Photo by Liza Summer via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Unsplash

2. Pexels

3. Pixabay

4. Burst (by Shopify)

5. Canva

6. Kaboom

7. Gratisography

8. Vecteezy

9. Life of Pix

10. Picjumbo

    
    

Bonus Tip : Simplify Your Workflow with a Social Media Management App

Visual content plays a pivotal role in social media and marketing strategies. In fact, studies show that articles and posts with relevant images get 94% more views than those without.

Posts with relevant images get 94% more views than those without

For small business owners, finding high-quality, professional photos without breaking the budget can be a challenge. Thankfully, there are plenty of free stock image websites available to solve this problem.

These sites are not listed in any particular order and have been carefully selected to meet the needs of small business owners. There may be other options that better suit your specific requirements. If you know of great alternatives, feel free to share them with us - we’d be happy to check them out!

Before diving into these 10 excellent free stock image sites, let’s first address some common questions about image licensing.

Free Image Terms FAQ

When downloading images for commercial use, it’s essential to understand the terms associated with image licensing. Misusing images, even unintentionally, can result in legal or reputational issues. Here’s what you need to know.

What is Creative Commons?

Creative Commons (CC) licenses allow creators to share their work freely while retaining specific rights.

For example:

• CC0 (Public Domain Dedication): Images are free to use without attribution.

• CC BY: You can use the image as long as you credit the creator.

Always double-check the license terms on the website before using an image.

What is the Public Domain?

Public domain images are works no longer protected by copyright laws or explicitly placed in the public domain by the creator. These can be used without any restrictions.

Examples include:

• Vintage art or photographs created before a certain date (e.g., pre-1928 in the U.S.).

• Images with a clear CC0 license.

What is Royalty-Free?

Royalty-free means you can use the image without paying ongoing royalties. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean “free.” Some stock photo sites charge a one-time fee to access royalty-free images.

What About AI Images?

AI image generation tools offer excellent opportunities for creating customized content, but be cautious when using them for commercial purposes. The U.S. Copyright Office has clarified that AI-generated content is not eligible for copyright protection. However, this doesn't mean the images weren't trained using copyrighted works, which can lead to potential legal issues.

Before utilizing AI-generated images for your business, carefully review the terms and conditions regarding commercial use. Always read the fine print to ensure you're fully informed about any restrictions on these images.

Now, let's dive into the list!

10 Free Stock Image Sites to Fuel Your Creativity

There are many free stock image sites available, offering royalty-free images. However, they differ in aspects such as the size of their image libraries, search functionality, and usability. Here's a list and quick guide to help you navigate these stock image platforms.

1. Unsplash

Unsplash

As of today, Unsplash offers more than 6 millions high-quality, professional images for free use. It's a great choice for visually appealing content, like websites or social media, without worrying about licensing.

Strength: Exceptional quality and variety of images.

Weakness: Limited in niche or overly specific themes like tech or diversity-focused visuals.

2. Pexels

Pexels

Pexels provides an extensive library of free, high-resolution images and videos. The search functionality is intuitive, making it easy for small businesses to find content for social posts or ads.

Strength: Includes videos alongside images for diverse content needs.

Weakness: Some categories might feel less unique due to high usage.

3. Pixabay

Pixabay

Pixabay offers free images, videos, music, and illustrations, making it versatile for small businesses creating multimedia content.

Strength: Wide range of media types in one platform.

Weakness: Quality can be inconsistent across its extensive collection.

4. Burst (by Shopify)

Burst

Designed for entrepreneurs, Burst specializes in business-centric visuals, from products to workplace culture, making it ideal for small businesses.

Strength: Tailored categories like e-commerce and branding.

Weakness: Smaller collection compared to general platforms like Unsplash.

5. Canva

Canva

Canva combines a stock library with a user-friendly design tool, enabling small businesses to create marketing materials quickly.

Strength: Integrated design features for social media posts, ads, and presentations.

Weakness: Free images are limited unless paired with a premium subscription.

6. Kaboompics

Kaboompics

Known for its trendy and cohesive visuals, Kaboompics excels for lifestyle and interior-focused businesses like cafes or fashion stores.

Strength: Color palette search option for brand consistency.

Weakness: Smaller collection compared to mainstream platforms.

7. Gratisography

Gratisography

This platform offers quirky, creative images for businesses looking to stand out. Ideal for adding personality to marketing campaigns.

Strength: Unique and humorous visuals for attention-grabbing posts.

Weakness: Limited collection, not suited for traditional or corporate branding.

8. Vecteezy

Vecteezy

Vecteezy is perfect for small businesses needing vector graphics and illustrations for logos, infographics, or advertisements.

Strength: Extensive library of customizable vector graphics.

Weakness: Some of the best features require a premium subscription.

9. Life of Pix

Life of Pix

High-resolution, artistic photos contributed by photographers, ideal for creating a professional and polished brand image.

Strength: Free, high-quality images perfect for website banners.

Weakness: Smaller collection with less frequent updates.

10. Picjumbo

Picjumbo

Great for small businesses wanting fresh, lifestyle-focused visuals. Categories like food and tech work well for blogs or social ads.

Strength: High-quality photos regularly updated.

Weakness: Advanced features and collections require a premium plan.

Simplify Your Workflow with a Social Media Management App

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

High-quality visuals are essential for engaging your audience and effectively communicating your brand story. With free stock image sites, creating stunning content has never been easier.

However, managing content creation, sourcing visuals, and scheduling posts can feel overwhelming for small business owners. That’s where a social media management app like AI-powered Hookle steps in to help.

Hookle's AI Image suggestion feature finds the perfect image for your post with just a click

With Hookle’s integration with Unsplash, you can easily discover and use high-quality photos for your posts, without worrying about copyright or licensing issues. Even better, Hookle’s AI image suggestion feature finds the perfect image for your post with just a click, streamlining your creative process.

Beyond visuals, Hookle provides tools for post scheduling, content suggestions, and in-app insights to keep you organized and consistent across platforms - letting you focus on growing your business instead of juggling tasks.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it for yourself! Download Hookle free today and see how it can simplify your social media management!

Photo by Bongkarngraphic via Canva

Shortcuts

• Why You Need a Website Link in Your TikTok Bio

• Who Can Add a Link to Their TikTok Bio?

• How to Add a Link to Your TikTok Bio

• If You Can’t Add a Link to Your TikTok Bio

• 5 Tips for Maximizing Your TikTok Link in Bio

Bonus Tip: Use a Social Media Management App to Ease Workload

Link sharing on social media profiles is always an adventure. Some platforms, like Instagram, make it relatively simple with features such as direct links in Stories and bios. Others, like TikTok, require a bit more effort to connect your audience to your website or other online platforms.

For small business owners and entrepreneurs, mastering these nuances is essential to growing your brand and driving traffic where it matters most.

Link in your TikTok bio is a powerful way to guide your followers to explore content beyond the app

Adding a link to your TikTok bio may seem fiddly, but it’s a powerful way to guide your followers to explore your products, services, or content beyond the app. From online stores to booking pages, a clickable bio link turns casual scrollers into engaged visitors.

However, not everyone can immediately access this feature, and navigating TikTok’s requirements can be confusing. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to add a link to your TikTok bio, what to do if you’re ineligible, and tips for making the most of your bio link.

Why You Need a Website Link in Your TikTok Bio

Profile by Chicago Auto Pros on TikTok

Just like the car wash service Chicago Auto Pros, which has included a link in its TikTok bio above the profile, the importance of this feature is undeniable. A link in your TikTok bio serves as a gateway to your broader online presence.

Here’s why it’s a must-have:

• Drive Traffic: Direct your audience to your website, product pages, or other key platforms.

• Boost Sales: TikTok’s visual content is perfect for showcasing products. A bio link allows users to shop or get more information directly.

• Grow Your Email List: Encourage followers to join your mailing list for updates or exclusive offers.

• Enhance Credibility: A professional link reassures your audience of your authenticity and adds a layer of trust.

Whether you’re a retailer, content creator, or service provider, this small addition can significantly enhance your TikTok marketing efforts.

Who Can Add a Link to Their TikTok Bio?

Photo by vkstudio via Canva

Not everyone can immediately add a clickable link to their TikTok bio, which can feel frustrating at first. TikTok has set certain requirements for this feature, but with a bit of effort, you should be able to meet them.

Key requirements:

• Business Accounts: Only TikTok Business accounts can add clickable links. Personal accounts are restricted to plain text links.

• Followers Threshold: In some regions, you may need a minimum number of followers, such as 1,000, to enable the feature.

• Age Restriction: Users must be at least 18 years old.

If your account doesn’t meet these criteria, you might not see the option to add a link. Don’t worry - there are alternative ways to guide your audience, which we’ll cover below.

How to Add a Link to Your TikTok Bio

Add a link to TikTok

Adding a clickable link to your TikTok bio is straightforward, especially with TikTok’s built-in prompts to guide you. If you don’t already have a Business Account, TikTok will ask you to switch when you attempt to add a link, so you won’t need to do this step separately.

Here’s how it works:

1. Switch to a Business Account (if you haven't done it yet)

   • Go to your profile and tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.

   • Navigate to Settings and Privacy > Manage Account > Switch to Business Account.

   • Follow the prompts to complete the switch.

2. Add the Link

   • After switching, return to your profile and tap Edit Profile.

   • Look for the Website field and enter your desired URL.

   • Save your changes, and the clickable link will appear in your bio, connecting viewers directly to your website or key resources.

   
   

With this process, TikTok ensures adding a link is smooth and simple, even if you need to switch to a Business Account.

If You Can’t Add a Link to Your TikTok Bio

Profile by moysesstevens on TikTok

If you’re unable to add a clickable link, there are still ways to guide your followers to your website or other platforms. Just like the London florist Moyses Stevens, who has included a plain text link in their TikTok bio above their profile, this is one clever workaround.

Some ideas:

1. Use a Plain Text URL: Add your website link in your bio text. While it won’t be clickable, users can copy and paste it into their browser.

2. Leverage Video Content:Include your link as text in your videos or captions. Encourage viewers to visit the link by highlighting its benefits.

3. Create a QR Code:Generate a QR code for your website and display it in your videos. This allows viewers to scan it directly with their phones.

4. Encourage Direct Messages (DMs):Invite followers to DM you for the link. It’s a bit more manual but can foster deeper engagement.

5. Grow Your Account:If you’re missing eligibility requirements like follower count, focus on growing your audience by consistently posting engaging content.

   
   

5 Tips for Maximizing Your TikTok Link in Bio

Profile by Dallas the Dentist on TikTok

Once you’ve added a link, make sure it works as effectively as possible for your business. A great example shown in the picture above is Dallas the Dentist, who links her Linktree page to her profile to maximize its potential.

Useful tips:

1. Use a Link-in-Bio Tool: Instead of linking to a single page, use tools like Linktree to create a landing page with multiple links.

2. Keep It Relevant: Update your bio link regularly to reflect your latest campaigns, promotions, or offerings.

3. Promote It Actively: Mention the link in your videos and captions to remind viewers to check it out.

4. Add a Call-to-Action (CTA): Pair your link with a compelling CTA like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Get the Deal.”

5. Test the Link:Ensure the link is functional and optimized for mobile users since most TikTokers browse on their phones.

   
   

Use a Social Media Management App to Ease Workload

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Adding a link to your TikTok bio is a simple yet powerful way to connect your audience with your business. Whether you’re eligible for a clickable link or need to use creative alternatives, the tips above will help you make the most of this feature.

However, managing your TikTok, posting schedule, and other social platforms can quickly become overwhelming. This is where a social media management app like Hookle can make a difference.

Hookle simplifies your workload by allowing you to schedule and publish TikTok posts alongside other platforms

AI-powered Hookle simplifies your workload by allowing you to schedule and publish TikTok posts alongside other platforms, track engagement and performance from one easy-to-use dashboard, and access smart content suggestions to keep your ideas flowing. By streamlining your social media efforts, Hookle frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself. Download Hookle for free today and discover the easiest way to manage and grow your TikTok presence!

Photo by Tero Vesalainen via Canva

Shortcuts

• Instagram Account Types (Personal, Creator, Business)

• What’s the Difference Between Business and Creator Accounts?

• How to Choose the Right Instagram Account Type

• How to Change Your Account Type on Instagram

Bonus Tip: Simplify Instagram Management with a Scheduling Tool

Instagram is an essential platform for small business owners, packed with tools to connect with audiences and grow your brand. However, with its ever-expanding features, navigating Instagram can feel overwhelming.

Instagram offers three account types - Personal, Business, and Creator

One of the first steps to success is choosing the right account type for your business and goals. Instagram offers three options - Personal, Business, and Creator - each with unique features.

Let’s break down the differences in this quick guide to help you choose the best fit for your needs and streamline your overall Instagram management.

Instagram Account Types

As mentioned, there are three account types: Personal, Business, and Creator. Business and Creator accounts are often grouped together as Professional accounts. All account types are free. Let’s go over them next.

1. Personal Instagram Account: Best for Casual Use

A Personal Instagram account is ideal for sharing personal updates, travel photos, or hobbies with friends and family. When you set up Instagram for the first time, it defaults to a Personal account. It’s also the only account type that can be made private.

Pros:

• Easy to set up and use.

• Access to Instagram’s basic features like Stories, Reels, and posts.

Cons:

• No access to performance analytics or audience insights.

• Limited tools for business growth - no ad management or in-app shopping features.

Best For: Individuals not using Instagram for business purposes and who value privacy and prefer not to use the platform for professional or promotional purposes.

2. Business Instagram Account: Built for Brands

A Business Instagram account is designed for businesses of all sizes, making it an excellent choice for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It offers features to help brands market their products, engage with their audience, and measure performance effectively.

Features and Benefits:

• Analytics (Insights): Track performance metrics like reach, engagement, and audience demographics.

• Contact Options: Add “Contact,” “Call,” or “Email” buttons to your profile.

• Shopping Features: Use Instagram Shopping to tag products in posts and Stories.

• Ad Management: Run and manage Instagram ad campaigns.

Best For: Small business owners aiming to increase visibility, engage with customers, and sell products or services.

3. Creator Instagram Account: Ideal for Influencers

A Creator Instagram account is tailored for influencers, public figures, and content creators focused on personal branding and collaborations.

Features and Benefits:

• Advanced Messaging: Categorize direct messages into Primary, General, and Requests.

• Content Insights: Access tools designed to analyze engagement and follower growth.

• Music Library: Unlike Business, Creator has access to full music library

• Collaboration Tools: Manage partnerships and sponsored posts.

Best For: Entrepreneurs or creators prioritizing personal branding, partnerships, or influencer marketing.

What’s the Difference Between Business and Creator Accounts?

The difference between the two Instagram professional account types is minimal. As of now, the main distinction lies in the music available for your posts, stories, and reels. While both Business and Creator accounts offer many shared features, their primary focus is what sets them apart.

The main difference:

• Business Account: Designed for companies that sell products or services, offering features like Instagram Shopping, ad tools, and contact buttons. A business account will only be able to use commercially available audio.

• Creator Account: Geared toward individuals building a personal brand, with tools for audience growth and managing collaborations. A creator account will have access to the full music library.

For most small businesses, a Business account is the best choice due to its robust marketing tools.

How to Choose the Right Instagram Account Type

Selecting the account type that best fits to you depends on your goals.

Main consideration of the goals:

1. Selling products/services or running a local business? Choose a Business account.

2. Creating content or managing collaborations? Opt for a Creator account.

3. Using Instagram casually or testing the waters? Stick with a Personal account for now. If you’re planning to start a business, you can easily switch to a Business account when ready.

   
   

Remember, you can always switch account types anytime as your needs evolve.

How to Change Your Account Type on Instagram

Switching your Instagram account type is simple and free, and you can move between account types at any time. Please note that the steps below may vary slightly depending on your phone's operating system (Android or iOS) and model.

To switch the account type:

1. Open Instagram and go to your Profile and tap the Menu icon (three lines).

2. Depending on the account type you currently have, select Business Tools and Controls, Creator Tools and Controls or Account Types and Tools.

