Now that your business social media accounts are set up and ready to go, the real question is: what do you post, and how do you grow? For many small business owners, the world of social media marketing can feel overwhelming. The good news is, you don’t need to be everywhere, post all day, or spend tons of money to succeed.
Successful social media marketing is about showing up with the right content, at the right time, for the right people. It takes a little creativity, a bit of planning, and smart use of data. In this feature, we break down four simple Social Media Marketing Strategies that any business can use to get results online, without needing a big team or budget. Google’s stepping up its AI game, are you ready? Explore the latest on the Google AI mode and how to optimize your content accordingly.
Content Is Still King: Social Media Marketing Strategies With Purpose
Your social media content is what connects your business to the people you want to reach. But that doesn’t mean every post has to be original or fancy. Some of the best social media pages mix their own posts with curated content from others.
For content creation, follow the 80/20 rule. That means 80 percent of your posts should offer value, like tips, entertainment, or inspiration. Only 20 percent should be about selling. People don’t like feeling like they’re being sold to all the time.
Don’t stick to one format either. Mix it up with images, videos, carousels, short clips, and even memes. Repurposing old blog posts into short Instagram stories or TikToks is a great way to save time while staying visible.
And remember to tell real stories. Show how your product or service helps real people. A fitness brand, for example, could post a client’s success story, a fast workout tip, and a behind-the-scenes look at a photo shoot, all in one week.
For content curation, share news or updates from your industry and add your own thoughts. Repost your customers’ content if they tag your business. It builds trust and shows you value your community. You can also spotlight your partners or fellow small businesses to show support and make connections.
The Power of Influencers: It’s Not About Fame
Influencer marketing isn’t just for big brands with celebrity budgets. In fact, small businesses often get better results by working with micro-influencers, people who have under 100,000 followers but a loyal and active audience.
You can start small. Maybe it’s a local food blogger, a TikTok creator in your industry, or someone on Instagram who already talks about products like yours.
Look beyond follower numbers. What really matters is if their content feels genuine and matches your brand. Check how their audience interacts with them. Are there comments, shares, and real conversations?
Be clear with influencers about what you want: how many posts, which platforms, what messages, and if they’ll use a special promo code or affiliate link. This makes it easier to track how well the partnership works, and helps both sides stay aligned. Wondering why political ads are vanishing in the EU? Here’s the full scoop on Meta’s decision to ban political ads in EU and how it might influence global policies.
Paid Ads: Small Budget, Big Results
It’s getting harder to reach people without spending a bit of money. That’s where paid social media ads come in. They help you reach new audiences, retarget people who’ve already visited your website, and boost time-sensitive offers.
The good news is, you don’t need a huge budget. Starting with just five dollars a day can give you helpful data on what works. You can then build from there.
Some of the most useful ad types include:
- Boosted posts that extend the reach of your top-performing content.
- Lead generation ads that collect emails or signups right on Facebook or LinkedIn.
- Carousel ads that showcase multiple products or benefits in one swipe.
- Short video ads that grab attention on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram.
When you run ads, always test different versions. Try different headlines, images, or messages to see what connects with your audience. Track more than just likes. Focus on clicks, conversions, and cost per result to make smarter decisions next time.
If you’re using platforms like GoDaddy, you can connect your social accounts and ad campaigns using their Digital Marketing Suite, which helps manage everything in one place.
Know Your Numbers: Social Media Analytics
If you don’t measure your efforts, you won’t know what’s working. That’s why social media analytics are so important. They tell you which posts get attention, who’s interacting with your content, and which platforms are worth your time.
Look at the engagement rate to see how many people are liking, commenting, or sharing your posts. Check reach and impressions to find out how many people are seeing your content. And don’t forget click-through rate and conversion rate, these show if people are actually doing what you want them to, like signing up or making a purchase.
Use tools like Google Analytics or Facebook’s built-in insights to track results. And always add tracking links (called UTM parameters) to your posts so you know exactly where your traffic is coming from.
Real-World Wins: Campaigns That Made a Mark
Here are some success stories to show how creative strategies brought big results:
McDonald’s jumped on a viral TikTok trend about their Grimace Shake in 2023. They posted funny replies on X, driving huge engagement and boosting sales. Lesson? Even unplanned moments can work if you react fast and have fun with it.
e.l.f. Beauty built a community on TikTok with hashtag challenges and fan content. No celebrities needed. The brand grew massively by being authentic and involving their audience.
Nike launched a “No Pride, No Sport” campaign, letting LGBTQ+ athletes share their stories across social media. It struck a chord emotionally and aligned with their values.
Duolingo leaned into humor, creating viral stunts like “Duo’s Death” involving their mascot and a Cybertruck. It brought in over a billion impressions. A strong brand personality helped them stand out.
Dunkin’ released a Halloween-themed Spider Donut in 2024, teased on Instagram by a character named “Spidey D.” The playful and seasonal idea gave them a sales boost.
Coca-Cola revived their “Share a Coke” campaign in 2025, mixing personalized bottles with QR codes that let fans create digital videos. It worked globally and connected with young consumers.
Keep It Simple and Consistent
Social media success is not about doing everything. It’s about doing the right things, consistently and with purpose.
Start with the Social Media Marketing Strategies & platforms that make the most sense for your business. Build useful content that entertains, teaches, or inspires. Partner with the right people, spend wisely on ads, and always track what works.
Remember, the most successful brands don’t just post, they connect. Whether you’re a local bakery or a global name like Nike, your audience wants honesty, creativity, and value.
And the best part? You don’t need a big budget or a full team. You just need a plan, the right tools, and the patience to show up regularly.
Social media is where business meets community. Use it well, and you’ll do more than grow your followers, you’ll grow your brand. Think the old web is fading away? Dive into what it means when people say the old internet is dying and how modern platforms are reshaping search.
