Friday, 28th February 2020 | Marketing

9 easy social media ideas to try when you’ve got poster’s block

If you find yourself paralyzed by the question “What should I put on my company’s social media page?”, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got 9 types of easy and engaging posts for you.

If you find yourself paralyzed by the question “What should I put on my company’s social media page?”, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got 9 types of easy and engaging posts for you.

But first, let’s talk about why you should put time into social media in the first place. In 2020, it’s hard to overestimate the impact social media can have on your business. From building loyalty with customers who already know you to attracting new customers, “social” is a winner for businesses of all sizes and shapes. In fact, if you’re not on social it’s a sign of sleepiness, or even irrelevance. (Yikes!) So let’s climb aboard the social train.

To capitalize on the power of social media you have to post engaging content frequently. This is where people tend to get stuck. What can I post? Small business owners have a lot to handle and coming up with tip-top content can fall to the wayside. That’s where this guide comes in. Here are nine types of posts any business can do equipped with a run-of-the-mill smartphone.

1. Contests and giveaways

Add a little fun with a contest or giveaway. After all, who doesn’t like a freebie? Running one can be a low-investment, high-impact way of engaging people and getting your name out there. By offering a prize you can entice followers to like, comment, or share your content which can increase your brand awareness and reach. As with all social media posts, it’s best to be genuine and approachable. Get creative about your prize, too. You could partner with another business (and reach double the audience), or feature a particular product (maybe one that hasn’t been selling well, or one that you’ve just brought in). Use this opportunity to show off your brand personality while making your customers (and potential customers) happy. And don’t shy away from including a picture or video of yourself in the posts.

2. Product features

These kinds of posts serve as reminders about your products and services. Sticking with your sense of personality, take the opportunity to zoom in on a specific product or service. Consider them eye candy or fun features. Got a new dish on the menu or seasonal product that just arrived? These are perfect features. Done right, they reinforce your brand and attract people back to your store or website.

3. Behind the scenes glimpses

Bringing your customers “behind the scenes” establishes a sense of familiarity and loyalty while also really showcasing your, and your company’s, personality. Video is very effective in giving this content a “sneak peek” feel. Don’t worry too much about production values. You can shoot perfectly serviceable video on a smartphone and upload directly to your social media channels. People are very forgiving when it comes to social media posts.

4. Customer polls (in Stories)

If you’ve ever been on a long car trip you’ve probably played “would you rather”, the game that makes you choose between two hypotheticals. It’s an addictive diversion and you can harness its power on your social media channels by using the polls feature in Instagram Stories. Ask your followers to choose. It’s a super effective way to promote interactivity while also gathering market research on their preferences. Note that these are sprints not marathons. The polls lasts 24 hours--as long as your Story. Increase customer engagement by sharing the results as seen here when Toronto food court stall Kid Lee tested out two new juice flavours.

5. Community engagement

It’s always a good idea to engage with your community and an even better one to post about it. Create a campaign that involves local groups like schools or libraries to demonstrate your brand’s place in your community. You can double down on your positive image while making a real difference at the neighbourhood level.

6. Quotes

Quotes are bite-sized pieces of shareable content with a thought-provoking punch. Select messages that align with the business. While you may choose to go sentimental or serious, funny or poignant, they should always be on-brand. They can be as simple as white text on a solid colour from your logo, or add a compelling image to make your quote pop.

7. Sales and special offers

Like the contests and promotions outlined above, posts advertising sales and special offers can entice potential customers and drive traffic to your site while giving followers the feeling of being insiders to your business. Consider sharing advance notice of sales on one or more channels to incentivize following your brand.

8. Customer testimonials and reviews

Potential buyers turn to reviews during when they’re deciding whether or not to patronize your business, so why wouldn’t you put the best of the best front and centre? These positive, easy-to-produce posts belong on your feed--just don’t overdo them. You can take them from Google or Facebook reviews people have already shared. Don’t have any reviews? No problem! This is your opportunity to ask people to review your business—in a social post!