3. Then switch the desired account type (Personal, Business, or Creator).

   
   

Tip: If you're using or planning to use scheduling tools, they typically allow you to switch your account type during the Instagram setup process. Let's talk about that next ;-)

Simplify Instagram Management with a Scheduling Tool

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Managing an Instagram account, regardless of its type, can be time-consuming. Fortunately, social media scheduling apps streamline the process, making it easier to plan, manage, and publish content efficiently.

While your Instagram account type determines the features available, effective content management often requires robust scheduling tools. Personal accounts face significant limitations with third-party apps, so opting for a Professional account (Business or Creator) is ideal for seamless post management and publishing.

Effective Instagram content management often requires robust scheduling tools

Previously, connecting a Facebook page to Instagram - a complex process - was required for smooth scheduling. However, Instagram has since improved its integration, and tools like Hookle now offer streamlined Instagram management without requiring Facebook.

Hookle’s AI-powered platform lets you manage all your social media channels from a single dashboard. Features like smart scheduling optimize posting times, while the content calendar helps you plan and oversee posts across platforms with ease.

Don’t just take our word for it - try Hookle for free today and simplify your Instagram management!

Photo by Hookle

Shortcuts

• The Struggle of Managing Instagram Through Third-Party Apps

• Why Instagram is Essential for Small Businesses

• Can You Schedule Instagram Posts Without Facebook? Yes You Can!

• A New, Simplified Instagram Scheduling (No Facebook Needed)

• How Hookle Helps You Manage Instagram with Ease

At Hookle, our social media management app is dedicated to helping small business owners succeed with their social media strategies. This blog post highlights one of the most common challenges they face when managing Instagram with third-party apps – and how Hookle can help.

It might seem surrealistic to even have to address this topic; one would expect the setup and publishing process for third-party apps to be simple and seamless for one of the world’s most popular social platforms. However, it has actually been quite a struggle - for users, developers, and even Instagram itself.

Recognizing these challenges, Instagram has now improved its process, allowing third-party apps to offer a much better experience.

The Struggle of Managing Instagram Through Third-Party Apps

Photo by MART PRODUCTION via Canva

Over the years, small businesses have faced significant challenges in setting up and reliably managing Instagram through third-party apps.

Scheduling to Instagram without Facebook was either impossible or relied on reminders. At the scheduled time, users would receive a notification and still need to manually publish the post - defeating the very purpose of scheduling.

Instagram setup required Facebook linking or scheduling reminders, leading to complexity and post failures

Instagram’s setup process also required linking with Facebook, adding unnecessary complexity to an already time-consuming task. This often led to failed posts and a disjointed social media experience, especially for businesses choosing not to maintain a Facebook presence.

While social media management apps simplify managing multiple channels, Instagram’s reliance on Facebook for linking and authentication created additional hurdles. Many have struggled with scheduling, managing multiple accounts, and ensuring successful postings, making it harder to fully leverage Instagram for their business needs.

Why Instagram is Essential for Small Businesses

Photo by max-kegfire via Canva

Instagram has 2 billion monthly active users as of 2024 and become a vital platform for businesses to engage with customers, showcase products, and build brand identity.

Research shows that 70% of small businesses find Instagram effective for customer engagement and brand awareness. In fact, more than 40% of all customers' accounts connected to Hookle are Instagram, emphasizing its importance in social media management for small businesses.

70% of small businesses find Instagram effective for customer engagement and brand awareness

For small business owners, a streamlined social media management app can be a game-changer. It saves time, keeps them organized, and lets them focus on creating high-quality content instead of dealing with tedious setups, reconnecting expired accounts, or retrying failed posts.

This is where Hookle’s simplified Instagram management truly stands out.

Can You Schedule Instagram Posts Without Facebook? Yes You Can!

Photo by PeopleImages via Canva

Absolutely yes! And we’re not talking about scheduling posts with reminders or extra steps. This is real scheduling - your posts are automatically published at the scheduled time without any manual effort, just as it should be.

Absolutely yes!

Hookle is proud to be among the first social media management apps to offer this streamlined experience. Let’s dive deeper into how it works in the next chapter.

A New, Simplified Instagram Scheduling (No Facebook Needed)

Simplified Instagram Setup by Hookle

Instagram scheduling is now much simpler and no longer requires a Facebook connection or authentication. Simply connect your Instagram account, schedule your posts, and they’ll be published automatically as intended.

Now, businesses can seamlessly use Instagram with third-party apps - no Facebook or reminders needed

Now, businesses can connect directly to Instagram with just a few clicks - no Facebook or reminders needed. The setup is simpler, publishing is more reliable, and small business owners can focus on what matters most: creating and scheduling engaging content, knowing their posts will publish as planned.

How Hookle Helps You Manage Instagram with Ease

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

If you’re ready to simplify your Instagram scheduling and streamline your social media management, Hookle is here to help. By providing an easy Instagram scheduling without Facebook, Hookle saves you time, helps ensure posting reliability, and removes the headaches that were previously associated with managing Instagram through third-party apps.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself. Download Hookle for free today and discover the easiest way to manage and grow your Instagram presence!

Photo by Katsiaryna via Canva

Shortcuts

• Why Scheduling Your TikTok Posts Is Beneficial

• Schedule TikTok Posts on Desktop

• Schedule TikTok Posts on Mobile

• Tips for Scheduling TikTok Posts

• Save Time and Simplify Scheduling with AI

As TikTok continues to rise in popularity, small business owners are increasingly using the platform to connect with audiences in creative and engaging ways.

With over 1 billion active users globally, TikTok offers a vast opportunity for reaching new customers, especially since 73% of people say they feel a deeper connection to brands they interact with on social media platforms like TikTok.

Scheduling TikTok posts ahead of time can help small business owners save time

However, keeping up with a regular posting schedule can be challenging, especially when juggling other responsibilities. Scheduling TikTok posts ahead of time can help small business owners save time, maintain consistency, and improve engagement.

Why Scheduling Your TikTok Posts Is Beneficial

Photo by matdesign24 via Canva

Consistency is key to social media success. Posting regularly ensures that your brand stays top-of-mind for followers, but finding time to post daily can be a challenge. Scheduling posts allows you to batch content creation and plan ahead, giving you more time to focus on other areas of your business.

Here are some key benefits:

1. Time Management: By scheduling posts, you can set aside dedicated time for creating content instead of scrambling to post something every day.

2. Consistency: Regular posting builds trust with your audience and boosts visibility in TikTok's algorithm.

3. Reach Peak Times: Scheduling tools allow you to post at times when your audience is most active, even if it doesn’t align with your personal schedule.

4. Reduced Stress: With posts pre-scheduled, you can enjoy a well-deserved break without worrying about maintaining an active presence.

   
   

In this guide, we’ll walk you through easy ways to schedule TikTok posts on both desktop and mobile, providing a step-by-step breakdown that small business owners can easily follow.

Schedule TikTok Posts on Desktop

Scheduling with TikTok desktop app

Currently, you can’t schedule TikTok posts via the TikTok mobile app. You’ll need to log in to your TikTok account via a web browser to do any scheduling.

Using desktop tools to schedule TikTok posts can help streamline your content management, especially when paired with other social media tasks you might handle on your computer. TikTok offers a native scheduling feature for business accounts through its desktop platform.

Follow these steps to schedule:

1. Log into TikTok for Web: Go to the TikTok website and log into your business account.

2. Upload Content: Click on the upload button, then select the video you want to schedule from your computer.

3. Edit and Schedule: Add your caption, hashtags, and any other settings, such as privacy. Then, click “Schedule video.”

4. Set the Date and Time: Choose the date and time you’d like the video to be posted. TikTok allows you to schedule up to 30 days in advance.

Using TikTok’s desktop platform can be a good choice if you’re working on multiple devices or if you create and edit videos on your computer.

Schedule TikTok Posts on Mobile

Scheduling with Hookle Mobile App

For busy entrepreneurs, managing a TikTok schedule on the go is essential. As said before, you can’t schedule TikTok posts via the TikTok mobile app. Fortunately, several third-party scheduling apps make it easy to plan and automate posts right from your mobile device.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to scheduling TikTok posts on mobile:

1. Download a Scheduling App: Choose a reliable third-party app that supports TikTok, such as Hookle. These apps offer user-friendly mobile interfaces with features for scheduling, analytics, and more.

2. Link Your TikTok Account: Open the app, navigate to the settings, and connect your TikTok account. Most platforms provide a guided, step-by-step setup process.

3. Schedule Your Post: Upload your video, add captions, and select the date and time you’d like it to go live. Many apps send reminders when it’s time to post, helping you stay on track.

Using a mobile scheduling app can be a game-changer for small business owners who need flexible, efficient content management. Most of these apps even allow you to schedule posts across multiple platforms simultaneously, including TikTok, Instagram, and Google My Business.

Tips for Scheduling TikTok Posts

Photo by marrio31 via Canva

Since small business owners are often busy and may forget to publish posts on social media and TikTok, we’ve compiled some simple, practical tips to lighten your workload and help you maximize your TikTok scheduling strategy.

Key Considerations:

• Plan Content Around Trending Hashtags: TikTok thrives on trends, so aligning your posts with trending hashtags can help your content reach a wider audience.

• Batch Content Creation: Set aside a few hours each week to record and edit multiple videos. This approach saves time and ensures you always have content ready to post.

• Cross-Post Across Platforms: While batching content, consider scheduling posts across all your social media platforms, including TikTok, at the same time using scheduling apps like Hookle.

• Experiment with Different Times: Schedule posts at various times of the day to find when your audience is most engaged. Analytics from TikTok or your scheduling app can provide insights into optimal posting times.

• Use Analytics to Track Performance: Monitor your analytics to identify which posts perform best. This will help you understand your audience’s preferences and refine your content strategy

Save Time and Simplify Scheduling with AI

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Scheduling your posts is undoubtedly beneficial, allowing you to automate and streamline your workload effectively. For small business owners, scheduling TikTok posts is a practical solution for staying active on social media without feeling overwhelmed. Whether using TikTok’s native scheduler or third-party tools like Hookle, you can simplify your content strategy and establish a strong, steady presence on this rapidly growing platform.

AI-powered scheduling tools like Hookle take things a step further, making the process even smoother and more engaging. Hookle provides a unique, user-friendly solution tailored for small business owners, with smart scheduling features that allow you to manage TikTok and other social platforms in one place.

But don’t just take our word for it - experience the difference yourself! Download Hookle for free to effortlessly manage your TikTok posts and streamline your entire social media strategy today!

Photo by marekuliasz via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Identify Your Competitors

2. Analyze Their Social and Google Profiles

3. Evaluate Their Audience

4. Monitor Their Paid Advertising Strategy

5. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

6. Adapt Your Strategy

Bonus Tip : Save Time with AI-Powered Social Media Management Apps

As a small business owner, keeping tabs on your competitors is crucial for understanding market trends, identifying gaps in your strategy, and uncovering new opportunities for growth. Social media competitor analysis, in particular, can provide valuable insights into your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to adapt and enhance your own social media strategy.

In fact, a study by HubSpot shows that 56% of marketers are actively using competitive analysis to improve their own marketing efforts, which demonstrates how valuable it is for businesses of all sizes to understand the competitive landscape on social platforms.

Competitor analysis improves your own marketing efforts

For busy entrepreneurs, competitor analysis might feel overwhelming or like something they don’t have time to learn. That’s why we’ve created this guide to make the process as simple as possible. We’ll break down straightforward steps and simple tools for conducting social media competitor analysis, specifically tailored for small business owners.

These steps will help you assess how your competitors are performing on social platforms and use those insights to refine your own strategy.

What is Competitor Analysis?

Photo by Giulio Fornasar via Canva

Competitor analysis involves identifying and evaluating rivals in your market or neighborhood. By understanding their strengths and weaknesses, you can discover effective ways to connect with your target audience, learn from their successes, and avoid similar mistakes.

A social media competitor analysis will help you:

• Identify who your competitors are on social media

• Discover which social media platforms and Google Business Profile they’re using

• Understand how they’re using those platforms and profiles

• Evaluate the effectiveness of their social and content strategies

• Benchmark your own social results against competitors

• Recognize potential social threats to your business

• Uncover gaps in your own social presence

For small businesses, this type of analysis is invaluable in building a competitive edge without the need for extensive market research. It requires only a bit of time and focused attention, making it accessible even for teams with limited resources.

Competitor Analysis Tools

Google Alerts Profile

To simplify and enhance your social media competitor analysis, there are several tools available that provide valuable insights into your competitors’ strategies. While there are plenty of paid tools on the market, we’ve highlighted a few free options here that are ideal for small businesses just getting started.

1. Facebook Ad Library:

   • Cost: Free

   • Best For: Monitoring competitors’ Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns.

   • Features: Facebook Ad Library allows you to view any active ads that your competitors are running on Facebook and Instagram. You can search by business name and view details like ad types, visuals, and messaging. This tool is perfect for seeing what types of campaigns resonate with audiences.

2. Social Blade

   • Cost: Free, with paid plans available

   • Best For: Tracking follower growth and engagement metrics on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

   • Features: Social Blade provides insights into a competitor’s follower growth, engagement rate, and performance trends. The platform offers easy-to-read data, making it simple to monitor changes in your competitors’ social presence over time.

3. Google Alerts

   • Cost: Free

   • Best For: Receiving updates on competitors’ mentions across the web.

   • Features: Google Alerts is a very simple tool, which lets you set up alerts for specific keywords or brand names. When your competitor is mentioned in news articles, blogs, or forums, you’ll receive a notification. This tool helps you keep an eye on competitors’ PR and online mentions without needing to visit multiple sites.

4. Google Business Profile

   • Cost: Free

   • Best For: Checking competitors in your neighborhood for local businesses.

   • Features: Google Business Profile lets you view competitors’ business information, including customer reviews, photos, hours, and popular times. This tool is particularly valuable for local businesses aiming to attract nearby customers. Make sure your own profile is up-to-date, with a strong rating (ideally higher than competitors in your area), and fully optimized to stand out in local search results.

These tools provide a mix of social media tracking, content analysis, and engagement insights, making it easier for small business owners to perform competitor analysis without investing heavily in complex software.

Step 1: Identify Your Competitors

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The first step in any competitor analysis is identifying who your competitors are. This isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, especially for small businesses. Competitors could range from direct competitors (those offering the same products or services) to indirect competitors (those targeting the same customer base with a different offering).

Here’s how you can pinpoint your competitors:

• Check your industry: Look at businesses in your immediate field. If you sell handmade candles, your competitors will be other small candle makers.

• Use social media: Search for relevant hashtags or keywords in your industry to find brands that are active on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

• Look at location: Local competitors are just as important, especially if you have a brick-and-mortar store. Check what nearby businesses are doing on social media and how they present themselves on Google Business Profiles. For example, if you own a restaurant, type "restaurants" into Google Maps to view competitors’ profiles in your area.

  
  

Once you've identified your competitors, create a list of the top 3 to 5 that are most similar to your business. This will allow you to focus your efforts and prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by too much information.

Step 2: Analyze Their Social and Google Profiles

Google Business Profiles of Sa Sa Sushi

With your competitors selected, it’s time to dive into their social media and Google profiles. For example, if you own a sushi restaurant in Dallas, you can gather a lot of valuable information by simply searching for sushi restaurants in your area on Google, as shown above.

By clicking on their Google Business Profiles, like Sa Sa Sushi's above, you'll gain access to business details, social media links, and other valuable insights into how they present themselves online.

Take note of the following key aspects:

• Content themes and topics: What types of posts do they share most often? Are they focusing on product promotions, behind-the-scenes content, or user-generated content?

• Post frequency: How often do they post? Consistent posting can be a key indicator of engagement and audience-building.

• Visual identity: How do they design their posts? Pay attention to their use of colors, fonts, and overall aesthetic.

• Brand voice: Does their tone sound professional, casual, humorous, or something else? How does it resonate with their audience?

• Engagement rates: Check the level of engagement (likes, comments, shares) on their posts. A high engagement rate means their content is resonating well with their audience.

• Google Business Profile: Check your competitors’ business information, including customer reviews, photos, hours, and popular times. Reviews are particularly valuable as they are publicly available, offering insights that you can leverage to improve your own marketing and customer engagement.

This analysis helps you understand what’s working for your competitors and what might be missing from your own strategy. If a competitor’s content is generating high engagement, try to understand why: is it their timing, their messaging, or their use of visuals?

