Social Media Marketing IDEAS for Small Business
Coming up with ways to stand out to users and distinguish your business from competitors on social media can be tough. With millions of users and even more posts and ideas buzzing around, how can you come up with something unique?
The key is in how you define “unique”. You do not need to be unique on social media in general. Think smaller. Be unique within your industry, in your community, or even just in relation to your company’s typical marketing. The unexpected or surprising nature of your campaigns (think guerrilla marketing tactics) can make them effective among your target audience. Or, you might try a traditional campaign that is new to your business, and find that it becomes a regular part of your social media marketing strategy. Here are some unique social media ideas to try out for your business.
1. Make a Recommendation
One of the more unique social media campaign ideas is to recommend to your audience an account that you follow and that would be helpful to them. One of the social media and blogging basics for small business is that of showing your expertise—not to toot your own horn, but to show current and potential customers that they can trust you. However, you don’t always have to be putting out your own content or extensive thought leadership pieces to show your expertise. Simply being connected with others in your field and sharing their information will also indicate expertise and trust—as it shows that you’re up to date on your speciality and are looking to supply useful information for your followers.
2. Recognize a Competitor
This kind of social media post shows that you’re staying up to date in your industry, confident in what you do, and are committed to providing value to your audience—not just promoting your brand. In fact, it’s a social media best practice to limit how much you promote your business. Having respect for your competitors will earn you respect from your target audience.
3. Share an Unusual Photo
When it comes to photos of your product or service, whether in a Facebook ad image or social media post, it is a good idea to use a typical customer using the product in context. On the flip side, one unique social media idea is to turn that concept upside down. You might post a picture of someone using your product or service who is unlikely to use it, or a typical customer using your product or service in a strange way or in an unusual location. If you get unusual enough, you just may have yourself a guerrilla marketing strategy!
4. Lighten Things Up with Funny or Inspirational Images
What makes this social media campaign unique is that businesses typically want to highlight their professionalism and expertise. However, it’s also important to show your personality and your human side—maybe even a little vulnerability—as these create opportunities for your audience to connect with your business.
A funny or inspirational image or quote that fits in with your followers’ lifestyles or reflects your business’s values gives you a chance to show the unique sides of your business through social media. If you can, include your logo in your image somewhere; and if it makes sense, accompany the image with a quick comment.
