Social media has become an integral part of small business marketing strategies. With over 4.5 billion active users worldwide, social media offers small businesses a unique opportunity to reach their target audience, engage with customers, and build brand awareness. However, managing social media accounts can be overwhelming for small business owners who have limited resources and time. that is why it is important to have the right tools to help streamline the process. In this article, we will discuss some basic tools on social media for small business.
Social media management platforms
Social media management platforms are essential tools for small businesses to manage their social media accounts efficiently. These platforms allow small business owners to schedule posts, monitor comments and mentions, analyze data, and track their social media performance. Some popular social media management platforms include Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social, and Later. These platforms offer both free and paid plans, depending on the size and needs of your business.
Canva
Canva is a graphic design tool that allows small businesses to create professional-looking graphics for their social media posts additional resources. With Canva, you can choose from thousands of templates, customize them with your brand colors and fonts, and add your own images and text. Canva is user-friendly and does not require any design experience, making it a great tool for small businesses with limited resources. Canva offers both free and paid plans, with additional features and templates available for paid plans.
Google Analytics
Google Analytics is a free web analytics tool that allows small businesses to track their website traffic and social media referrals. With Google Analytics, you can track the number of visitors to your website, where they come from, how long they stay, and what pages they visit. You can also track social media referrals to your website, such as how many visitors come from Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. This data can help you understand your audience better and make informed decisions about your social media strategy.
Facebook Business Manager
Facebook Business Manager is a free tool that allows small businesses to manage their Facebook and Instagram accounts from one place. With Facebook Business Manager, you can create and manage ads, view insights, and collaborate with team members on your social media accounts. Facebook Business Manager also allows you to manage multiple Facebook and Instagram pages, making it a great tool for small businesses with multiple locations or brands.
Mailchimp
Mailchimp is an email marketing tool that allows small businesses to send newsletters, promotions, and automated emails to their subscribers. With Mailchimp, you can create custom email templates, segment your subscribers, and track your email performance. Mailchimp also offers integrations with social media platforms, allowing you to promote your email campaigns on your social media channels. Mailchimp offers both free and paid plans, with additional features and integrations available for paid plans.
Google My Business
Google My Business is a free tool that allows small businesses to manage their Google listing, including their business hours, phone number, website, and location. With Google My Business, small businesses can also manage their reviews and respond to customer inquiries. Having a verified Google listing can improve your local SEO and help customers find your business online. Google My Business is especially useful for small businesses with a physical location, such as a store or restaurant.
Social media analytics
Social media analytics tools allow small businesses to track their social media performance and make data-driven decisions about their social media strategy. Most social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, offer built-in analytics tools that allow you to track your follower growth, engagement, and reach. Third-party analytics tools, such as Sprout Social, offer more in-depth analytics and reporting features. By analyzing your social media data, you can identify what content resonates with your audience and adjust your social media strategy.