Step 3: Evaluate Their Audience

Sa Sa Sushi profile on Instagram

Again, Sa Sa Sushi, as mentioned earlier, is a great example of how easily you can gather insights from a restaurant’s Instagram profile, as seen above.

Understanding your competitors’ audience is just as important as evaluating their content. Look at their follower count, comments, and interactions to understand who is engaging with their posts and what kind of audience is responding. This insight can help you refine your own strategy to attract a similar, or even better, audience.

Understanding your competitors’ audience is just as important as evaluating their content

While there are tools that can automatically evaluate all this information for you, we believe this approach is the simplest way for entrepreneurs to start. Later on, you can explore more advanced tools, but keep in mind that they require time to set up and can often be expensive.

Some helpful questions to consider:

• Who follows them? Are their followers businesses, influencers, or everyday consumers? How do these followers align with your target market?

• What’s the audience engagement like? Are followers commenting, sharing, and interacting regularly? This indicates an active and interested audience.

• What are they talking about? Dive into the comments section to see what kinds of conversations are happening. Are customers discussing pain points or requesting specific products or services?

By analyzing your competitors’ audience, you can gain insights into their target market and tailor your content to better serve that group. It also helps you spot opportunities to engage with customers that your competitors might be missing.

Step 4: Monitor Their Paid Advertising Strategy

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Paid social media ads are an essential part of many businesses' strategies, and they can reveal a lot about a competitor’s goals and target audience. While you can’t always see exactly how much your competitors are spending on ads, there are tools available (such as Facebook Ad Library free or AdEspresso) that let you view active ads on Facebook and Instagram.

Look for:

• Ad formats: Are they using carousel ads, video ads, or simple image ads?

• Targeting: What type of messaging do they use? Who do they seem to be targeting (age, interests, location)?

• Call-to-action (CTA): What action do their ads encourage followers to take? Is it to buy a product, sign up for a newsletter, or visit their website?

Understanding how your competitors are using paid ads will give you a better idea of what types of ads you should be experimenting with. Plus, it can help you identify gaps in the market where your business can step in with a unique approach.

Step 5: Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

Photo by Orla via Canva

Now that you’ve gathered all this data, it’s time to assess your competitors' strengths and weaknesses.

This is where the real insights come in:

• Strengths: What are your competitors excelling at? Perhaps they have a particularly engaging Instagram feed, or they are exceptionally good at responding to comments.

• Weaknesses: Where are they lacking? Are they inconsistent with posting, or do they have a low engagement rate? Are they not responding to customer inquiries?

Understanding these strengths and weaknesses allows you to build on your own strengths and address areas where your competitors may be faltering. For example, if a competitor has a poorly designed website that customers complain about, you can position your business as the more customer-friendly option.

Step 6: Adapt Your Strategy

Blog post highlighted on Hookle's channels

Hookle published a blog post (after evaluating competitors' blogs and socials) and highlighted it not only on social media but also across other channels, including Google Business Profile and their newsletter, as seen above.

Just like Hookle, use the insights you’ve gathered to adapt and improve your own social media strategy.

This could involve:

• Content changes: Maybe you’ve noticed that your competitors’ followers love video content, and you’ve been focusing mostly on photos. Now’s the time to experiment with more videos.

• Engagement tactics: If competitors are responding quickly to comments and direct messages, you might want to step up your customer service game on social media.

• Content scheduling: If your competitors post at certain times and generate a lot of engagement, consider testing those times for your own posts.

• Post updates to Google: Publish updates to your Google Profile frequently, as it's free and keeps your profile fresh. Your latest update is always visible on your Google Profile storefront. And the best part is, you can schedule these updates just like any other social media posts, using management apps (which we’ll discuss next).

Save Time with AI-Powered Social Media Management Apps

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Conducting social media competitor analysis can be time-consuming, but with the right tactics, approach, and tools, you can significantly streamline the process. However, publishing content across multiple social channels and Google Profiles might feel daunting. This is where AI-powered scheduling apps like Hookle come in handy.

Hookle offers AI-powered features that help automate content creation, ideation, analysis, and scheduling. With Hookle, you can schedule posts across multiple platforms, including Google Profiles, and receive smart content suggestions based on your business goals. This allows you to save time while keeping your strategy sharp and aligned with market trends.

By following these simple steps for social media competitor analysis, small business owners can gain valuable insights that will improve their marketing strategies and ultimately drive business growth.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself. Download Hookle for free today and take the first step toward simplifying your social media management while gaining actionable insights into your competitors' strategies!

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Shortcuts

1. Why Instagram Stories Matter for Small Businesses

2. The Ideal Number of Stories to Post

3. Tips for Posting Instagram Stories as a Small Business

4. How to Avoid Overwhelming Your Audience

5. Examples of Effective Story Strategies

6. Ease Your Workload by Scheduling Your Stories

With Instagram Stories becoming one of the most effective tools for brands to engage their audience, small business owners are often left wondering: How many Stories should I post to achieve the best results? 

According to research by Hootsuite, Instagram Stories generate a 38% higher reach than regular posts, highlighting the power of this feature for businesses aiming to connect more personally with their followers.

For small business owners, this means carefully strategizing Story frequency to boost engagement without overwhelming their audience.

Are you still a newbie with Instagram Stories? If so, you may also find our other blog post, Beginner's Quick Guide to Instagram Stories, helpful.

1. Why Instagram Stories Matter for Small Businesses

Profile by thehoneybshop on Instagram

Instagram Stories offer a unique way to create personal, real-time connections with followers. TheHoneyBShop, an entrepreneur offering stationery and stickers, posts stories multiple times a day. Above, you can also see their story highlights on their profile, which provide insight into an effective story strategy.

Stories provide an opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality

Stories provide an opportunity to showcase your brand’s personality, highlight behind-the-scenes content, promote limited-time offers, or simply interact directly with your audience through polls and Q&A sessions.

Because Stories disappear after 24 hours, they encourage viewers to stay engaged and check back frequently, creating a sense of urgency and anticipation.

2. The Ideal Number of Stories to Post

Photo by baona via Canva

For small business owners juggling many tasks, posting up to 10 Stories a day may sound overwhelming and unnecessary. The good news? You don’t need to post that often to keep your audience engaged! While creators and larger brands may see benefits from higher Story volumes, small business owners can achieve great results with a more manageable approach.

Generally, posting 3–5 Stories at a time, even just a few times per week, is a solid strategy that maintains consistency without overwhelming your schedule. For many small businesses, the key lies in posting systematically and consistently, rather than in high volume. Regular, well-spaced Stories - whether a few each day or a handful each week - keep your brand present in followers’ feeds and build familiarity over time.

Here’s a sample breakdown based on different content needs and time availability:

• High Engagement: Post 3–5 Stories daily, focusing on a mix of interactive content (polls, questions, and product spotlights) to keep viewers engaged.

• Moderate Schedule: Post 3–5 Stories three times a week. This approach is ideal for business owners who want to stay visible without daily posting demands. Choose specific days and times when your audience is most active to maximize engagement.

• Low-Frequency Consistency: Post 1–3 Stories once or twice a week. If you’re just starting or have limited time, this frequency still lets you stay present on Instagram. Make sure your Stories provide value, such as helpful tips, sneak peeks, or updates.

Ultimately, the best posting frequency is one you can maintain consistently over time. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with adding more Stories or introducing themed content to keep your audience engaged.

3. Tips for Posting Instagram Stories as a Small Business

Photo by Hookle

To help you navigate the ideal frequency and content mix, here are some practical tips you can easily adopt for your business.

• Aim for Consistency

  • Consistency is key when it comes to Instagram Stories. Posting regularly helps your brand stay top-of-mind for your audience, building familiarity and engagement over time.

  • Focus on creating a balanced mix of content that reflects your brand values and resonates with your customers' interests. Whether you post daily or just a few times a week, a steady, reliable posting schedule keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them.

• Use the First Few Stories to Hook Your Audience

  • Research indicates that viewers are more likely to exit after the first few Stories if they aren’t immediately engaged. So, make your first Story captivating! This could be a quick behind-the-scenes shot, a question, or a teaser for an upcoming product.

  • Consider starting with eye-catching visuals or videos to increase the chances of viewers sticking around for the rest of your Stories.

• Mix Up Your Content for Maximum Engagement

  • Don’t post the same type of Story every day. Try a combination of product showcases, customer testimonials, user-generated content, and educational tips.

  • Add interactive elements like polls, quizzes, or question stickers to encourage direct engagement. For example, a small bakery might post a “Which flavor should we bake next?” poll, inviting followers to be part of the decision-making process.

• Experiment with Shorter Stories

  • Keeping Stories concise - no longer than 10 seconds per Story - helps retain viewer attention. When you pack too much information into one Story, people may lose interest and swipe away.

  • Use these quick Stories to highlight flash sales, show behind-the-scenes moments, or answer FAQs.

• Schedule Story Themes for Consistency

  • Creating a theme for each day can make it easier to maintain consistency while adding variety. For instance:

    • Monday Motivation: Share an inspiring quote or success story.

    • Tutorial Tuesday: Provide a quick how-to or tip related to your product.

    • Behind-the-Scenes Wednesday: Give your audience a peek behind the curtain.

    • Fun Friday: Share something lighthearted, like a funny anecdote or meme.

  • This approach keeps your followers anticipating specific content while helping you avoid the “What should I post today?” dilemma.

• Leverage Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

  • Use Instagram’s Insights to monitor how your Stories perform, including reach, exits, and taps forward or back. This data can help you determine if you’re posting too much or too little.

  • For instance, if you notice a high exit rate on certain types of Stories, consider reducing similar content or improving its quality to hold your audience’s interest.

  
  

4. How to Avoid Overwhelming Your Audience

Photo by anyaberkut via Canva

Finding the right balance with Instagram Stories is key. Posting too many Stories can lead to viewer fatigue, especially for a small business with a more focused following.

Here are some ways to stay relevant without overwhelming your followers:

• Stick to Your Core Brand Values: Only post Stories that align with your brand. If your business is about organic skincare, for example, focus on sharing ingredient highlights, skincare routines, and customer reviews rather than unrelated content.

• Keep Sales-Driven Content Minimal: While promotional Stories are essential, too many can feel spammy. Limit sales-focused content to once or twice a week and aim to provide value through educational or entertaining content in between.

• Observe Audience Behavior and Adjust: Audience preferences can change over time, so don’t hesitate to test and adjust your frequency or style based on feedback and analytics.

5. Examples of Effective Story Strategies

Story highlights by thehoneybshop on Instagram

Remember, consistency is key! Just like TheHoneyBShop, an entrepreneur we mentioned earlier, who posts stories multiple times a day, as seen above. Their story highlights provide insight into an effective story strategy.

There are many simple tips and tricks you can implement to make your Story strategy more effective.

Here are a few Story examples you can try:

• Product Highlights: Showcase a product’s unique features, share how it’s made, or post reviews from satisfied customers.

• Day in the Life: Take followers through a day in your business, highlighting key operations or interesting details that make your brand stand out.

• Limited-Time Offers: Create a sense of urgency by sharing time-sensitive deals or promotions. Adding a countdown sticker can boost engagement, as followers are more likely to check back.

• Customer Takeover: Let a customer or brand ambassador take over your Stories for the day. This is an excellent way to generate fresh content while adding authenticity to your brand.

6. Ease Your Workload by Scheduling Your Stories

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Maintaining a consistent Story posting schedule can be challenging, especially for small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. That’s where social media management tools like Hookle come in.

With AI-powered Hookle, you can pre-plan and schedule Stories for Instagram and Facebook in advance, streamlining your social media workflow. This ensures your Stories reach your audience at the right times, without the daily pressure of creating new content.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself! Download Hookle for free today and start sharing Stories to engage your audience!

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Shortcuts

1. Define Your Brand Personality

2. Understand Your Audience

3. Create a Brand Voice Guide

4. Practice Consistency Across Platforms

5. Use Engaging and Relatable Language

6. Experiment and Adapt

7. Incorporate Visuals that Match Your Brand Voice

8. Monitor and Gather Feedback

9. Make Use of a Brand Voice Cheat Sheet for Each Platform

Bonus Tip : Lighten Your Load with Social Media Management Apps

In a world saturated with online content, establishing a unique brand voice can be the key to making your small business stand out on social media.

Unique brand voice can be the key to making your small business stand out

According to a study by Sprout Social, 64% of consumers want brands to connect with them, and 55% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a brand with a distinct personality and consistent voice across channels. In other words, building a recognizable brand voice can not only improve your brand’s relatability but also directly impact your bottom line.

Before diving into how to build your brand voice, let’s first explore what it is and why it matters for your business.

What Exactly is a Brand Voice?

Profile by bloomscape on Instagram

Above, Bloomscape, a small business specializing in plant delivery, has established a calming and encouraging voice that reflects its mission of making plant care accessible and enjoyable. Through its posts, Bloomscape’s voice comes across as nurturing and reassuring, addressing common challenges that plant owners face while sharing useful tips for care.

A brand voice is the unique style and personality your brand expresses

A brand voice is the unique style and personality your brand expresses through its content, whether that’s in tweets, newsletters, or TikToks. It’s the distinct flair or tone that makes your audience recognize your brand even before they see your name attached.

Think about some of the brands you follow online – chances are, you could identify their content just by the way it sounds and feels. This consistent personality across platforms is what’s known as a brand voice.

As a small business, developing a voice that resonates deeply with your audience can help you build trust and stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

The Importance of a Brand Voice

A strong brand voice is essential for building a memorable and relatable identity on social media. It helps convey your brand’s personality, values, and mission in a way that resonates with your audience.

A strong brand voice is essential for building a memorable and relatable identity on social media

With a consistent brand voice, your business stands out in a crowded marketplace, building trust and familiarity with potential customers. When your voice is clear and recognizable, followers are more likely to engage with your content, remember your brand, and feel a genuine connection, which can lead to increased loyalty and sales.

Here’s a straightforward guide on developing and defining your brand voice for social media, with practical, easy-to-follow steps tailored for small businesses.

1. Define Your Brand Personality

Photo by vaeenma via Canva

Before diving into the specifics of language and tone, think about the personality you want your brand to convey.

Consider asking yourself these questions:

• What do you want customers to feel when they interact with your brand?

• How would you describe your brand as if it were a person? Friendly, professional, witty, or inspiring?

• What values does your business prioritize?

This foundation will help you create a more genuine connection with your audience. For example, if your brand centers around wellness, a calm and encouraging voice may be more fitting. On the other hand, if you’re a tech startup, an innovative and energetic tone may suit better.

2. Understand Your Audience

Photo by Konstantin Postumitenko via Canva

Your audience plays a crucial role in shaping your brand voice. Dive deep into the demographics, preferences, and pain points of your target customers.

Some key considerations:

• Conduct surveys or polls to learn more about what your audience wants from your brand.

• Use social media analytics to understand what content resonates with them most.

• Audience interaction: Pay attention to how your audience interacts with your posts - do they appreciate humor, or are they more responsive to informative, formal tones?

Creating a voice that aligns with your audience’s expectations will help you build trust and improve engagement.

3. Create a Brand Voice Guide

Photo by LaylaBird via Canva

To keep your brand voice consistent across different platforms, team members, or even marketing campaigns, create a simple brand voice guide.

This document should cover:

• Tone: Outline when your brand should be playful, serious, or empathetic, depending on the context or platform.

• Language and Vocabulary: Identify the types of words your brand should use. Are there specific phrases or jargon that match your brand?

• Examples of Dos and Don’ts: Provide examples of on-brand versus off-brand language to make it easier for anyone managing your social accounts to stay consistent.

This guide can be an essential reference for new team members or agencies you work with, helping them instantly understand and apply your voice to new content.

4. Practice Consistency Across Platforms

Blog post highlighted on Hookle's channels

While each social media platform has unique formats and user expectations, your brand voice should still feel consistent. Above Hookle has published a blog post, and highlighted it not only on social media but also across other channels, including Google Business Profile and their newsletter.

For instance:

• Instagram: Showcase visual storytelling in a friendly, conversational tone, fitting the platform’s casual and image-driven culture.

• LinkedIn: Maintain a more professional, polished tone while still integrating your brand personality.

