Mastering Meta

When starting a digital presence it’s easy for small business owners to gravitate towards Facebook and Instagram. After all, with Facebook boasting the highest number of users and Instagram’s visually appealing interface, these platforms seem like the natural choice. However, with the rise of TikTok, especially among younger audiences, the allure of short-form video content has never been stronger. But, for small business owners, navigating TikTok’s discovery algorithm can be such a pain. So, where does that leave us? I’m going to share some Facebook and Instagram tips, tricks, and algorithm secrets for small business growth.

Tips & Tricks for Facebook and Instagram Organic Growth

1. “Reel” in Your Audience: Short-form video content is king. Aim to post 3-5 Reels a week to capitalize on this trend and fuel your growth. Bonus points for editing your reel in the app. Reels offer a prime opportunity to showcase your products, services, and brand personality in a captivating way.
2. Keep the “Story” Alive: Instagram Stories are a powerful tool for keeping your audience engaged and connected. Since news feed is full of ads and suggested content, Stories are a sure way to get in front of your audience. So, make it a habit to post on Stories every day, providing behind-the-scenes glimpses, product teasers, or engaging polls. Consistent Story updates help foster a sense of community and keep your followers coming back for more.
3. Hashtags: Your Ticket to Visibility: Whether you’re posting Reels or feed content, don’t underestimate the power of hashtags. Aim to include 5-8 relevant hashtags in your posts to improve discoverability and reach a wider audience. Research trending hashtags in your niche and experiment with a mix of popular and niche-specific tags to maximize your impact. Bonus points for adding your location into a post.
4. Feed Posts: Quality Over Quantity: While Reels and Stories thrive on frequent updates, feed posts demand a different approach. Focus on quality over quantity by posting feed content once or twice a week. Use this opportunity to highlight customer testimonials, share company updates or show off employees.
5. The Power of Threads: Instagram Threads are gaining momentum as a valuable feature for fostering deeper engagement and connection. Take advantage of this trend by sharing relevant posts, engaging in meaningful conversations, and building a sense of community around your brand.
6. Creating Captions: Don’t overlook the importance of captions in conveying your brand voice and engaging your audience. Incorporate keywords related to your business or personal brand to improve discoverability and relevance. Use captions to tell stories, ask questions, or spark conversations that resonate with your audience.

Embracing the Future

While Facebook and Instagram remain essential pillars of any social media strategy, it’s essential for small business owners to stay agile and adapt to emerging trends and platforms. While TikTok may present challenges in terms of discovery, its popularity among younger demographics highlights the growing appetite for short-form video content. By staying informed, experimenting with new features, and maintaining a consistent presence across platforms, small business owners can effectively navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape and reach their target audiences with impact and authenticity.