With high street footfall still unpredictable and digital behaviour constantly evolving, local businesses can no longer rely on word of mouth alone. Social media isn’t just a promotional tool… it’s your digital shopfront, your customer service desk, and your brand personality all rolled into one.
Yet so many local businesses still treat it like a flyer pinned to a community noticeboard. Sporadic posts. All sales, no story. Minimal interaction. The good news? It doesn’t take a marketing degree or big budget to turn things around, you just need to effectively manage your social media.
Here are five simple ways to make social media actually work for your business this year:
Tap Into Local Groups – But Do It Properly
You might’ve written them off in the past, but local Facebook Groups, WhatsApp Communities, and even niche Reddit threads are full of opportunity. These groups are where your neighbours are chatting, recommending businesses, and sharing feedback.
Here’s what to do:
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Join groups relevant to your town, region, or niche
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Search for mentions of your business – even if you weren’t tagged
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Respond politely to any feedback, offer help, and say thank you
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Contribute to the conversation like a local, not a sales rep
Pro tip: Introduce yourself (not just your business), and support other businesses in the area too, you’ll build goodwill, trust, and referrals without spending a penny.
Use Paid Posts to Reach Real People Nearby
Think paid ads are only for big brands? Think again.
Meta (Facebook and Instagram) makes it easy to target users within a specific postcode or even within a mile of your physical location. That means your next customer could be scrolling by, literally and digitally!
Use this feature to:
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Promote limited-time offers or events
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Fill last-minute appointments
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Announce new openings or services
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Encourage reviews and referrals
Even a small budget (think £10–£20) can make a real impact when your targeting is laser-focused and your creative is engaging.
Make Instagram Your Shop Window
Instagram remains one of the most powerful platforms for local businesses, especially those in retail, food, beauty, fitness, or lifestyle. Why? Because it’s visual, discoverable, and interactive.
Here’s how to use it well:
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Post Reels and Stories regularly: Show your products in action, share behind-the-scenes clips, or give a quick tour of your space.
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Use local hashtags: Find popular hashtags in your area such as #YourTownName to help people in your area find you. Local to me there are: #KentEats, #FolkestoneMakers, #MargateCreatives, #KentEvents
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Tag your location in posts and stories: It boosts your discoverability and puts you on the radar of nearby customers.
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Encourage user-generated content: Ask happy customers to tag you in their photos – then reshare them with credit.
Instagram in 2025 is more about connection than perfection. Don’t worry about polished graphics… just show up with personality and consistency!
Don’t Just Sell – Share Stories and Show Personality
If every post is a product photo with a “Buy Now” caption, your followers will soon tune out. People connect with people – not logos.
Instead of hard selling every day, try:
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Behind-the-scenes content (what does a typical day look like?)
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Meet the team posts (who makes your business tick?)
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Local shoutouts or event round-ups
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Funny or relatable moments (yes, even when things go wrong!)
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FAQs and quick tips that add value
In 2025, your feed is your personality. And personality is what builds trust.
Build an Online Store (Even If You’re “Just” a Local Shop)
Today’s customers expect convenience. If someone discovers you on Instagram at 9pm, they want to be able to buy then and there not wait until you open in the morning.
Setting up a website or online store doesn’t have to be complicated. Platforms like Shopify, Etsy, or TikTok Shop make it simple, even for small retailers or makers.
Think about:
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Offering click-and-collect for local orders
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Selling gift vouchers or limited edition products
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Using social media to drive traffic to your shop
Even if you don’t want to ship internationally, having an online presence adds credibility and gives people more ways to buy from you.
Final Thoughts: You Can Be Local and Digital
Being a small or local business doesn’t mean staying small in your approach. Your customers are online, chatting, scrolling, and shopping. If your business isn’t showing up in their feeds, you’re missing out.
Start small. Show up consistently. Add value. And remember: people don’t just buy products… they buy from people they like, trust, and connect with.
If you’re curious about social media management for your Kent business, let’s have a no obligation chat!