• TikTok: Embrace the platform’s playfulness if it aligns with your brand, using humor or trends creatively.

Regardless of where you post, consistency builds familiarity and trust. Small shifts in tone are fine, but your brand should be recognizable everywhere it appears.

5. Use Engaging and Relatable Language

Profile by Appsumo on TikTok

Above a great example is AppSumo, whose brand voice combines approachable, down-to-earth language with a touch of humor. Their messaging style is direct, informal, and centered on empowering entrepreneurs through practical advice and useful tools.

Small businesses have the advantage of connecting with their audience in a more personable way. Avoid overly complex terms or jargon, and speak in a language your audience can relate to.

Key tips:

• Use conversational language that feels approachable.

• Add personal touches, like referring to your team by name or sharing behind-the-scenes stories.

• Show empathy - understanding your audience’s challenges and addressing them with compassion is a great way to build rapport.

A relatable and down-to-earth tone helps create a loyal customer base that views your brand as more than just a business.

6. Experiment and Adapt

Photo by designer491 via Canva

Building a brand voice is an ongoing process. Social media trends change, and as a small business, you’ll need to stay agile.

Key tips:

• Test different tones or types of content and monitor engagement metrics to see what resonates best.

• Adjust as you go, based on feedback and audience reactions. What works on one platform or during a specific season may not work in others.

• Embrace new trends that fit your brand but ensure they align with your established voice.

Your brand voice isn’t set in stone. It’s important to adapt while staying true to your brand’s personality.

7. Incorporate Visuals that Match Your Brand Voice

Profile by Oatly on Instagram

Above Oatly, an oat milk company, may no longer be a small business, but it’s a great example - their visuals perfectly align with their brand voice at every level, from marketing and ads to font choices. Your visual style should be an extension of your brand voice.

For example:

• Color Scheme: Choose colors that reflect your brand’s personality. Soft pastels may convey calmness, while bold colors can communicate energy.

• Fonts: Typography can have a subtle yet significant impact. Playful fonts convey friendliness, while serif fonts can appear more formal.

• Imagery and Filters: Select images or graphics that align with your brand’s message. For instance, if your brand is centered around nature, earthy, green-toned visuals may suit your brand.

When your visuals match your brand voice, it strengthens your brand’s identity and makes a lasting impression.

8. Monitor and Gather Feedback

Photo by yuriz via Canva

Listen to what your audience is saying. Monitoring comments, direct messages, and tagged posts is a great way to gauge how your brand voice resonates.

Key tips:

• Engagement Metrics: Look at engagement on different types of posts. If a specific tone or approach is driving higher engagement, consider emphasizing it more.

• Customer Feedback: Customers may give feedback about your brand’s messaging directly or indirectly. Take it as constructive input to fine-tune your voice.

• Surveys and Polls: Don’t hesitate to ask your audience for their opinion on your content style. This can offer valuable insights on what works well and what doesn’t.

9. Make Use of a Brand Voice Cheat Sheet for Each Platform

Photo by Charday Penn via Canva

Each platform has unique demands, so creating a “cheat sheet” for each can simplify the process.

For example:

• Facebook: Friendly and slightly informative, as it’s a platform for both entertainment and education.

• Twitter: Concise, witty, and timely. Twitter thrives on snappy, real-time conversations.

• Pinterest: Inspirational and aspirational, fitting a platform focused on ideas and aesthetics.

• Instagram: Visual and authentic; keep the tone conversational and engaging to foster community and connection.

• Google Business Profile: Professional and straightforward, highlighting key information and customer benefits.

• LinkedIn: Professional yet personable, suited for building authority, sharing expertise, and networking.

• TikTok: Fun, creative, and trend-focused; aim for a lighthearted and engaging tone that captures attention quickly.

Tailoring your tone to each platform while retaining your brand’s core voice ensures a cohesive presence across all channels.

Tip: Some AI-powered social media management apps offer a feature where you can choose the tone for your posts. With tools like Hookle, you can even specify any brand voice or tone you want, and it will create a social post accordingly.

Lighten Your Load with Social Media Management Apps

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Maintaining a consistent and impactful brand voice takes time, especially across multiple platforms. Using a social media management app like Hookle can help small business owners streamline this process.

Hookle allows you to manage all your social media channels from a single dashboard

AI-powered Hookle’s intuitive platform allows you to manage all your social media channels from a single dashboard, making it easier to schedule posts and maintain your brand’s voice consistently. With built-in analytics, you can also monitor what content resonates best, helping you refine your voice over time.

Developing your brand voice on social media may seem daunting at first, but by following these steps and leveraging tools like Hookle, you can build a memorable and relatable presence without overwhelming yourself.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself! Download Hookle for free today and start making your brand’s voice heard!

Photo by kate_sept2004 via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Set Clear Goals for Each Platform

2. Use a Content Calendar

3. Batch-Create Your Content

4. Take Advantage of Scheduling Tools

5. Reuse and Repurpose Content

6. Engage with Your Audience on Each Platform

7. Establish a Consistent Brand Voice and Visual Identity

8. Use Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

Bonus Tip : Use AI-Powered Social Media Management Apps to Save Time

As a small business owner, juggling multiple social media accounts can feel like a full-time job. In fact, a study by SproutSocial indicates that businesses utilizing social media management tools can experience significant improvements, with claims of up to a 30% increase in efficiency and engagement rates.

Whether you're managing Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or LinkedIn, keeping everything organized while delivering consistent, high-quality content is no easy feat.

Benefits of Having Multiple Accounts

Having multiple accounts enables your business to reach a wider audience and create content tailored to specific demographics. Each platform attracts distinct user groups, and managing multiple accounts allows you to connect with each audience in the way that resonates best.

By establishing a presence on multiple channels, you expand brand visibility and drive more traffic

For instance, Instagram’s visual focus is ideal for showcasing products, while LinkedIn positions your brand as an industry thought leader. TikTok, meanwhile, is a great option for brands embracing creative, informal content - it’s a platform where even lower-production videos can perform well and capture attention. By establishing a presence on multiple channels, you expand brand visibility, drive more traffic, and ultimately foster stronger customer relationships.

Additionally, multiple accounts allow you to diversify your content strategy. You can highlight different aspects of your business, like behind-the-scenes insights on Instagram, customer testimonials on Facebook, and industry news on Twitter. This strategic variety keeps followers engaged across platforms, enhancing your chances of turning casual followers into loyal customers.

How Many Accounts Should You Have for Your Business?

While it may be tempting to establish a presence on every social media platform, quality often matters more than quantity. Focus on platforms where your target audience is most active and prioritize those.

Start by selecting the core platforms most relevant to your industry and audience

Start by selecting the core platforms most relevant to your industry and audience. For instance, visually-driven businesses like fashion or food might benefit most from Instagram and Pinterest, while B2B companies may find greater value on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter). Our guide How to Choose the Right Social Channels can serve as a helpful starting point.

As your business grows and you’re ready to expand your social presence, consider adding platforms that align with your evolving goals. The key is to maintain consistent, engaging content. For local businesses, remember to utilize Google Business Profile by sharing updates there alongside your social accounts, helping boost your visibility with a local audience.

Without further ado, here are some actionable tips to streamline the process and help you manage your accounts like a pro.

1. Set Clear Goals for Each Platform

Photo by waewkid via Canva

Every social platform has unique strengths and audiences, so it’s essential to set specific goals for each. For example, Instagram might be where you build brand awareness, while LinkedIn could focus on networking and B2B connections.

Setting platform-specific goals will help you post content that resonates best with the intended audience and prevents a one-size-fits-all approach.

2. Use a Content Calendar

Photo by Hookle

A content calendar can be a lifesaver when managing multiple social media accounts. Not only does it help you plan posts in advance, but it also keeps track of important dates, trends, and campaigns.

You can easily map out a week or month’s worth of content at once, so you’re never scrambling for ideas at the last minute. Tools like Google Calendar or Trello work well for this, or you could try a dedicated social media calendar tool for even more structure.

3. Batch-Create Your Content

Photo by viviamo via Canva

Batch-creating content involves setting aside dedicated blocks of time to produce all of your posts for the week or month. This approach helps keep your message consistent across platforms and reduces the daily pressure of coming up with new ideas.

For example, you might use one day to take photos, another day to write captions, and a third day to schedule everything. Not only does batching improve productivity, but it also allows for more cohesive branding.

4. Take Advantage of Scheduling Tools

Scheduling tool Hookle

Scheduling tools are a must when managing multiple accounts, allowing you to plan and automate posts without the need to log in and post in real-time. This is especially useful for small business owners who have a million other tasks to juggle.

Scheduling tools are a must when managing multiple accounts

Check out our other blog on scheduling tools to find the one that best fits your needs. These tools offer features like cross-platform scheduling, AI assistants, analytics, and content curation, helping you save time and maintain a consistent posting schedule.

5. Reuse and Repurpose Content

Post by Hookle on Instagram

A great example of this is Hookle’s 'Happy Easter Tips,' which links directly to their blog post on the topic, as seen above. Save time by reusing and repurposing content across your social media platforms.

For instance, a well-received blog post could be broken into a series of Instagram posts, turned into an infographic for Pinterest, or summarized in a LinkedIn article. Repurposing content allows you to reach different audiences without needing to create entirely new material from scratch.

6. Engage with Your Audience on Each Platform

Post by Florence Breeze on LInkedIn

Engagement is key to building a loyal audience, so make sure you interact with followers across all your accounts. Florence demonstrates this well by responding to a question, as shown in her post above.

Set aside a few minutes each day to reply to comments, answer direct messages, and engage with other relevant accounts. This small effort makes a big difference in building brand loyalty and fostering a sense of community around your business.

7. Establish a Consistent Brand Voice and Visual Identity

Photo by atakan via Canva

With multiple accounts, consistency is crucial. Develop a clear brand voice and visual style, and apply them across all your platforms to create a cohesive brand experience.

Decide on specific colors, fonts, and tones that reflect your brand, and use these consistently in your posts. Tools like Canva can help you create templates for social media graphics that align with your brand style.

8. Use Analytics to Refine Your Strategy

Analytics by Hookle

Social media analytics are invaluable for measuring your performance across platforms. They allow you to track engagement, audience growth, and top-performing content, so you know what’s working and what’s not.

Analytics help you adjust your content strategy to meet the needs of each platform’s audience

This data helps you adjust your content strategy to meet the needs of each platform’s audience. Most platforms have built-in analytics, but third-party tools like Google Analytics or Hookle’s in-app insights can offer deeper metrics.

Use AI-Powered Social Media Management Apps to Save Time

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Managing multiple social media accounts doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Social media management apps like Hookle can ease the workload by centralizing all your accounts and automating your social tasks in one place.

Management apps centralize all your accounts and automate your social tasks in one place

With AI-powered features like post scheduling, content suggestions, and in-app insights, Hookle helps you stay organized and consistent across platforms, allowing you to focus more on growing your business.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it for yourself! Download Hookle free today and see how it can simplify your social media management!

Photo by WICHAYADA CHUWANNACHUN via Canva

Shortcuts

1. How-To Guides and Step-by-Step Tutorials

2. Customer Success Stories and Testimonials

3. Debunk Myths Using Multi-Images

4. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks

5. Tips and Tricks in Your Niche

6. Storytelling Series

7. Share Images of an Event or Occasion

8. Showcase Your Products or Services

9. Represent your team

Bonus Tip : Schedule Your Multi-Image Posts to Save Time

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, LinkedIn multi-image posts (formerly known as carousel posts) have become a powerful tool for small businesses to share engaging, swipeable content that not only grabs attention but also boosts engagement.

Multi-image posts have become a powerful tool to share content that grabs attention

LinkedIn reports that multi-image posts generate higher engagement compared to standard single-image posts, as they offer a multi-slide format that keeps viewers swiping through valuable insights or stories. A study found that 65% of LinkedIn members say that content quality influences their decision to connect with a business.

So, let’s dive into these LinkedIn multi-image ideas designed to help you connect with your audience and maximize the impact of your small business presence.

Tips for Creating High-Performing Multi-Image Posts

There are some rules of thumb for creating effective multi-image posts. The first image should be the most dominant, while the others should provide supporting information or explanations. Here are some key tips to consider.

• Use Strong Visuals: Multi-image posts perform better with captivating visuals. Use high-quality images, graphics, or branded colors that immediately catch attention.

• Keep Copy Concise: Avoid overcrowding slides with too much text. Aim for short, clear statements that don’t require extensive reading. Viewers tend to swipe quickly, so make your points concise.

• End with a CTA: Invite viewers to take the next step, whether it’s visiting your website, signing up for a newsletter, or trying out your product. A clear call to action on the last slide guides your audience on what to do next.

1. How-To Guides and Step-by-Step Tutorials

Post by 1halla on LinkedIn

Give your audience a step-by-step breakdown of a topic relevant to your industry. These guides help showcase your expertise and simplify complex processes. For example, 1halla has posted a step-by-step guide on installation tips for gypsum board, as seen above.

Similarly, a local bakery might share a post titled “5 Simple Steps to Decorate a Cake,” while a financial advisor could create a guide called “How to Budget in 10 Steps.” Each step should contain a bite-sized tip or instruction that makes it easy to follow along.

Tip: Break down each step into clear, concise instructions with relevant images or graphics. This approach makes it easy for users to swipe through and absorb the information.

2. Customer Success Stories and Testimonials

Post by Supply Care Solutions Agency on LinkedIn

A small business accountant could showcase “3 Businesses We Helped Save on Taxes,” with each slide featuring a short quote and the benefits received by each client. This is exactly how Supply Care Solutions Agency, a recruitment agency, did it on their feed, as shown above.

Sharing testimonials as a multi-image post can be impactful, especially when presented visually. Consider dedicating each slide to a different customer’s journey with your product or service. This format not only provides social proof but also adds a human touch to your brand.

3. Debunk Myths Using Multi-Images

Post by NEERJA SHARMA on LinkedIn

A local gym might post “5 Fitness Myths Debunked,” addressing common misconceptions such as “Lifting weights makes you bulky” or “Cardio is the only way to lose weight.” Above in the picture, entrepreneur Neerja Sharma shared a post debunking myths about skincare products related to sun exposure.

Dispel common industry myths with multi-image posts that educate your audience

Dispel common industry myths with fun, engaging multi-image posts that educate your audience. Myths and misconceptions can create confusion, so by debunking them, you add value and position your brand as an authority.

4. Behind-the-Scenes Sneak Peeks

Post by Behind the Scenes Catering and Events on LinkedIn

Behind the Scenes Catering and Events showcased their catering service with a series of multi-images, as seen in the image above. Similarly, a café owner could create a “From Bean to Cup” series, illustrating each stage of their coffee preparation process, from sourcing beans to the final brew.

People love to see what goes on behind closed doors

People love to see what goes on behind closed doors, so give them a glimpse into your day-to-day operations. Showcasing the inner workings of your business or your team culture is a great way to build a connection with your audience.

5. Tips and Tricks in Your Niche

Post by AMP Talent Group on LinkedIn

A great example above is AMP Talent Group, an agency connecting talents, businesses, and brands, sharing a picture set with advice for people in the entertainment industry.

Similarly, a social media consultant might create “5 Quick Social Media Hacks for Small Businesses.” This type of content builds trust and positions your brand as a go-to resource.

Focus on industry-specific tips that address common challenges

Share practical advice that your audience can put into action immediately. Focus on industry-specific tips that address common challenges your target audience faces.

6. Storytelling Series

Post by Bolton Construction on LinkedIn

Above is a great example of a story shared by Daniel Mallery, a Project Manager at Bolton Construction, showcasing the journey of a construction project from start to finish through multiple images. Similarly, a small fashion boutique might create “The Journey of Our Brand: From Sketch to Storefront,” guiding viewers through each phase of the business journey.

Share the story of your brand, product or the process of launching your business

Share the story of your brand, product or the process of launching your business. Use each slide to highlight a different chapter, from challenges faced to key milestones. This approach helps build emotional connections with your audience, especially if the story is relatable.

7. Share Images of an Event or Occasion

Post by Hookle on LinkedIn

Above, Hookle shared images from a tech event held in London. Highlighting special events or occasions is a powerful way to showcase your brand’s personality and community involvement.