9. Messages to your community

This last type of post is perhaps the hardest to pull off but done effectively can really enhance your customers’ sense of attachment to your company. They’re an opportunity to show the human side of your business. Just like in person, speak directly and personally to create a real intimacy and deepen customer loyalty. Select a single thought and keep it simple (positive messages are your best bet).  

Posting to social media is a crucial part of marketing. Those who do it well reap the rewards, and those who don’t appear a little behind the times. These ideas are enough to fill your social profile for the next year. Put them in a rotation and remember to always include an image or video clip and to use hashtags so people other than your followers will see your posts.

See examples below:

Read Also

Money-Saving Strategies for Small Businesses

Financial planning is crucial for small businesses, especially in today's dynamic economic landscape. At iCapital, we understand the importance of maximizing savings to ensure the sustainability and growth of your business. Here are some updated money-saving tips tailored for small businesses in Canada:

1. Embrace Technological Advancements

Investing in digital solutions can streamline operations and significantly cut costs. Consider integrating cloud-based accounting, project management, and communication software to eliminate the need for expensive hardware and maintenance. Additionally, leveraging AI tools can further enhance efficiency and productivity.

2. Negotiate Vendor Contracts

With economic uncertainties, vendors are often open to negotiation. Review your contracts regularly and negotiate better terms or discounts with suppliers. Consolidating purchases with fewer vendors can also lead to volume discounts and cost savings.

3. Go Green

Reducing your environmental footprint can also translate into cost savings. Implement energy-efficient practices such as using LED lighting, optimizing heating and cooling systems, and reducing water consumption. Not only will this lower utility bills, but it will also enhance your business's sustainability credentials.

4. Remote Work Opportunities

The shift towards remote work has proven to be cost-effective for many businesses. By allowing employees to work from home, you can reduce overhead costs associated with office space, utilities, and maintenance. Invest in collaboration tools and cybersecurity measures to support remote work effectively.

5. Optimize Marketing Strategies

Digital marketing offers cost-effective avenues for promoting your business. Focus on targeted online advertising, email marketing campaigns, and social media engagement to reach your audience efficiently. Monitor the performance of your marketing efforts and adjust strategies based on data analytics to maximize ROI.

6. Automate Routine Tasks

Automation can streamline repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing human error. Explore automation tools for accounting, inventory management, and customer service to increase efficiency and productivity while minimizing labour costs.

7. Monitor Cash Flow

Maintaining healthy cash flow is essential for small businesses. Implement robust cash flow management practices, including regularly monitoring accounts receivable and accounts payable and optimizing payment terms with vendors to avoid unnecessary expenses and late fees.

8. Seek Financial Assistance

In challenging times, accessing external funding can provide a lifeline for small businesses. iCapital offers flexible small business loan options designed to support businesses with up to $250,000 in assistance within 48 hours. Whether you're looking to navigate cash flow challenges or seize growth opportunities, our financing solutions can help you achieve your goals.

Effective cost-saving strategies are vital for the success of small businesses in today's competitive landscape. Small businesses can thrive and achieve long-term sustainability by embracing technology, optimizing operations, and seeking strategic financial assistance.

At iCapital, we're committed to supporting small businesses in Canada with tailored financial solutions and expert guidance. Contact us today at our toll-free number 1-877-251-7171, to learn more about how we can help your business succeed.

Small business financing Canada

Embracing AI: Small Business Marketing Success

Venturing into Artificial Intelligence (AI) may seem like treading uncharted waters, but it's an opportunity for small businesses to revolutionize marketing strategies and spark growth. Much like the buzz surrounding ChatGPT, AI tools offer myriad capabilities, ranging from task automation to personalized customer experiences. In fact, research shows that 39% of small businesses have already invested in AI tools to innovate their customer engagement and retention strategies, leveraging AI to save both time and money.

Unlocking the Power of AI Tools

AI tools span a wide spectrum of applications to streamline processes, analyze data, and optimize marketing campaigns. Let's explore some key AI tools commonly embraced in small business marketing:

Data analysis

AI-powered analytics programs sift through vast volumes of marketing data, distilling valuable insights and trends that inform strategic decisions and fuel campaign optimization. This enhances efficiency and facilitates cost savings, with 25% of businesses using these savings to increase wages and benefits.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP technology empowers chatbots and virtual assistants to engage customers in natural conversations, enriching customer service and sales interactions.

