In the digital age, having a robust social media strategy is non-negotiable for local businesses in London. This helps them be visible and accessible to their target audience, network and learn from fellow businesses, and engage in real-time conversations.

These are essential for establishing a strong online presence and creating a bond of trust and reliability with local customers.

In this blog, we will delve into the significance of social media strategies, explore popular platforms, and unveil 9 proven strategies for business growth.

Speak to our social media experts directly. We will help you with a tailored social media marketing strategy for your local business. At Make Me Local, our aim is to help you be found by your local customers and grow your business through bespoke digital marketing strategies. Call 0800 772 0022 or email hello@makemelocal.com today.

The Significance Of Social Media For Local Businesses

Social media is a crucial tool for local businesses to establish brand identity services, foster customer relationships, and increase visibility among target demographics.

Social media platforms enable businesses to gain insights into consumer preferences, monitor trends, and adapt marketing strategies accordingly.

Furthermore, it enables them to gain credibility and trust by actively participating in online communities and addressing customer queries and concerns.

4 Best Social Media Platforms For London’s Local Businesses

  1. Instagram

    Renowned for its visually appealing and creative content, Instagram is a go-to platform for local businesses aiming to captivate younger demographics.

    Its focus on visual storytelling makes it an ideal space for showcasing products and services in an engaging and aesthetically pleasing manner.

    Moreover, the platform’s user-friendly features, such as hashtags and location tags, facilitate discoverability, which is important for local businesses to reach their target audience.

  2. Facebook

    As one of the most widely used social media platforms, Facebook offers an extensive reach and the potential to connect with diverse demographics. It is particularly advantageous for local businesses looking to engage with a broad audience base.

    The platform’s Business Pages provide businesses with a dedicated space to share updates, respond to customer inquiries, and build a community around their brand.

    Additionally, Facebook’s advertising tools enable businesses to target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviours.

  3. Twitter

    Twitter’s fast-paced nature and character limit make it a valuable platform for local businesses seeking to share quick updates and engage in real-time conversations. It is an excellent space for sharing news, announcements, and promotions.

    Moreover, Twitter’s hashtag system allows businesses to join trending conversations and increase their visibility. By actively participating in discussions relevant to their industry or community, local businesses can enhance their brand’s online presence and build relationships with potential customers.

  4. LinkedIn

    Widely regarded as a professional networking platform, LinkedIn is particularly beneficial for B2B businesses and professionals seeking networking opportunities. It provides a platform for sharing industry insights, showcasing expertise, and building professional connections.

    For local businesses targeting other businesses or professionals as their primary audience, LinkedIn offers a unique space to establish credibility and foster meaningful relationships.

    Additionally, the platform’s advertising options, such as Sponsored Content and InMail, allow businesses to reach specific professional audiences and generate leads.

9 Proven Social Media Strategies For Local Business Growth

  1. Content Creation

    Content should align with your brand and resonate with your target audience. Use a content calendar to plan posts and maintain consistency.

    Ensure diversity in content types, including images, videos, and text. Engagement-driven content such as polls, questions, and quizzes can foster interaction.

    Analyse the performance of each post to understand what resonates with your audience and adjust your content strategy accordingly.

  2. Implement A Posting Schedule

    Implement a posting schedule that aligns with peak engagement times for your audience, which can vary based on the platform, time of the day, day of the week, and your industry.

    For example, on Instagram, posting between 9 am and 11 am on weekdays and 11 am and 1 pm on weekends tends to yield higher engagement. On Twitter, the best times are weekdays between 12 pm and 3 pm and 5 pm and 6 pm.

    LinkedIn sees the most engagement on weekdays between 9 am and 10 am and 12 pm and 1 pm. It is essential to experiment with different posting times and track analytics to find the optimal schedule for your target audience.

    For more insights, call the Make Me Local team on 0800 772 0022 now.

  3. Engage With Followers

    Promptly responding to comments, messages, and mentions is vital for building a loyal following. Encourage conversations by asking questions and seeking feedback.

    Personalise responses and address customer concerns with empathy and professionalism. Create a positive environment by moderating comments and fostering a sense of community.

    Regularly monitor your social media channels for mentions and feedback. Additionally, use social listening tools to track brand mentions and industry-related conversations.

  4. Utilise The Power Of Analytics

    Monitor and analyse key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of your social media efforts. Track metrics such as reach, engagement, and conversions to gain insights into audience behaviours and preferences.

    Use analytics to identify top-performing content and replicate its success. Assess the performance of your social media campaigns and adjust strategies based on data-driven insights. Regularly review and update your social media strategy based on performance data. To streamline this process, consider leveraging Data Warehouse Services for centralized data management and advanced analytics.

  5. Leverage Influencer Marketing

    Develop authentic partnerships by collaborating with influencers whose values align with your brand. Establish clear objectives for your influencer campaigns and measure their success. Negotiate terms that are mutually beneficial for both parties.

    Monitor the performance of influencer campaigns using tracking links and promo codes. Analyse the impact of such collaborations on brand awareness, engagement, and conversions.

  6. Run Contests And Giveaways

    Design contests and giveaways that encourage user participation and engagement. Define clear rules and guidelines for participation. Use hashtags and user-generated content to promote contests and giveaways.

    Encourage participants to share their entries with their networks to increase visibility. Use tools like Gleam and Rafflecopter to manage entries and select winners. Announce winners publicly and follow up with them to deliver prizes.

  7. User-Generated Content

    Encourage customers to create and share content related to your brand. Use branded hashtags to curate user-generated content and showcase it on your social media profiles.

    Engage with user-generated content by liking, commenting, and reposting it. Feature user-generated content in your marketing campaigns to increase authenticity and credibility. Monitor and moderate user-generated content to maintain a positive brand image.

  8. Paid Advertising

    Determine your advertising goals and target audience before creating ads. Use targeting options to reach specific demographics and interests.

    A/B test different ad creatives, copy, and audiences to optimise performance. Monitor the performance of your ads and adjust targeting and messaging based on results.

    Use retargeting ads to re-engage users who have previously interacted with your brand. Consider using video ads, as they tend to have higher engagement rates.

  9. Collaborate With Complementary Businesses

    Identify businesses that share your target audience and brand values. Develop partnerships that benefit both parties and add value to your audience.

    Create joint promotions and campaigns that leverage the strengths of both businesses. Share each other’s content and cross-promote on social media.

    Collaborate on events, workshops, or webinars to provide additional value to your audience. Monitor and evaluate the success of collaborations based on metrics such as engagement, reach, and conversions.

Conclusion

Having a well-crafted social media strategy is vital for the growth and success of London-based local businesses. By understanding the significance of social media, choosing the right platforms, and implementing proven strategies (as given by our experts in this blog), businesses like yours can effectively engage with their target audience and achieve their marketing objectives.

That said, we understand you are no expert in social media marketing. No worries – that is why we are here for you. Contact us today. Our social media experts will take the time to understand your business and create a tailored social media strategy for your local business.