Highlighting special events or occasions is a powerful way to showcase your brand’s personality

Whether it’s a company milestone, community event, or seasonal celebration, sharing photos from these moments gives your audience an inside look. For example, a local bookstore might share images from a recent author event or book signing.

By posting event images, you humanize your brand, celebrate successes, and strengthen connections with your audience through shared experiences.

8. Showcase Your Products or Services

Post by Mutualism on LinkedIn

Mutualism provides a great example by showcasing their services in a multi-image post, as seen above. Similarly, a skincare brand could create a “Must-Have Winter Essentials” post, detailing the benefits of each seasonal product on separate images.

Use a multi-image post to spotlight each of your top products or services, dedicating each slide to one item and highlighting its unique selling points. Including testimonials, if possible, adds further credibility. This format allows followers to swipe through your offerings easily, providing a clear and digestible overview.

9. Represent your team

Post by Mutualism on LinkedIn

Showcasing your team on LinkedIn humanizes your brand and builds trust with your audience. Create a multi-image post featuring each team member, their role, and a fun fact or two about them - just like Mutualism has done above.

Showcasing your team humanizes your brand and builds trust with your audience

This approach adds a personal touch, making your brand feel more relatable and approachable. Whether it’s a small startup or an established business, introducing your team gives followers insight into the people behind the brand, reinforcing authenticity and fostering stronger connections with your audience.

Schedule Your Multi-Image Posts to Save Time

Hookle AI Post Planner

Creating content is just the first step - sharing it consistently is key to building a strong LinkedIn presence. To streamline this process, consider using a social media management app like AI-powered Hookle.

Hookle allows you to easily schedule and manage your multi-image posts across platforms, while also leveraging AI to help you create engaging content. This saves you valuable time and helps you maintain a steady posting schedule, which is especially beneficial for small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities.

Don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself! Download Hookle for free today and start scheduling your LinkedIn posts to boost your business’s reach!

Photo by pocstock via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Optimize Your Company Profile

2. Share Valuable, Engaging Content

3. Encourage Employees to Engage

4. Post Consistently

5. Use LinkedIn’s ‘Invite to Follow’ Feature

6. Engage with Your Followers

7. Join and Participate in LinkedIn Groups

8. Leverage Hashtags Wisely

9. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

Bonus Tip : Use a Social Media Management Apps to Save Time

LinkedIn has become an essential platform for small businesses looking to build networks, gain trust, and attract new clients.

LinkedIn is the leading platform for B2B content distribution

In fact, according to LinkedIn, it’s the leading platform for B2B content distribution, with over 96% of B2B marketers using it to share business-related content. Whether you’re offering specialized services or innovative products, LinkedIn provides the tools to reach a highly professional audience.

To maximize the benefits of this platform, here are easy-to-apply tips specifically tailored to help small business owners grow their LinkedIn following.

1. Optimize Your Company Profile

Profile of Hookle on LinkedIn

Your LinkedIn company profile is your digital storefront. Make sure it’s complete and engaging with these small adjustments.

• Professional Profile Picture and Banner: Use high-quality, professional images for both. A clean, well-designed banner reflecting your brand’s colors can set you apart immediately.

• Relevant Keywords: Include industry keywords in your business description, specialties, and tagline to help people find you in LinkedIn searches.

• Contact Information: Ensure all your contact details are accurate and visible, making it easy for potential clients or followers to reach out.

2. Share Valuable, Engaging Content

Video by OrangeBrush on LinkedIn

The best way to gain followers on LinkedIn is by consistently posting high-value content that addresses your audience’s needs and challenges. This is what OrangeBrush has achieved, as shown in the video post above.

Here’s some key tips on how to do it:

• Educational Posts: Share tips, how-to guides, or quick industry insights relevant to your audience.

• Use Visuals: Posts with images or videos typically perform better on LinkedIn. Short videos that introduce your services or explain a unique business approach can be particularly effective.

3. Encourage Employees to Engage

Post by Heritage Federal Credit Union on LinkedIn

Above is a great example from Heritage Federal Credit Union, which shared a Halloween post featuring employees - making it easy for them to reshare on their own social media channels. Encouraging employees to follow, like, and share your content is one of the simplest ways to expand your LinkedIn reach.

Here’s why it works:

• Employee Advocacy: When employees interact with your posts, LinkedIn’s algorithm amplifies your content to reach their network as well.

• Brand Ambassadors: Employees sharing your content adds credibility and authenticity, showing a more human side to your brand.

4. Post Consistently

Photo by Hookle

Consistency is key to staying visible on LinkedIn. Aim for at least 2-3 posts per week to keep your business top-of-mind.

Some key ideas to consider:

• Plan a Posting Schedule: Try using a social media scheduler to plan your posts in advance. This helps ensure you maintain a steady stream of content without overwhelming yourself.

• Experiment with Times: Posts often perform best during weekday mornings and around lunch, but you can test different times to see when your audience is most engaged.

• Pro Tip: Use AI-powered scheduling tools to determine the optimal time to publish your posts..

5. Use LinkedIn’s ‘Invite to Follow’ Feature

LinkedIn "Invite to follow"

LinkedIn allows page admins to invite their connections to follow the company page. Use this feature sparingly, as LinkedIn limits the number of invites you can send per month.

A few tips:

• Targeted Invites: Be selective and prioritize connections who are likely to benefit from your content or have shown interest in your industry.

• Personalized Invitations: Add a short note when inviting people to increase the chance they’ll follow.

6. Engage with Your Followers

Post by Florence Breeze on LInkedIn

Directly interacting with your followers helps build loyalty and encourages engagement on your posts. Florence demonstrates this well by responding to a question, as shown in her post above.

Key tips:

• Respond to Comments: When someone comments on your posts, reply to them! This shows you value their input and are interested in building a genuine connection.

• Like and Share: Engage with followers’ content as well. A quick like or share on their posts can show that your business is active and interested in community building.

7. Join and Participate in LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn Groups allow you to connect with like-minded professionals and potential followers in your industry.

Some key tips:

• Be Active in Groups: Share advice, join conversations, and answer questions. Focus on being helpful rather than overly promotional.

• Share Group Insights: When appropriate, share insights from LinkedIn Groups on your business page to create engaging, community-centered content.

8. Leverage Hashtags Wisely

Post by Florence Breeze on LInkedIn

The post above by Florence, which we showcased earlier, now highlights how she wisely uses hashtags. Adding relevant hashtags to your posts can help your content reach a broader audience.

Key tips:

• Use 3-5 Hashtags: Select hashtags relevant to your industry, such as #SmallBusinessTips, #LinkedInMarketing, or #Entrepreneurship.

• Follow Industry Hashtags: Follow trending hashtags in your industry to stay updated and find inspiration for new content ideas.

9. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

Photo by relif via Canva

Networking with other businesses or influencers can boost your following. Look for local partnerships or online collaborations.

Some ideas to consider:

• Co-Host a Webinar or Workshop: Partnering on a small event can attract mutual followers and strengthen your credibility.

• Cross-Promote on LinkedIn: Tagging each other in LinkedIn posts or sharing collaborative content can drive new followers to your page.

Use a Social Media Management Apps to Save Time

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Building a following on LinkedIn requires consistency and strategic posting, which can be time-consuming, especially for small businesses with limited resources. This is where management tools like AI-powered Hookle come in handy.

Hookle allows you to schedule posts, generate endless content ideas with AI assistance, track performance, and manage multiple accounts from a single platform, saving you time and effort while maintaining consistent posting.

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence? Download Hookle for free now and start implementing your consistent social media strategy today!

Shortcuts

1. Profile Basics Check

2. Content Strategy Refresh

3. Engagement Analysis

4. Visual Consistency

5. Brand Messaging Alignment

6. Platform-Specific Features Usage

7. Community and Network Building

8. Security and Privacy Review

9. Goals and Metrics Review

10. Accessibility Check

Bonus Tip : Schedule Posts to Simplify Your Workload

Managing social media as an entrepreneur can often feel like juggling an extra business in itself! A significant 63% of small business owners reported social media marketing as effective for their business growth. This emphasizes how vital this channel is for brand building and customer engagement.

Without regular attention, social accounts can quickly lose their spark

But keeping profiles fresh, engaging, and relevant is no small feat. Without regular attention, social accounts can quickly lose their spark, impacting visibility and connection with audiences.

This checklist is designed to make that upkeep simpler - giving you easy, practical steps to assess and optimize your social media presence so it truly supports your brand and goals.

1. Profile Basics Check

• High-Quality Images: Ensure profile images are clear and relevant to your brand.

• Keyword-Rich Bio: Update your bio with keywords to improve search visibility.

• Accurate Contact Info: Double-check that contact information and links are correct and accessible.

• Consistent Branding: Align your profile elements with your overall brand identity for coherence.

2. Content Strategy Refresh

• Content Audit: Review past content to see what resonates with your audience.

• Diverse Formats: Create a content plan that includes videos, polls, and stories for variety.

• Consistent Schedule: Establish a regular posting schedule using tools like Hookle's Smart Scheduling for optimal engagement.

• Seasonal Themes: Incorporate seasonal or trending topics to keep content fresh and relevant.

3. Engagement Analysis

• Response Time Tracking: Monitor and improve response times to engage followers promptly.

• Polls and Surveys: Use these tools to understand follower preferences and interests.

• Collaboration Opportunities: Identify and reach out to potential collaborators for mutual growth.

• Feedback Loop: Create channels for followers to provide feedback on content and engagement strategies.

4. Visual Consistency

• Cohesive Branding: Maintain a consistent color scheme and style across all visuals.

• Regular Visual Reviews: Periodically assess your profile’s visual appeal and make adjustments as needed.

• Cross-Channel Consistency: Ensure visual consistency across all social channels and your Google Business Profile.

• Brand Guidelines: Develop and adhere to brand guidelines for visual elements to maintain a unified appearance.

5. Brand Messaging Alignment

• Maintain a Consistent Tone: Ensure that the brand voice is uniform across all posts and interactions, whether formal, casual, or conversational.

• Value Proposition Clarity: Clearly communicate your unique value proposition, tailored to resonate with your target audience's needs and pain points.

• Brand Storytelling: Use storytelling techniques to engage your audience emotionally, reinforcing your brand identity.

• User-Generated Content: Encourage and showcase content created by your customers that aligns with your brand message to enhance authenticity.

6. Platform-Specific Features Usage

• Leverage New Tools: Utilize platform-specific features like Instagram Reels, Facebook Stories, or TikTok effects to create engaging content that stands out.

• Adapt to Algorithm Changes: Stay updated on changes in platform algorithms and adjust your content strategy accordingly for optimal visibility.

• Cross-Promote Content: Share and adapt content across different platforms while maintaining a consistent brand voice.

• Use Analytics Tools: Analyze performance metrics for platform-specific content types to refine your strategies continually.

7. Community and Network Building

• Engage in Niche Communities: Actively participate in relevant groups and forums to establish authority and connect with potential customers.

• Strategic Hashtag Use: Implement a strategic hashtag strategy to enhance discoverability and attract a broader audience.

• Host Live Events or Webinars: Organize live sessions to interact directly with your audience and address their questions and concerns.

• Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with influencers in your niche to expand your reach and credibility within their communities.

8. Security and Privacy Review

• Regular Password Updates: Update passwords periodically to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.

• Review Privacy Settings: Regularly check and update privacy settings across all platforms to safeguard personal and business information.

• Implement Two-Factor Authentication: Activate two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.

• Monitor Account Activity: Keep an eye on account activity for any unauthorized actions or changes.

9. Goals and Metrics Review

• Set Specific Goals: Define clear, measurable goals based on your analytics to track progress and effectiveness.

• Regular Strategy Adjustments: Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on performance metrics to remain aligned with business objectives.

• Benchmark Against Competitors: Analyze competitor performance and set benchmarks to gauge your success.

10. Accessibility Check

• Add Captions and Alt Text: Include captions for videos and alt text for images to improve accessibility for all users.

• Inclusive Language: Use language that reflects inclusivity and respects diversity in your written content.

• Design for All Abilities: Ensure that visual designs are accessible, using sufficient color contrast and legible fonts.

• Resource Availability: Provide resources or links for those needing additional support, making your content accessible to a wider audience.

Schedule Posts to Simplify Your Workload

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

By applying these tips, you can keep your social media healthy and optimized, boost brand visibility, and ultimately drive leads and sales.

However, it’s not just about keeping profiles updated and consistent; publishing content consistently is equally important - and that can be challenging for busy small business owners. That's where a social media schedulers such as Hookle comes in handy.

Hookle allows you to schedule posts and manage multiple accounts from a single platform

AI-powered Hookle allows you to schedule posts, generate endless content ideas with AI assistance, track performance, and manage multiple accounts from a single platform. This saves you both time and effort while ensuring consistent posting over time.

But don’t just take our word for it - try it for yourself! Download Hookle for free now and start your consistent social media strategy today!

Photo by Delmaine Domson via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Optimize Your X Profile

2. Post Consistently

3. Use Hashtags Smartly

4. Engage with Your Audience

5. Share Visual Content

6. Run Contests and Giveaways

7. Customer Testimonials

Bonus Tip : Stay Ahead with Strategic Post Scheduling

As Twitter transforms into X, this platform remains one of the most effective tools for small business owners to cultivate a following and connect with their audience. With over 550 million active users each month, X offers a vast pool of potential customers for entrepreneurs to engage with, presenting a golden opportunity to boost visibility and foster meaningful connections within their communities.

X offers a golden opportunity to boost visibility and foster meaningful connections

In this rapidly evolving environment, X has implemented significant updates, including the removal of legacy verified badges, the disappearance of post headlines, and the introduction of new paid tiers for users. These changes are reshaping the platform in ways that impact both casual users and businesses alike.

But this is just the beginning. Elon Musk has ambitious plans for X, envisioning it as a "super app" that transcends traditional social media. During a 2023 all-hands meeting, Musk articulated his vision for X as a platform where users can manage payments, send messages, watch videos, and make calls - all from one location. As X continues to evolve, it may become a comprehensive hub for a variety of digital activities.

While the platform is changing, the core principles of growing and engaging your following remain steady. Building a strong presence on X still requires a blend of consistent activity, strategic engagement, and thoughtful planning.

In this blog post, we’ll explore simple ways for small business owners to grow their following on X, providing practical examples and tips that you can easily implement to achieve organic growth.

1. Optimize Your X Profile

Profile by The Woodturner’s Wife on X

Your profile is often the first thing potential followers will see. Ensuring it is clear, professional, and reflective of your brand is crucial for creating a lasting impression. The Woodturner’s Wife, the owner of a small business that creates wooden home decor, serves as an excellent example of this, as shown above.

Key Areas for Optimization:

• Profile Picture: For personal brands, use a high-quality headshot. Businesses should feature a logo that’s easily recognizable.

• Bio: Make your bio concise yet descriptive. Explain what your business does and add relevant keywords to boost discoverability.

• Link: Include a link to your website or a landing page. This will direct traffic to your business beyond X.

• Pin a Post: Use the pinned post feature to highlight your best content or a key message about your business. This could be an introduction to your brand, an announcement about a new product or service, or a promotional offer. Pinned posts remain at the top of your profile, ensuring that they are the first thing visitors see.

An optimized profile makes your brand more approachable and credible, which encourages people to follow you.

2. Post Consistently

Hookle AI Post Planner

Consistency is key to growing your X following. Businesses that tweet regularly - at least 1-5 times per day - see better engagement rates. Maintaining an active presence helps keep your brand top-of-mind for your audience.

Some key tips:

• Schedule your tweets: Use tools like Hookle to create a consistent posting schedule, even when you’re busy managing other aspects of your business.

• Diversify your content: Mix original tweets with retweets, replies, and polls to create a variety of content that engages your followers in different ways.

3. Use Hashtags Smartly

Post by Diana D Designs on X

Hashtags are essential for increasing the reach of your tweets by making them discoverable to a wider audience. However, using too many hashtags can dilute your message. According to data, tweets with 1-2 hashtags see the highest levels of engagement. Diana D Design, a crochet designer, serves as a great example of this, as illustrated above.

Focus on trending hashtags relevant to your industry or audience. Consider creating your own branded hashtag to encourage followers to engage with your content. By strategically using hashtags, your tweets will show up in search results for those looking for content related to your business.

