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Social Media Marketing for Small Business

Small businesses can take advantage of social media by keeping an eye on their competition, making high-quality videos and maintaining a strong online presence.

NEW YORK – Small business owners are known for being able to juggle a plethora of tasks to keep their business moving forward. Still, even the most seasoned entrepreneur can overlook key media strategies. Here are a few essential items to add to your social media checklist:

First, if you have never heard of a social media management platform, stop what you are doing and look this up. Managing social media platforms can become exhausting, but companies like Buffer, Hootsuite, and Sendible will streamline your marketing efforts. Say goodbye to the hassle of logging into multiple accounts. With these tools, you can easily schedule bulk posts, track statistics and insights, and create brand recognition across multiple platforms. Take a little time to research the different platforms to find out what meets your needs and budget the best.

Second, look at what your competitors are doing on social media. Even if you operate in a rural area with limited local competition, studying similar businesses outside your region can provide valuable insights. Pay attention to details like design elements, content quality, and audience levels. By analyzing what works (and what doesn't) for others in your industry, you can refine your social media strategy for success.

Third, if you are making videos, invest in quality microphones if you are recording any verbal communication. Even if you record great audio, consider being inclusive and adding subtitles to your video. There is a large population of people who are hard of hearing and deaf who recognize and appreciate businesses that take the time to ensure everyone can fully experience social media videos. Make sure to practice or record several "takes" of the video to create a quality video. The first take is rarely the best.

Lastly, remember that building a strong social media presence takes time and consistent effort. Don't give up after a couple of months of posts. Keep your business active on social media, ensure your information and business hours are up-to-date, and communicate with your audience regularly to grow your business. Make sure your hours of operation, address, and contact information are listed and visible on social media. You never know how your marketing will travel, and you will want to ensure people can find your business.

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