Social media has become an indispensable tool for small businesses in the UK to reach out to potential customers, build brand awareness, and engage with their existing customer base. With over 66% of the UK population using social media platforms regularly, it’s no surprise that businesses are turning to social media to drive sales, increase brand visibility and gain a competitive edge. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 social media strategies for small business success in the UK.
- Create a Consistent Brand Presence on Social Media
One of the keys to success on social media is consistency. Small businesses in the UK should aim to maintain a consistent brand presence across all social media channels. This includes using the same profile picture, cover photo, bio, and brand messaging. This helps to build trust and recognition among potential customers and increases the chances of them engaging with your business. According to a study by Sprout Social, 71% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand if they follow them on social media.
- Utilise Local Hashtags to Reach a Local Audience
Hashtags are a powerful tool for small businesses in the UK to reach a wider audience on social media. By using local hashtags, businesses can attract potential customers who are searching for products or services in their area. For example, a small coffee shop in London could use hashtags like #londoncoffee, #coffeeshoplondon, or #londoncafe to attract local customers. According to a survey by Hootsuite, posts with at least one hashtag have 12.6% more engagement than posts without any hashtags.
- Create Engaging Visual Content
Visual content such as images, videos, and infographics are more likely to grab the attention of social media users than text-only posts. Small businesses in the UK should focus on creating visually engaging content to stand out in crowded social media feeds. This could include behind-the-scenes photos of your business, product demonstrations, or customer testimonials. According to a survey by HubSpot, visual content is more than 40 times more likely to get shared on social media than other types of content.
- Respond Promptly to Customer Queries and Feedback
Social media is a two-way communication channel, and small businesses in the UK should take advantage of this by responding promptly to customer queries and feedback. According to a study by Sprout Social, 83% of customers expect a response on social media within 24 hours. By responding promptly to customer queries and feedback, businesses can build trust, improve customer satisfaction, and increase the chances of repeat business.
- Leverage Influencer Marketing
Influencer marketing is a growing trend in the UK, and small businesses can leverage this to reach a wider audience on social media. By partnering with influencers who have a large following on social media, businesses can gain exposure to potential customers who may not have heard of their brand otherwise. According to a study by Influencer.co, the return on investment for influencer marketing can be as high as £18 for every £1 spent.
Social media can be a powerful tool for small businesses in the UK to drive sales, increase brand awareness and engage with their customers. By following these top 5 social media strategies, small businesses can create a consistent brand presence, reach a local audience, create engaging content, respond promptly to customer queries and feedback, and leverage influencer marketing to reach a wider audience.
Question: What are some other social media strategies that small businesses in the UK can use to succeed on social media?