4. Engage with Your Audience

Post by JEWELer on X

A great example is JEWELer, who has replied to one of her customers above, showing personal interaction and genuine engagement, which fosters loyalty and attracts new followers.

Building a strong following isn’t just about posting content - it’s about being part of a community. Small business owners who actively engage with others on X are more likely to grow their followers.

Some key tips:

• Reply to comments and mentions: Show your audience that you’re paying attention by responding to their questions or feedback. The sooner the better.

• Retweet or quote tweet content from others: Amplify the voices of other businesses or individuals in your industry by sharing their content.

• Start conversations: Ask questions, share your thoughts on trending topics, and spark discussions that your audience will want to participate in.

Interaction is crucial in developing relationships and encouraging followers to stick around.

5. Share Visual Content

Post by Small Business Matters on X

Adding images, videos, and GIFs to your tweets can significantly boost engagement. In fact, tweets with visuals are 34% more likely to be retweeted than those without. The example above - showcasing a carousel of how this snack bar started and where it is now - is a perfect demonstration of how visuals enhance storytelling and engagement, ultimately helping to grow your following in the long run.

Key tips to consider:

• Share behind-the-scenes photos, product images, or event videos to add a visual element to your brand’s story.

• Create simple infographics or tutorials that offer value to your audience.

Visual content captures attention in the fast-paced X timeline, making it more likely for your tweets to get noticed and shared.

6. Run Contests and Giveaways

Video by USA_Sport on X

Running contests or giveaways is an effective way to quickly boost your follower count. Accounts that run contests grow their followers 70% faster than those that don’t.

Key tips to consider:

• Offer a product or service as a prize to encourage people to participate.

• Make the contest simple: ask participants to follow your account, retweet the contest post, and tag a friend. These rules will help expand your reach to new potential followers.

Contests create buzz and drive traffic to your profile, helping you build a larger following in a short amount of time.

7. Customer Testimonials

Post by cosmomedspa on X

Sharing customer testimonials on X is a powerful way to build credibility and trust, just like Cosmo Med Spa from Atlanta has done above.

Sharing testimonials is an effective strategy to grow a following because it builds trust and credibility

Sharing testimonials is an effective strategy to grow a following because it builds trust and credibility, which can attract new followers. Testimonials provide social proof, and when small businesses share positive customer experiences, it helps engage potential followers and encourages them to connect with the brand.

Stay Ahead with Strategic Post Scheduling

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Growing your following on X as a small business owner can feel overwhelming, but by focusing on these simple strategies, you can organically expand your reach.

However, constantly pushing content online can be daunting, and that's where scheduling becomes invaluable. While you can schedule posts directly on X, the most efficient way is through a social scheduling app like AI-powered Hookle, which allows you to schedule posts across multiple channels at the same time.

With Hookle, you can also automatically generate content, auto-search for images, and smart-schedule posts using AI - all in one seamless process for all your social accounts.

Ready to grow your social media presence? Try out Hookle for free to keep your X strategy consistent and effective!

Photo by PhotoTechno via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Behind-the-Scenes Videos

2. Customer Testimonials and Case Studies

3. Educational and How-To Videos

4. Product Demos

5. Industry News and Trends

6. Interactive Content: Polls and Q&A Sessions

7. Employee Takeovers

Bonus Tip : Automate TikTok Posting and Save Time

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, B2B small businesses are increasingly leveraging social media platforms like TikTok to connect with their audience.

According to a HubSpot study, 52% of B2B buyers say they’re more likely to purchase from a business they follow on social media, and TikTok is quickly becoming a key platform in this space source. With TikTok’s unique format of short, engaging videos, B2B brands can showcase their products, services, and expertise in fresh and creative ways.

TikTok tends to be more informal and allows for less polished content compared to LinkedIn, where quality is paramount and significant effort is required for marketing.

In this article, we’ll explore seven TikTok content ideas that B2B small business owners can implement to engage their audience, boost brand awareness, and grow their business. But first, let’s look at why TikTok matters for B2B marketing.

Why TikTok Matters for B2B Marketing

TikTok may have started as a platform for entertainment, but it has quickly evolved into a powerful tool for B2B marketing - especially for small businesses. As more professionals turn to social media for business solutions, it’s crucial for small businesses to embrace platforms like TikTok to stay competitive.

TikTok has quickly evolved into a powerful tool for small businesses

From behind-the-scenes content to educational videos and interactive polls, TikTok provides endless opportunities to showcase your brand in a way that resonates with today’s B2B buyers.

• You Can Reach Younger, Decision-Making Audience: As younger generations like Gen Z step into decision-making roles, B2B brands must adapt to reach them. With 21.7% of TikTok's U.S. audience made up of millennials, and over 1 billion active users globally, TikTok is where this demographic spends time. Building a presence on TikTok helps your brand gain recognition and trust among these influential buyers.

• Humanize Your Brand: TikTok’s informal vibe allows B2B brands to show their personality and values authentically. Sharing company culture, employee stories, or participating in challenges can foster deeper connections with your audience, making your brand more relatable.

• Demonstrate Your Expertise: TikTok isn’t just for entertainment - many users go there to learn. By creating educational content that addresses industry pain points, you can position your brand as a thought leader and offer valuable insights to your audience.

• Drive Engagement (and Potential Conversions): TikTok’s algorithm favors content that resonates with viewers, regardless of follower count. Even for new B2B accounts, engaging content can reach a wide audience. While TikTok may not close deals, it’s a great starting point for building brand awareness and trust in a creative, authentic way.

Now, let's dive into the actual ideas for B2B small business owners!

1. Behind-the-Scenes Videos

Video by brookibakehouse on TikTok

One of the best ways to build trust and humanize your brand is by giving your audience a behind-the-scenes look at your business, just like Brooki Bake House in Brisbane has done, as shown above.

Show them what goes into creating your products or services, introduce your team, or showcase your office or workspace. B2B buyers are often looking for authenticity and transparency, and showing your day-to-day operations can help establish credibility.

Why it works: Behind-the-scenes content offers a personal touch, giving potential clients a sense of who they’re working with. Plus, it showcases your company’s work ethic and expertise in an engaging, relatable way.

2. Customer Testimonials and Case Studies

Video by sameera_collection1 on TikTok

It doesn't need to be complicated - a simple video of a happy customer, like Sameera Collection from Kathmandu, as seen above, works well.

B2B buyers rely on testimonials and proven results when making decisions. TikTok offers a great way to share these success stories in a creative, engaging format. You can transform written case studies or testimonials into compelling videos by adding video clips, images, and text overlays.

Why it works: B2B clients want to see tangible evidence of success. Showcasing testimonials and case studies in a TikTok-friendly format allows you to highlight your expertise and build trust with potential customers.

3. Educational and How-To Videos

Video by lennyrachitsky on TikTok

TikTok isn't just for fun dance challenges - it’s a powerful platform for educating your audience. As Lenny demonstrated above, you can create a short 'how-to' video on B2B sales. Sharing your expertise through how-to videos or quick tips can position your brand as an industry leader. Educational content is highly valuable for B2B buyers, who are often searching for solutions to their pain points.

Why it works: Educational content showcases your expertise and builds credibility. When B2B buyers see that your business can offer valuable knowledge, they’re more likely to trust your services.

4. Product Demos

Video by bestboughtproducts on TikTok

For B2B companies, product demonstrations are essential. In the example above, this online store is selling professional scissors and shows how to use them and the results, effectively 'showing the product' to barbers.

If your business offers project management software, create a quick video demonstrating its key features, such as task assignments, progress tracking, or team collaboration tools.

TikTok's short-video format is perfect for making product demos more engaging and easy to digest, especially for busy professionals. Create concise videos that highlight your product’s main features, functionality, and benefits.

Why it works: Product demos on TikTok allow potential customers to get a quick understanding of how your product works and how it can benefit their business, all in an entertaining and visual format.

5. Industry News and Trends

Video by neilpatel on TikTok

A great example is Neil Patel, who shares industry trends for his business audience through his award-winning marketing agency, as seen above. Keeping your audience informed about the latest industry news and trends is an excellent way to position your business as a thought leader.

Use TikTok to share quick updates on what's happening in your industry, or provide insights on emerging trends and how they might impact your target audience. If you’re in the technology space, share a quick update about the latest developments in AI or cybersecurity. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and reach a broader audience.

Why it works: B2B buyers value staying informed about industry trends. Sharing timely content not only shows that your business is on the cutting edge but also keeps your audience engaged and coming back for more insights.

6. Interactive Content: Polls and Q&A Sessions

Video by the.business.expl on TikTok

One of the unique aspects of TikTok is the ability to create interactive content, as demonstrated by The Business Explorer's poll about the biggest business challenges in the video above.

Utilize the platform’s built-in features like polls, Q&A sessions, or challenges to engage your audience directly. This not only fosters interaction but also helps you gain insights into your audience’s needs and preferences.

Why it works: Interactive content invites your audience to participate, making your brand feel more approachable and responsive. It’s also a great way to gather insights on what your audience is interested in, which can inform your future content.

7. Employee Takeovers

Video by renewi on TikTok

Here's a fantastic and simple example from Renewi, a recruitment business, showcasing a fun video where employees choose between working from home or in the office.

Let your employees take over your TikTok account for a day or a week to offer a fresh perspective on your business. This can be a fun way to showcase your company culture, highlight different departments, and share personal stories from your team members. It also provides your audience with a more diverse view of your brand.

Why it works: Employee takeovers add variety to your content and humanize your brand. They also allow potential clients to see the different faces behind your business, which can make your brand feel more relatable and trustworthy.

Automate TikTok Posting and Save Time

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

By applying these TikTok ideas, B2B small business owners can creatively engage their target audience, boost brand visibility, and ultimately drive leads and sales.

However, keeping up with TikTok can be challenging for busy small business owners. To maximize your TikTok strategy, AI-powered tools like Hookle can help you automate and track your posts with ease.

AI-powered tools can help you automate and track your posts with ease

With smart features like content suggestions and daily post ideas, Hookle makes it easy to maintain a consistent presence on TikTok and across multiple platforms.

Don’t just take our word for it - experience it for yourself. Try Hookle for free today and simplify your TikTok and social media marketing once and for all!

Photo by studioroman via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Scheduling Posts in Advance

2. Smart Scheduling with AI

3. Curating and Suggesting Content with AI

4. Automate Image Selection with AI

5. Effortless Idea Generation with AI

6. Monitoring Brand Mentions and Keywords

7. Responding to Frequently Asked Questions

8. Analyzing Social Media Performance

9. Reposting Top-Performing Content

10. Cross-Posting Across Platforms

11. Welcoming New Followers

A recent survey revealed that 43% of small business owners find managing social media to be one of their top time-consuming tasks, with many spending over six hours a week on it​. This significant time investment often takes attention away from other crucial areas of running a business, such as customer service or product development. This highlights the common struggle entrepreneurs face and emphasizes the growing importance of social media automation.

By automating repetitive tasks - like scheduling posts, generating content ideas, and tracking engagement - small business owners can drastically reduce their workload, freeing up time to focus on growth and nurturing customer relationships.

By automating repetitive social media tasks small businesses can significantly reduce workload

You’ll see Hookle often mentioned throughout this blog post because it offers features directly aligned with these challenges. While there are several excellent tools available, Hookle’s AI-powered simplicity and user-friendly design make it particularly relevant for small business owners.

Rather than providing generic automation tips, this post focuses on actionable strategies, utilizing tools specifically built for entrepreneurs like you.

Let’s explore the social media tasks you can automate to streamline your strategy and enhance your efficiency!

1. Scheduling Posts in Advance

Scheduling app Hookle

One of the simplest and most impactful ways to automate your social media is by scheduling posts ahead of time. Instead of scrambling to post content every day, you can plan out a week or even a month of content in advance.

Social media schedulers allow you to schedule posts across multiple platforms simultaneously, ensuring that your brand maintains a consistent presence.

Pro Tip: Batch-create your content and set aside one day each week for scheduling all of your posts.

2. Smart Scheduling with AI

Hookle Smart Scheduling

Smart scheduling with AI revolutionizes how small businesses manage their social media. Unlike traditional methods that rely on user engagement data, AI now suggests optimal posting times based on the content of the post and current trends.

This ensures that content reaches the audience when they are most likely to engage, maximizing visibility.

3. Curating and Suggesting Content with AI

Hookle's Content Suggestion

Curating relevant and engaging content takes time, but what if an AI-powered tool could do it for you? Tools like Hookle’s Smart Content Suggestion can automatically generate social posts with just a few keywords, aligning with your brand’s voice and audience interests.

By leveraging this AI feature, you can ensure you’re always sharing fresh, high-quality content in seconds, without spending hours brainstorming ideas for your social posts.

Pro Tip: Drop a link into the composer view, and you’ll get a fully drafted post along with the picture based on the content of the link, article, or blog.

4. Automate Image Selection with AI

Hookle's AI Image Suggestion

Automating image selection can save time and improve the visual appeal of your social posts. While manually choosing images from stock photo libraries is an option, it can be time-consuming to find the perfect match. Additionally, as of now, AI image creation services are not yet mature enough to consistently provide high-quality, relevant images for social posts.

Tools like Hookle offer an AI-powered solution (Image Suggestion) that analyzes your content and suggests relevant, high-quality images from photo stocks with just a click. This ensures your posts are visually engaging and professional, without the hassle of manual image searches.

By using AI-generated image suggestions, you simplify content creation and maintain consistency across your brand's platforms.

5. Effortless Idea Generation with AI

Daily Posts Ideas by Hookle AI

Running out of ideas for social posts is a common challenge for small business owners. With AI tools like Hookle's Daily Post Ideas, you’ll receive automatically generated, ready-made posts tailored to your niche.

Instead of spending time brainstorming, you can rely on AI-generated ideas to spark inspiration. Hookle’s algorithm analyzes your past posts and audience engagement to suggest content that resonates with your followers. Plus, daily post ideas are customized to your language, day, and time, ensuring timely and relevant suggestions in different tones of voice every day.

Pro Tip: Open the daily post idea, pair it with the AI-powered image suggestions, and create a complete social post in seconds without any effort!

6. Monitoring Brand Mentions and Keywords

Monitor Brand Mentions

Keeping track of every mention of your brand, whether it’s a tag or a review, can be daunting. Social listening tools can automate the process by tracking mentions of your brand, relevant keywords, and competitors across platforms. Tools like Mention can alert you when your brand is mentioned, helping you respond quickly and engage with your audience.

Pro Tip: Set up notifications for keywords related to your business, industry, and competitors to stay on top of trends and opportunities.

7. Responding to Frequently Asked Questions

Automate Your Chats

Your social media inbox can get flooded with repetitive questions, from operating hours to product details. Automate responses to frequently asked questions using chatbots or automated replies. Tools like ManyChat allow you to create AI-powered chatbots that can respond instantly to customer inquiries, ensuring they get the information they need without a delay.

Pro Tip: Enable the bot to escalate complex queries to human support so that your team can address customer issues personally when needed.

8. Analyzing Social Media Performance

Hookle's Performance Monitoring

Measuring the effectiveness of your social media strategy is crucial for long-term success. Instead of manually analyzing data, you can automate performance tracking with tools like Hookle’s analytics dashboard.

These tools provide insights into engagement metrics, audience demographics, and post performance. Want a high-level overview? Hookle even generates a simple score, allowing you to assess the health of all your accounts directly from the dashboard, as seen in the picture above.

Pro Tip: Enable the weekly activity reminder, which notifies you if you've been inactive for over a week and suggests creating a post. You can easily publish a post in one click using the ready-made daily post ideas available on the dashboard.

9. Reposting Top-Performing Content

Hookle's Top Posts

Reposting content that performed well in the past can boost engagement and save time on content creation. Tools like Hookle or Buffer allow you to see top-performing posts automatically. Reshare your best content at regular intervals without spamming your followers.

Pro Tip: Customize your repost captions slightly to keep the content fresh and engaging even when it’s reposted.

10. Cross-Posting Across Platforms

Hookle's Cross-Posting

Managing multiple social media platforms can be challenging, especially when posting the same content across different channels. Use automation tools like Hookle or Hootsuite to cross-post your content across Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter, ensuring your message reaches a wider audience with minimal effort.