Automated decision-making

AI algorithms offer actionable recommendations, guiding marketing strategy decisions to ensure resource allocation aligns with business objectives and budget constraints.

Content generation

AI-driven tools churn out written content, such as blog posts and social media captions, at scale, freeing up time for creative endeavours while maintaining quality and consistency.

Real-time personalization

Leveraging customer data, AI enables personalized marketing experiences by delivering tailored recommendations and offers, thereby enhancing engagement and driving conversions.

Leveraging AI for Marketing Success

Incorporating AI tools into the marketing toolkit can yield substantial benefits for small businesses. Here's a roadmap to harnessing AI for marketing success:

Harness data insights

Utilize AI analytics platforms to extract actionable insights from marketing data, empowering informed decision-making and continuous optimization.

Elevate customer engagement

Deploy AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to provide personalized customer experiences, fostering satisfaction and loyalty.

Make informed choices

Rely on AI-driven recommendations to shape marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and market dynamics.

Streamline content creation

Utilize AI content generation tools to produce high-quality written content efficiently, maintaining relevance and resonance with the audience.

Deliver tailored experiences

Leverage AI to deliver real-time personalized marketing messages and offers, nurturing deeper connections and driving conversions.

Designing an AI Marketing Strategy

Designing an effective AI marketing strategy requires careful planning and strategic execution. Here's how to do it:

Identify Business Requirements

Assess business needs and objectives to determine how AI can support marketing goals.

Decide AI Framework

Choose AI tools and technologies that align with business requirements and budget constraints.

The Right Approach

Adopt a strategic approach to implementing AI in the marketing strategy, focusing on areas where it can deliver the most significant impact.

Evolve

Continuously monitor and refine the AI marketing strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and emerging trends.

By embracing the power of AI, small businesses can unlock new avenues for growth and competitiveness in the ever-evolving digital landscape. With careful planning and strategic implementation, AI can be a game-changer for small business marketing, driving engagement, loyalty, and business success. So, let's embark on this exciting journey together and seize the opportunities that AI has to offer.

Blog ,Sales ,Marketing ,Accounting ,Management

Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses

 

As we embark on a new year, the ever-evolving digital landscape presents opportunities and challenges. In 2024, one of the paramount challenges demanding attention is the persistent threat of cyber attacks. 

Safeguarding your business against these threats is not just advisable—it's imperative. Let's explore the crucial cybersecurity strategies every small business should adopt for a secure and prosperous journey throughout 2024.

Understanding the Landscape

The IBC’s 2023 Cyber Security Survey revealed a concerning trend among small businesses. Despite over 60% considering their size immune to cybercriminal attention, small businesses with 1,000 or fewer employees experienced a surprising 43% of yearly cyber attacks in 2023.

Crucial Cybersecurity Strategies for Small Businesses

Educate Your Team

Empowering your team with effective cyber threat identification skills is essential. Regular training sessions can equip them to recognize phishing emails, use strong passwords, and identify potential security risks. A well-informed team serves as the first line of defence against cyber adversaries.
Ensure your training addresses these common security issues:

1. Phishing attacks: Deceptive tactics to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or deploying harmful software.

2. Malware attacks: Cyber threats involving malicious software executing unauthorized actions.

3. Ransomware: Malicious software designed to deny access to files, demanding a ransom for decryption.

Employee Training and Awareness Programs

Acknowledge that your employees are not just integral to your business—they are the first line of defence against cyber threats. Regular training and awareness programs inform your team about the latest cyber threats and preventive measures. Cultivate a culture of cybersecurity awareness where every team member actively contributes to the protection of your business.

Strengthening Your Digital Shield

Crafting an impenetrable shield for your small business involves developing good cybersecurity habits through daily practices:

1. Regular Software Updates: Keep all software, including operating systems and security applications, up-to-date to patch vulnerabilities.

2. Security Audits: Conduct routine security audits to identify and rectify potential weaknesses in your systems.

3. Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies, promoting the use of complex, unique passwords.

