analytics insights empower businesses to make informed decisions that drive growth. Beyond the award: The Best of Georgia Award is a proud moment, but it's the countless success stories that truly define BeSociableBrand. They demystify the digital world for entrepreneurs, offering guidance and transforming dreams into reality. Through their active social media presence and informative website, they extend their reach beyond business hours, creating a community where growth is nurtured. Leaders, not just winners: This award is a well-deserved recognition, but it's the relentless pursuit of excellence that truly defines BeSociableBrand. They're not just industry leaders; they're pioneers, showing small businesses how to not just survive but thrive online. By blending innovation with genuine dedication, they pave the way for a future where every entrepreneur can succeed in the digital age.
Leveraging Keywords and Focused Content: Overcoming the Small Business Struggle on Social Media
Establishing Your Brand as an Authority in Your Market What Does It Mean to Be an Authority? Having true authority means that both prospective and current customers see your brand as a trusted leader and expert in your field. It goes beyond simply being known—it's about being known as the go-to resource. Why Authority Matters Consumers today are saturated with endless options and messaging across social media. Demonstrating authority elevates your content from promotional noise to valuable insight worth paying attention to. How to Develop Authority Curate Content That Educates Prioritize posts, graphics, and videos that provide genuine value to followers. Useful, relevant educational content establishes trust and goodwill. Flaunt Your Expertise Consistently demonstrate your proficiency in your specialty through detailed, insider knowledge targeted to customers. Reveal the hard-won mastery it takes to excel. Promote Leaders From Within Your Company Showcase team members with deep category expertise via employee takeovers and guest contributions. Put authentic thought leadership on display. Ready to Level Up Your Influence? By committing to authority-building content techniques, over time your brand gains the gravitas and trust needed to convert casual viewers into devoted brand advocates. Let's start crafting the social presence you deserve! Stay Sociable! Erin
Fatal Social Media Strategy Mistakes You May Be Making Do You Have a Documented Game Plan? One oversight small businesses often make is having an informal or vague social strategy at best. Without concrete goals, metrics, and plans mapped out ahead of time, it’s impossible to execute effectively. That's why you need our Strategic Posting Plan framework! Are You Prioritizing the Right Platforms? Many SMBs waste time and resources chasing every new shiny platform. You can’t be everywhere at once. Conduct an audit of where your audience already spends time online—and focus your efforts accordingly. Just because it is new and fun doesn't mean that it's going to move the need for your business - the shiny object that's caught your attention will take up a lot of valuable time and training - are you ready to commit to a long term situationship with them?? How’s Your Analysis Game? Most brands post content without digging into essential backend data. Not monitoring engagement rates, follower growth, and conversion metrics means missing optimization opportunities. Praying to go viral - not a strategy... engaging with the followers you have and giving them content they want, and how they want it - now that is the golden ticket! Ready for an Audit-Proof Strategy? An effective social media game plan begins with research, covers short and long-term goals, and includes built-in analysis. Let’s team up to create an approach custom-fitted to drive actual growth for your biz! Give us a call and find out more about our Postastic© Plan - our strategy to bring your small biz to new heights! Stay Sociable! Erin
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