Pro Tip: While automating cross-posting, remember to tweak the message slightly for each platform to cater to its specific audience and format.

11. Welcoming New Followers

Photo by Hookle

Building a strong relationship with your audience starts with making a good first impression. You can automate welcome messages for new followers using tools like Twitter or various Instagram bots. This personalized approach helps foster engagement and makes new followers feel appreciated.

Pro Tip: Customize your welcome messages to include a call to action, such as visiting your website or signing up for your newsletter.

Wrapping Up: Embrace AI and Automation

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

By automating these social media tasks, you can save time, increase consistency, and focus on growing your business.

As AI tools like Hookle continue to evolve, they make it easier for small business owners to create and manage content that resonates with their audience. With features like Smart Content Suggestion and Daily Post Ideas, even the most time-consuming tasks can become manageable.

Ready to simplify your social media management? Try out Hookle free today and unlock the power of AI to boost your efficiency and grow your online presence!

Photo by studioroman via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Set Clear Goals

2. Create a Content Calendar

3. Develop a Posting Routine

4. Repurpose Existing Content

5. Capture ideas as they spark

6. Film ‘stock’ footage

7. Automate Your Social Media Scheduling

8. Track Your Performance

9. Stay Flexible

Bonus Tip : Use Social Media Planners to Ease Your Workload

In the fast-paced world of social media, creating content consistently can be a daunting task for small businesses. However, a study by the Content Marketing Institute reveals that 60% of marketers find that consistent content creation is critical for their success.

Establishing good habits for content creation enables businesses to drive growth.

This statistic highlights the importance of establishing good habits for social media content creation, enabling small business owners to engage their audiences and drive growth.

This blog post outlines simple habits that can help you create social media content more consistently, ensuring your business remains relevant and connected to its audience.

1. Set Clear Goals

Photo by waewkid via Canva

Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that will guide your social media strategy. This clarity will help you stay focused and motivated.

Establishing clear social media goals is the foundation for consistent content creation

Establishing clear social media goals is the foundation for consistent content creation. Start by determining what you want to achieve with your social media presence. Is it increased brand awareness, engagement, or lead generation?

2. Create a Content Calendar

Hookle Content Planner

A social media content calendar is an invaluable tool for planning and organizing your posts. It enables you to visualize your content strategy over weeks or months, helping you identify important dates, events, and themes to align your posts with.

Use tools like Google Sheets, Trello, or dedicated social media management apps like Hookle (as shown above) to create your calendar. Regularly review and update it to stay on track and ensure consistent posting.

3. Develop a Posting Routine

Photo by baona via Canva

Establishing a posting routine can significantly boost your productivity on social media. Choose specific days and times for creating, scheduling, and engaging with your audience. For example, you could schedule all posts on a monthly basis and then check weekly to ensure everything is on track, adding additional content as new opportunities arise.

By incorporating social media management into your daily or weekly routine, you’ll develop a habit that makes staying consistent much easier.

4. Repurpose Existing Content

Repurposing a Blog Post by Hookle

Repurposing content is a smart way to maximize your social media efforts. Take a blog post and transform it into a series of posts, graphics, or videos - just like Hookle did on International Women’s Day, as shown in the picture above.

This strategy not only saves time but also helps you reach different audiences across multiple platforms. According to HubSpot, repurposing content can extend its lifespan by 50%, making it an effective approach for consistent social media content creation.

Try to create evergreen content as well, since it remains relevant over time and can be reused in various forms, further extending its value and impact.

5. Capture ideas as they spark

Draft Your Post Ideas in Hookle

The ideas don’t need to be fully fleshed out right away - just a few words can capture that spark, just like the bakery business has done in the picture above.

An idea bank serves as your creative reservoir for social media content

An idea bank serves as your creative reservoir for social media content. Whenever inspiration strikes, take a moment to jot down your thoughts in a designated document or app, such as Google Docs, Evernote, or even a simple notepad. Better yet, write these words directly into a social media planner app like Hookle as a draft, and return to them later when you're ready to create content.

By collecting ideas as they come, you’ll build a ready supply of content that simplifies your posting process. This practice ensures that when you're pressed for time or lacking inspiration, you have a wealth of ideas to draw from, making content creation more efficient and stress-free.

6. Film ‘Stock’ Footage

Photo by PeopleImages via Canva

Entrepreneurs can enhance their content strategy by filming their own stock footage. Simple video clips - such as a team meeting, a painter’s quick take of a fresh piece like the one above, or a bustling street scene - can add a personal touch to your brand.

Having ready-to-use videos like these can make creation so much simpler, allowing you to quickly incorporate engaging visuals into your marketing materials.

7. Automate Your Social Media Scheduling

Photo by Hookle

Automation tools can help streamline your social media content creation process. Use social media management tools to schedule posts in advance, freeing up time for other tasks. This ensures that your content is consistently published, even when you’re busy with other aspects of your business.

8. Track Your Performance

Photo by ThisIsEngineering via Canva

Monitoring your performance is essential for identifying what works and what doesn’t on social media. Use analytics tools to assess the engagement and reach of your posts. Identify trends and audience preferences, as this data can guide your future content strategy, allowing you to refine your approach and improve consistency.

9. Stay Flexible

Photo by Nasstassia Samal via Canva

While consistency is important, it’s equally vital to remain flexible. The social media landscape is constantly evolving, and so are your audience's interests. Stay open to adjusting your content strategy based on feedback, trends, and changing circumstances.

Stay open to adjusting your content strategy based on feedback and trends

This adaptability will help you maintain relevance and ensure your content remains valuable to your audience.

Use Social Media Planners to Ease Your Workload

Hookle AI Post Planner

Creating social media content consistently is a challenge that many small business owners face. However, by incorporating these simple habits into your routine, you can streamline your social media content creation process and build a strong online presence. Better yet, use social media management apps such as Hookle to ease your workload.

AI-powered Hookle allows you to schedule posts, generate endless content ideas with AI assistance, track performance, and manage multiple accounts from a single platform, saving you both time and effort while keeping your posting consistent over time.

But don’t just take our word for it - try it for yourself! Download Hookle for free now and start your consistent social media strategy today!

Photo by irynakhabliuk via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Define Your Blog’s Purpose and Audience

2. Choose the Right Blogging Platform

3. Brainstorm Blog Topics That Resonate With Your Audience

4. Create a Content Calendar

5. Optimize for SEO

6. Use AI Tools for Easy Blog Content Creation

7. Promote Blogs Across Multiple Channels

8. Measure Your Blog’s Success

   
   

Bonus Tip : Use Scheduling Apps to Easily Share Your Blogs

In today’s digital landscape, starting a blog is something almost every small business owner should consider. According to a HubSpot study, companies that blog receive 55% more website visitors than those that don’t.

Blogging not only boosts your online visibility but also strengthens your brand, builds trust with your audience, and positions you as an authority in your industry.

Thanks to AI tools and user-friendly blogging platforms, starting a blog is easier than ever

Thanks to AI tools and user-friendly blogging platforms, starting a blog is easier than ever. So, don’t hesitate to take the plunge!

But how do you start a blog for your small business that both attracts readers and converts them into customers? This guide will walk you through easy, actionable steps to get started.

1. Define Your Blog’s Purpose and Audience

Photo by cacaroot via Canva

Before you write your first blog post, it’s essential to define the purpose of your blog. Are you looking to educate your audience, share behind-the-scenes insights, or provide expert advice on industry topics? Understanding why you’re blogging will help you craft more focused content.

Know your audience: Who are your ideal readers? Define their demographics, needs, and interests. For example, if you run a local bakery, your blog audience might be food enthusiasts, event planners, or parents looking for cake ideas. Once you know your audience, you can tailor your content to solve their problems or answer their questions.

2. Choose the Right Blogging Platform

Photo by Minerva Studio via Canva

Choosing the right platform is a critical first step in starting your blog. There are various platforms to choose from, depending on your budget, technical expertise, and customization needs.

Popular options include:

• WordPress: Highly customizable with a range of plugins and themes.

• Squarespace: Ideal for beginners, offering user-friendly templates.

• Wix: Drag-and-drop functionality, easy to set up.

If you’re looking for an easy, plug-and-play solution, platforms like Wix and Squarespace are great for beginners. If you want more control over the design and features of your blog, WordPress offers vast customization options.

3. Brainstorm Blog Topics That Resonate With Your Audience

Photo by Anawat_s via Canva

Now that you have a platform, it’s time to brainstorm content ideas. Start by identifying common questions or pain points your audience may have. For example, if you run a fitness studio, blog topics could include “5 Tips for Staying Motivated to Exercise” or “How to Create a Balanced Workout Routine.”

Pro tip: Focus on evergreen content that remains relevant over time. Posts like “How-to Guides,” “Top Tips,” and “Mistakes to Avoid” are effective across many industries. You can also create seasonal posts tied to holidays or events. Use AI tools (more on this below) to help brainstorm ideas.

4. Create a Content Calendar

Photo by netrun78 via Canva

Consistency is key when running a blog, and a content calendar can help keep you organized. Planning your posts ahead of time ensures you always have fresh content, even during busy seasons.

Steps to create a content calendar:

1. List your blog post ideas: Identify at least 10-20 topics you can write about over the next few months. You can easily generate ideas using AI tools like ChatGPT.

2. Set a posting frequency: Decide how often you’ll publish - whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. To start, we recommend posting monthly and increasing the frequency as you get more comfortable.

3. Assign deadlines: Set realistic deadlines to write, edit, and publish each post.

By creating a clear plan, you’ll stay organized and avoid scrambling for content at the last minute.

5. Optimize for SEO

Photo by matdesign24 via Canva

Search engine optimization (SEO) is the process of improving your blog's visibility in search engine results, helping potential customers find you online. A well-optimized blog can drive more organic traffic to your site.

Here’s how to optimize your blog for SEO:

• Use relevant keywords: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ubersuggest to find keywords related to your industry. Incorporate these naturally into your blog titles, headers, and throughout your post.

• Optimize images: Include relevant images in your blog posts, and don’t forget to add alt text using your target keywords.

• Write meta descriptions: These are short summaries of your blog post that appear in search engine results. Make them concise, engaging, and include your main keyword.

• Use AI tools: AI tools can greatly assist in optimizing your blog post for SEO.

  
  

6. Use AI Tools for Easy Blog Content Creation

AI tool ChatGPT

Blogging can be time-consuming, but AI tools can help speed up the process. Whether you need help brainstorming ideas, optimize SEO or writing the content itself, AI tools can streamline your blogging efforts.

Here are some AI-powered tools that can help:

• ChatGPT: Generate ideas, outlines, or even entire blog drafts by giving AI a prompt to work with.

• Grammarly: Polish your writing by correcting grammar, punctuation, and style errors.

• SurferSEO: A tool that helps you optimize content for search engines based on current ranking factors.

Be sure to add your own voice and perspective to make your blogs more engaging

Using AI tools can significantly speed up the process of creating quality blog content, freeing up more time for you to focus on running your business. However, avoid relying solely on AI-generated content, as it can lack the personal, human touch. Be sure to add your own voice and perspective to make your blogs more engaging.

7. Promote Blogs Across Multiple Channels

Hookle's Blog post on Google, X, Newsletter and Instagram

Once you've published your blog post, the next step is to promote it to reach a wider audience. Sharing your blog across different channels helps increase its visibility and drives traffic back to your website.

Here are a few ways to promote your blog effectively:

1. Leverage social media: Share your blog on your business’s social media channels to expand its reach. You can post snippets, highlight key takeaways, or ask questions to engage your followers and drive them to your blog. You might also find our article, Turn Your Blog Posts into Social Media Content, helpful.

2. Share via email newsletters: Send out a newsletter to your subscribers highlighting your new blog post. Make sure to include a compelling subject line and a brief introduction to encourage clicks.

3. Leverage paid ads: Consider using targeted ads on platforms like Google or social media to promote your blog to potential customers who might be interested in your content.

4. Leverage Google Business Profile: Use your Google Business Profile to publish updates about your blog posts. By sharing links to your latest content, you can reach local customers directly in their search results.

5. Engage in online communities: Share your blog posts in relevant online groups or forums where your target audience spends time. Be mindful of community rules and add value through your posts rather than simply promoting.

By using a mix of channels, you can ensure your blog reaches the right people, boosting both engagement and traffic.

8. Measure Your Blog’s Success

Photo by Worawut Prasuwan via Canva

Tracking your blog’s performance helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t. Use tools like Google Analytics to monitor metrics like page views, bounce rates, and average time spent on each blog post.

Here are key metrics to track:

• Traffic: How many people are visiting your blog?

• Engagement: Are readers commenting, sharing, or engaging with your content?

• Conversion rate: How many readers are taking action (signing up for a newsletter, making a purchase, etc.) after reading your blog?

By analyzing these metrics, you can fine-tune your content strategy to better meet your audience’s needs.

Use Scheduling Apps to Easily Share Your Blogs

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

Starting a blog for your small business can significantly enhance your online presence, attract new customers, and foster long-term relationships with your audience. With a solid strategy, the right tools, and consistent effort, blogging can become a powerful marketing asset for your business.

However, managing a small business often means juggling multiple tasks at once, and consistently sharing your blogs on social media can be challenging. This is where AI-powered scheduling tools, like the Hookle, come in handy. These apps allow you to automate the process of creating posts and sharing your blog posts across various platforms, freeing up time for other important business tasks.

With Hookle, you can easily schedule your blogs in advance, ensuring that your content reaches your audience at the optimal time without the need for manual posting. Even better, simply drop or share the blog post URL in the Hookle app, and it will automatically create an engaging social post for you.

Why solopreneurs should use scheduling tools:

• Consistency: Scheduling ensures your blog posts are shared regularly, keeping your audience engaged.

• Time-saving: Set it and forget it - schedule your posts for the week in just a few clicks.

• Cross-platform posting: Manage all your social media accounts from one dashboard, eliminating the need to log into multiple platforms.

Don't just take our word for it - experience it yourself. Try Hookle for free today and make sharing your blog posts across multiple platforms effortless!

Photo by Natali_Mis via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Use AI Tools to Generate Ideas

2. Follow Industry Influencers

3. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

4. Repurpose Existing Content

5. Use Content Idea Generators

6. Engage with Your Audience

7. Monitor Social Media Trends

8. Look at Competitors

9. Create Seasonal or Event-Based Content

Bonus Tip : Use Social Media Management Apps to Ease the Workload

In the ever-evolving world of social media, businesses need to stay ahead by consistently posting engaging content.

According to studies by Content Marketing Institute, 60% of marketers say producing content consistently is one of their biggest challenges. If you're an entrepreneur or small business owner, the pressure to keep up with fresh ideas can feel overwhelming.

But don’t worry - there are countless ways to discover new content ideas, and this guide will give you actionable tips to never run out of inspiration in 2025.

1. Use AI Tools to Generate Ideas

Hookle AI Post Assistant

With the rise of AI, there are now numerous tools available to spark content ideas. AI is an amazing resource for entrepreneurs, and if you haven't explored it yet, you might find our blog post, AI-Powered Social Media Marketing for beginners, particularly beneficial.

AI platforms like ChatGPT and social media management tools such as Hookle allow you to input keywords, topics, or questions and generate a variety of content ideas in seconds.

AI provides endless inspiration tailored to your niche

Whether you’re looking for captions, blog post topics, or even video ideas, AI provides endless inspiration tailored to your niche. This is especially helpful for solopreneurs who juggle multiple aspects of their business and don’t have time to brainstorm endlessly.

2. Follow Industry Influencers

Profile by tanjastoysreview on TikTok

A great example above is Tanja’s Toys Review, an influencer focused on the toy industry. Businesses related to toys, children, or similar niches can follow her for inspiration.

Staying connected to influencers in your niche provides a wealth of content ideas

Staying connected to influencers in your niche provides a wealth of content ideas. By following them on platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter, you can observe the topics they discuss, emerging trends, and highly engaging content. You can then adapt these concepts to align with your brand's voice and style.

3. Leverage User-Generated Content (UGC)

Post by thereboucher on Instagram

Hookle successfully engaged its community by offering lifetime premium subscriptions to three winners who crafted exceptional videos demonstrating how Hookle simplifies social media management, all while using a branded hashtag.