4. Require long, varied passwords for sensitive accounts.

5. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Invest in Cybersecurity Technology

As cyber threats advance, upgrading defences is crucial. Invest in state-of-the-art cybersecurity tools like antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems to serve as your digital guardians, actively monitoring and thwarting potential threats.

Proactive Preparedness

Craft a comprehensive incident response plan that includes:

1. Communication Protocols: Clearly define communication channels during a cyber incident.

2. Data Backup Strategies: Regularly back up critical data to minimize the impact of potential data loss.

3. Mitigation Steps: Establish procedures to mitigate potential damage during and after a cyberattack.

The Stakes Are High

In 2023, small businesses accounted for a significant portion of annual cyber attacks, emphasizing the need to view cybersecurity not as an expense but as an investment. Cybersecurity is not a luxury—it's a prerequisite for sustainable success. As you navigate the intricate web of business operations in 2024, remember that a secure foundation is key to achieving your goals. Despite the challenges in the digital realm, informed decisions and proactive measures can help your business emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

Blog

The Top 10 Small Business Trends for 2024

As small business owners, anticipating the shifts that shape success is always on your agenda. In the ever-changing business landscape of 2024, specific trends will be crucial to staying relevant and thriving. Let's recap the top 10 trends that should be on your radar for the coming year:

 

1. Tech Integration for Maximum Efficiency:

Small businesses are unlocking the power of technology to streamline operations. From intuitive software to smart automation tools, embracing these innovations can enhance efficiency, trim costs, and keep you at the forefront of your industry.

2. Sustainability and Climate Change:

Sustainability is not just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. Small businesses are discovering the benefits of eco-friendly practices, not only for the environment but also for their bottom line. Going green can set you apart and resonate with conscious consumers.

3. Flexible Work Models:

The 9-to-5 office setup is evolving. Small businesses are embracing flexible work arrangements—remote work, flexible hours, and hybrid models—opening doors to a global talent pool while fostering a healthier work-life balance for your team.  

Related: A shortened workweek: fad or the future of work?

4. Personalized Customer Experiences:

In an era where personalization reigns supreme, small businesses are customizing customer experiences. From targeted marketing to personalized products and services, understanding and meeting individual customer needs are keys to success.

5. Continued Growth of E-commerce:

E-commerce is not slowing down. Small businesses are seizing the opportunity to reach a broader audience, implement targeted marketing, and offer convenient purchasing options. Investing in a robust online presence is no longer a choice—it's a necessity.

6. Prioritizing Mental Health and Well-being:

A healthy work environment is essential. Small businesses are putting employee well-being first, introducing initiatives like employee assistance programs, flexible schedules, and wellness benefits to create a thriving and productive workforce.

7. Digital Marketing, Content Creation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI):

Stay ahead in the digital era by creating valuable content, engaging with customers through social media, and implementing SEO strategies. Integrate AI to streamline content creation processes, adding a layer of innovation to your marketing strategy. 

Related Article: 7 ways how AI empowers small businesses to achieve more in less time

8. Cybersecurity and Data Protection:

In the digital age, safeguarding your business is crucial. Invest in strong cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Shockingly, small businesses, including those with 1,000 or fewer employees, account for 43% of annual cyber attacks in 2023. This data underscores the need for comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to fortify your defence against potential threats.

9. Innovative Payment Solutions:

How we pay is evolving, and your business should evolve with it. Consider offering various payment options, including mobile wallets and contactless payments, to cater to diverse customer preferences.

10. Agile Business Models:

Agility is the cornerstone of success in 2024. Be responsive to market changes, adapt swiftly to challenges, and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Flexibility in operations and decision-making will give your business a competitive edge.

Incorporating these trends into your business strategy isn't just smart; it's the key to staying relevant and successful. Keep these considerations in mind as you navigate the dynamic landscape of 2024.

Sales ,Marketing ,Accounting ,Management ,Personal Loan

Do I Qualify?

Check Eligibility

Do I Qualify?

Unfortunately you are not eligible at this time, but things change! Let's stay in touch.
We will contact you if our requirements change and will keep you up to date with our latest services so you wont miss out.
ENTER YOUR INFORMATION BELOW