Alright, let’s have a real talk. Social media for business can feel like trying to shout your name in a packed, noisy concert. You’re putting in the effort, posting away, but it sometimes seems like nobody’s really hearing you. You see other brands getting all the likes and comments, and you’re left wondering, “What’s the secret sauce?”
If that sounds familiar, take a deep breath. You’re not doing anything wrong. You just might not have the right map for the territory yet.
The truth is, effective social media marketing isn’t about magic tricks or having a huge budget. It’s about connection. It’s about using smart, practical social media marketing techniques to have real conversations with the people who want to hear from you. This guide walks you through how to do exactly that, in plain, simple English.
Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Contact TCU if you need to market your business on social media and increase your revenue.
Forget “Viral.” Think “Value.”
First things first, let’s shift our mindset. Many businesses jump into social media aiming for a viral post. But that’s like buying a lottery ticket as a retirement plan. It might happen, but it’s not a strategy.
The real goal of social media marketing is to provide so much value that people are happy to see you pop up in their feed. They might learn something from you, get a genuine laugh, or feel inspired. When you focus on giving value, the followers and engagement become a natural result, not a desperate chase.
Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on Who You’re Talking To
This is the biggest and most often skipped step. You can’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and trying to is exhausting.
Before you post another thing, grab a notebook and jot down answers to these questions:
- Who is my ideal customer?
- What keeps them up at night?
- What kind of content do they already love to watch or read?
- Which platforms do they actually use? (Hint: Your grandma and a college student are on very different apps)
When you know exactly who you’re talking to, everything gets easier. Your content ideas will flow, your captions will sound more natural, and you’ll attract the right people.
Step 2: Pick Your Playground Wisely
You do not need to be on every single platform. In fact, you really shouldn’t be. It’s better to be amazing on one or two platforms than to be mediocre and stretched thin on five.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Facebook: Great for building community groups, sharing longer stories, and reaching a broad audience.
- Instagram: Perfect for beautiful photos, behind-the-scenes videos (Reels!), and connecting with a younger crowd.
- LinkedIn: The go-to for professional services, B2B companies, and industry news.
- TikTok: Ideal for creative, casual, and entertaining short-form video.
- Pinterest: Best for businesses in food, fashion, home decor, weddings, or any highly visual niche.
Go where your ideal customers are hanging out. That’s it.
Step 3: Ditch the Sales Pitch, Grip the Story
People scroll social media to be entertained, informed, or inspired—not to be sold to. The classic “buy my stuff” post is the fastest way to get scrolled past.
Instead, think of your content like a balanced diet. Use the “Rule of Thirds”:
- One-third of your content educates: Share tips, answer questions, teach something useful.
- One-third of your content engages: Ask questions, run polls, share behind-the-scenes moments of your team.
- One-third of your content promotes: Talk about your products, share customer testimonials, announce a sale.
This mix feels natural and builds trust, so when you do promote, people are actually listening.
Step 4: Consistency Beats Perfection Every Time
You don’t need every post to be a masterpiece filmed with a Hollywood camera. A slightly blurry photo of your team laughing together is often more engaging than a stiff, professionally staged shot.
What matters more is showing up consistently. It doesn’t have to be every day. It could be three times a week. But when you show up on a regular schedule, people come to expect and look forward to your content. Consistency builds rhythm and reliability.
Step 5: Talk With People, Not At Them
Social media is a two-way street. It’s in the name. It’s meant to be social.
This is one of the most powerful social media marketing techniques: actually engaging. When someone takes the time to comment, reply to them. Ask questions in your captions and then read the answers. Jump into relevant conversations. Thank people for sharing your content.
This human touch makes people feel seen and valued, turning casual followers into loyal fans.
Step 6: Don’t Be Scared to Try a Little Boost
Sometimes, even great content needs a little push to reach more of the right people. This is where paid ads come in.
The good news? You don’t need thousands of dollars. You can start with a small budget—like $5 a day—to “boost” a post that’s already doing well organically to a targeted audience. It’s a fantastic way to get more mileage out of content your audience already likes.
The Biggest Takeaway? Just Start.
The world of social media marketing can seem huge, but you don’t have to conquer it all today. Pick one tip from this list and try it this week. Maybe it’s defining your audience more clearly. Maybe it’s trying a new type of content.
The most successful businesses are the ones that started, learned, adapted, and kept going. Your voice and your story are what will make your brand stand out.