UGC is not only authentic but also fosters a sense of community around your brand

User-generated content (UGC) serves as powerful social proof and a valuable source of content ideas. Encourage your followers to showcase your products or services by hosting a contest or promoting a branded hashtag.

This approach allows you to repost their content, providing a continuous stream of material without the need for extensive creation on your part. UGC is not only authentic but also fosters a sense of community around your brand.

4. Repurpose Existing Content

Post by Hookle on Instagram

If you’ve been creating content for a while, you’re sitting on a goldmine of reusable material. Go back to old blog posts, videos, or social media updates, and give them a fresh twist - just like Hookle has done by reposting a blog post about social media tips for Christmas, as seen above.

If you’ve been creating content for a while, you’re sitting on a goldmine of reusable material

For example, you can turn a well-performing blog post into an infographic or create a series of Instagram Stories from a previous live video. Repurposing extends the lifespan of your content and reduces the pressure to constantly come up with new ideas.

5. Use Content Idea Generators

Blog Ideas Generator

There are numerous free online tools designed to help you generate new content ideas. For instance, HubSpot’s Blog Ideas Generator allows you to input a keyword and instantly receive dozens of potential topics and angles. Even better, with Hookle's AI-powered post idea generator, you'll get personalized, ready-made post ideas tailored to your audience daily and automatically, with zero effort.

These tools provide insight into what people are searching for, ensuring your content remains relevant and engaging.

6. Engage with Your Audience

Post by Flake on X (former Twitter)

Flake, the artist seen above, posted a poll on X asking his audience what kind of art they want to see from him. This is a great example of how to engage your audience for your business.

Sometimes, the best content ideas come directly from your audience

Sometimes, the best content ideas come directly from your audience. Pay attention to the questions they ask in comments, emails, or DMs. You can also run polls or surveys to gather insights into what they want to see more of. This interaction not only provides you with a direct line to fresh ideas but also fosters stronger relationships with your followers.

7. Monitor Social Media Trends

X (former Twitter) trending topics

Social media platforms themselves can be a goldmine of inspiration. TikTok’s Discover page or Twitter’s trending topics section can show you what’s currently hot. You can take these trends and tailor them to your business or industry. For instance, a trending meme or challenge can be modified to fit your brand’s voice, making your content timely and engaging.

8. Look at Competitors

Photo by dangrytsku via Canva

Competitor analysis is a tried and tested method for discovering new content ideas. Study the social media content of your closest competitors to see what they are posting and what resonates with their audience. While you should never copy directly, you can take inspiration from their successful posts and adapt them to your unique style and messaging.

9. Create Seasonal or Event-Based Content

Post by Hookle on Instagram

Leveraging seasonal events and holidays is a straightforward and effective strategy for keeping your content calendar lively.

The Easter post featured above was scheduled by Hookle well in advance, providing customers with ample time to develop their social media campaigns for the holiday. This proactive approach enables businesses to maximize engagement and relevance during peak moments.

Whether it's Halloween, Earth Day, Easter, or niche awareness days, you can create timely and relevant content around these occasions. Planning ahead is essential to ensure your posts are ready for these key dates. Scheduling your posts can significantly lighten your workload - let's dive into that next!

Use Social Media Management Apps to Ease the Workload

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

As a solopreneur or small business owner, managing content across multiple social media platforms can feel like a full-time job, especially during the holidays.

This is where social media management apps prove invaluable. Tools like the AI-powered Hookle allow you to schedule posts, generate endless content ideas with AI assistance, track performance, and manage multiple accounts from a single platform, saving you both time and effort.

By using a social media management app, you can automate your posting schedule

By using a social media management app, you can batch-create content in advance and automate your posting schedule. This enables you to focus on other critical aspects of your business or enjoy some well-deserved downtime during the busy holiday season. Additionally, these apps often provide insights and analytics that help you refine your strategy and optimize engagement.

Don’t just take our word for it - experience it for yourself! Try out Hookle for free today to simplify your social media management and keep your content fresh all year round.

Photo by mrPliskin via Canva

Running a small business means finding creative ways to promote your brand, especially when working with limited resources. With the constant influx of new marketing tools and avenues, it can be difficult for entrepreneurs to keep track of everything.

Marketing is the key to attracting new customers and keeping your current ones engaged

Marketing is the key to attracting new customers and keeping your current ones engaged, but many business owners struggle to find cost-effective strategies that work. In fact, a study revealed that 61% of small businesses report a lack of resources or knowledge in marketing as a top challenge.

This blog post provides you with 101 practical, quick marketing ideas to help your business grow in 2025. We’ve categorized these ideas below to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for.

Marketing Categories

• Boost Your Online Presence

• Social Media Marketing

• Email Marketing

• Content Marketing

• Community Engagement

• Seasonal and Holiday Marketing

• Influencer Marketing

• Video Marketing

• Referral and Loyalty Programs

• Partnership Marketing

• Public Relations

• Mobile Marketing

• Podcast Marketing

• Branding and Visual Identity

Bonus Tip : Use Social Media Management Tools to Ease the Workload

Boost Your Online Presence

The digital world offers endless opportunities for marketing. Here are some ways to make the most of it:

1. Optimize your website for mobile users.

2. Start a blog and post regularly to drive traffic.

3. Use local SEO to reach customers nearby.

4. Claim your Google Business Profile.

5. Ensure your website loads quickly.

6. Create a customer FAQ section.

7. Offer an online chat service for visitors.

8. Set up Google Analytics to track website performance.

   
   

Social Media Marketing

Social media is essential for building a loyal customer base. Nowadays, you can also leverage AI in social media marketing, as most tools offer these capabilities.

Use these tips to increase your reach:

1. Post consistent, high-quality content.

2. Run contests or giveaways.

3. Collaborate with influencers in your niche.

4. Use paid ads to target specific demographics.

5. Share behind-the-scenes content to personalize your brand.

6. Use polls, quizzes, and interactive posts.

7. Join local community groups on social platforms.

8. Encourage customer reviews and testimonials.

Email Marketing

Email marketing remains one of the most effective ways to engage customers. Start by collecting email addresses from your customers to kick off your email marketing efforts:

1. Offer a discount for signing up for your newsletter.

2. Use personalized emails to build relationships.

3. Send regular updates about new products or services.

4. Create a referral program to reward loyal customers.

5. Segment your email list for better targeting.

6. Automate welcome emails for new subscribers.

7. Share exclusive offers with your email audience.

8. Include clear CTAs in every email.

Content Marketing

Content marketing allows you to demonstrate your expertise while providing value:

1. Write blog posts addressing common customer questions.

2. Create video tutorials or how-to guides.

3. Publish case studies that show your success.

4. Use infographics to present data visually.

5. Repurpose old content for different platforms.

6. Write guest posts for industry blogs.

7. Develop an ebook or whitepaper on a relevant topic.

8. Start a podcast discussing industry trends.

Community Engagement

Getting involved in or support your local community builds trust and fosters relationships:

1. Sponsor local sports teams or charity events.

2. Host fundraisers or charity drives.

3. Offer your space for community events or meetings.

4. Participate in local business networking groups.

5. Collaborate with local influencers or bloggers.

6. Run a "shop local" campaign in your community.

7. Use local partnerships to cross-promote.

Seasonal and Holiday Marketing

Take advantage of seasonal and holiday trends to drive sales and engagement:

1. Run a holiday-themed promotion or discount.

2. Offer limited-time bundles for holidays.

3. Decorate your store or website for seasonal events.

4. Launch a holiday gift guide.

5. Send personalized holiday cards to your top customers.

6. Run a New Year's resolution campaign.

7. Use countdown timers to create urgency for holiday sales.

Influencer Marketing

Partnering with influencers can help amplify your brand message:

1. Identify influencers relevant to your niche.

2. Offer free products or services in exchange for reviews.

3. Partner with micro-influencers who have smaller but more engaged audiences.

4. Ask influencers to run a "takeover" of your social media accounts.

5. Collaborate with influencers for joint giveaways.

6. Share influencer content on your social media to increase engagement.

7. Use influencers to promote exclusive, limited-edition products.

Video Marketing

Video content and video marketing is highly engaging and a great way to connect with your audience:

1. Create short videos showcasing your products or services.

2. Start a YouTube channel to provide tutorials or industry insights.

3. Film customer testimonials and success stories.

4. Share behind-the-scenes videos of your business operations.

5. Create video ads to promote on social media or YouTube.

6. Host a live Q&A session to answer customer questions.

7. Use Instagram or TikTok to share short, engaging videos.

Referral and Loyalty Programs

Leverage your current customers to grow your business:

1. Offer discounts or rewards for customer referrals.

2. Create a tiered loyalty program with increasing rewards.

3. Give referral bonuses, like a discount or freebie, to both the referrer and the new customer.

4. Host a referral contest with a grand prize for the most referrals.

5. Use email or social media to encourage customers to refer their friends.

6. Partner with complementary businesses to run a joint referral program.

7. Promote your referral program on your website and social media channels.

8. Give long-term customers exclusive perks or early access to new products.

Partnership Marketing

Collaborating with other businesses can help you reach a wider audience:

1. Partner with complementary brands for joint promotions.

2. Collaborate on giveaways or contests with other small businesses.

3. Offer bundled products or services with another company.

4. Cross-promote on each other’s social media or email newsletters.

5. Write guest blog posts for each other’s websites.

6. Create co-branded products with another business.

7. Sponsor a partner’s event and ask them to do the same for you.

8. Offer referral deals between your customer bases.

Public Relations

Building a strong public image can help your brand gain credibility:

1. Send press releases to local media when you launch new products or services.

2. Create a media kit with key information about your business.

3. Reach out to bloggers or journalists for interviews or features.

4. Sponsor charitable events to create goodwill.

5. Respond to customer feedback or complaints publicly to show your dedication to customer service.

6. Submit your business for local awards or recognitions.

7. Write op-ed pieces or thought leadership articles for local newspapers.

8. Host a community event to generate media coverage.

Mobile Marketing

Reach your audience directly on their smartphones:

1. Develop a mobile app for your business.

2. Use SMS marketing to send promotional offers.

3. Create mobile-optimized ads for social media.

4. Use geo-targeting to send notifications to users in specific locations.

5. Create scannable QR codes to direct customers to promotions or your website.

6. Create mobile-exclusive discounts to incentivize app downloads.

   
   

Podcast Marketing

Podcasts are a growing medium for engaging with potential customers:

1. Start your own podcast discussing industry trends or tips.

2. Appear as a guest on popular podcasts in your niche.

3. Collaborate with podcast hosts for giveaways.

4. Create a podcast episode around customer questions.

5. Promote your products subtly during podcast episodes.

Branding and Visual Identity

A strong brand identity can help set you apart from competitors:

1. Design a memorable logo that reflects your business values.

2. Use consistent colors and fonts across all marketing materials.

3. Invest in high-quality photography or illustrations.

4. Develop a brand voice that resonates with your target audience.

5. Redesign your website for a more modern, user-friendly experience.

6. Ensure all your online profiles reflect your brand identity.

Use Social Media Management Tools to Ease the Workload

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

As you implement these 101 marketing ideas, managing all your social platforms and campaigns can become overwhelming. That’s why solopreneurs and small business owners turn to AI-powered social media management tools like Hookle.

With Hookle, you can schedule posts in advance and monitor multiple accounts from one dashboard

With Hookle, you can schedule posts in advance, create content with the help of AI, monitor multiple accounts from one dashboard, and track your engagement. This saves time, streamlines your efforts, and ensures consistency across all channels - especially during busy seasons.

Don’t just take our word for it - experience it yourself. Try Hookle for free today to simplify your marketing efforts and grow your business!

Photo by Africa images via Canva

Shortcuts

1. Offer Gift Cards

2. Holiday Bundles

3. Offer Free Holiday Packaging

4. Personalized Gifts

5. Host a Holiday Giveaway

6. Subscription Boxes

7. DIY Gift Kits

8. Offer Pre-Orders

9. Holiday Flash Sales

10. Create Custom Holiday Cards

Bonus Tip : Streamline Your Holiday Marketing with Scheduling Tools

The holiday season, typically spanning from late November to early January, offers a golden opportunity for small business owners to increase sales and connect with customers.

This vibrant time of year is packed with key shopping events like Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and New Year’s, providing numerous opportunities for small businesses to attract customers and boost sales.

A well-curated gift idea can set your business apart and make shopping easier for your customers

A well-curated gift idea can set your business apart and make shopping easier for your customers. In fact, 72% of shoppers prefer buying from small businesses during the holidays to support their community. With special observances like Hanukkah and Epiphany also contributing to the festive spirit, there are ample occasions for you to engage with your audience.

To help you stand out this holiday season, we’ve compiled simple gift ideas that any small business can easily implement and adapt to their niche. These ideas are not only creative but also practical, giving you inspiration to boost your holiday sales with minimal effort. Without further ado, let's get into it!

1. Offer Gift Cards

Video by dreamwithsonia on TikTok

No matter your business, gift cards are an easy and flexible option. Promote them as a go-to for customers who want to gift your products or services but aren’t sure what to choose. They make excellent last-minute gifts, too!

2. Holiday Bundles

Video by heartofmichiganllc on TikTok

Bundle your best-selling products or services into holiday gift sets. Offer a small discount on the bundle to encourage larger purchases. This approach works across all industries, from beauty products to services like fitness classes or consulting packages.

3. Offer Free Holiday Packaging

Video by kochandco_au on TikTok

Check out the video above by Australian floral decoration warehouse, Koch & Co, where they showcase how free holiday packaging can elevate product presentation. It’s a practical, affordable way to make your products stand out this holiday season!

Offering free packaging is an easy way to add value and make your products more attractive as gifts

Offering free holiday-themed packaging is an easy way to add value and make your products more attractive as gifts. Small touches like festive wrapping paper, ribbons, or personalized tags can enhance the gift-giving experience without much cost on your end.

4. Personalized Gifts

Video by personalisedforoccasions on TikTok

Offer customization options for your products. Whether you’re selling clothing, mugs, or digital art, allow customers to add personal touches like names, initials, or even custom messages. Personalized items feel more thoughtful and unique, making them perfect holiday gifts.

5. Host a Holiday Giveaway

Video by chelseaathomass_ on TikTok

Run a holiday-themed giveaway on social media, where participants can win one of your products or services. Encourage them to tag friends, share your post, or follow your account to enter. It’s a simple way to boost your reach and attract new customers during the holiday season.

6. Subscription Boxes

Video by awaydaybox on Instagram

If your business sells products that are consumable or frequently purchased, like skincare or coffee, consider offering holiday-themed subscription boxes. Customers can gift these to loved ones, providing joy well into the new year. Subscription boxes are easy to assemble and can create recurring revenue.

7. DIY Gift Kits

Video by j_and_j_beauty on TikTok

Create DIY kits related to your products. If you sell candles, put together a kit with candle-making supplies. If you’re in the wellness space, curate a “self-care” kit with a variety of your products. DIY kits are fun, interactive, and make thoughtful gifts.

8. Offer Pre-Orders

Video by ragsbyb on TikTok

For businesses with limited stock or special holiday collections, allow customers to pre-order items. This helps create urgency and guarantees sales, as customers don’t want to miss out on limited-edition items.

9. Holiday Flash Sales

Video by bonniestiktokshop on TikTok

Organize limited-time flash sales, either online or in-store. Offering a deep discount for a few hours or one day can create urgency and excitement, driving more holiday traffic to your business. Promote these flash sales heavily on social media and via email to build anticipation.

10. Create Custom Holiday Cards

Video by navidadycocoa on TikTok

Design custom holiday cards that you can sell alongside your products or include as a bonus with purchases. They can be as simple as thank-you notes, gift tags, or greeting cards with festive designs. This can add a personal touch to every purchase.

Streamline Your Holiday Marketing with Scheduling Tools

Hookle AI Social Media Assistant

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year, and managing social media marketing can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where social media scheduling apps like AI-powered Hookle come in!

Hookle lets you plan and schedule all your holiday posts in advance, so you can stay engaged with your customers without constantly being online. By automating your social media strategy, you’ll free up valuable time to focus on running your business while still promoting your holiday offers.

Don’t just take our word for it - experience it yourself. Try out Hookle for free today and take the stress out of your holiday social media!