If you’ve recently started a business or are considering starting one, chances are setting up your social media profiles is on your to-do list, as it should be! It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in, social media is a great low-cost tool to engage with your target audience and build authority as a brand. A robust social media presence is no longer a luxury but a necessity for small businesses. As a social media manager, I work closely with new entrepreneurs and have witnessed firsthand the transformative power that a well-crafted digital presence can have on the growth and success of a budding business.

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Here are four reasons you should prioritize your social media presence as a new entrepreneur:

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1. Connect with Customers:

One of the best parts of social media is the opportunity to connect with your customers. Whether it’s a new customer or someone loyal to you from the beginning, social media is a low-cost way to deepen that relationship. One way to do this is by sharing your workday snippets to your Instagram stories. Instagram stories are a great way to humanize your brand and remind people why they should support your small business. This also allows your community to reply and connect with you one-on-one!

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2. Brand Awareness & Recognition: 

Brand awareness and recognition refer to the ability of consumers to see your brand or product and immediately know that it is yours. For example, let’s say you’re opening a coffee shop. Do you have a signature drink that you want to be known for? Posting about that consistently on Instagram and featuring your coffee shop as the backdrop will allow people to start recognizing your brand and associating that specialty drink with you. The next time they want one, they’ll think of you due to the brand awareness you’ve created!

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3. Stay Competitive:

Consumer trends show that more often than not when someone is trying to decide whether or not to support a company through a visit or a purchase, they’re checking out their social media first. This could be a handmade jewelry company, a massage therapist, or a restaurant. If you aren’t maintaining a consistent social media presence, chances are your competitors are. Even if you have a small following, you never know who might browse your page before purchasing.

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4. Networking:

While social media is a great way to connect with customers, it’s also a great way to network with others in your industry. Being a small business owner can be lonely! Having someone that you can share successes (and losses) with can go a long way in helping you stick with it in the long run. I’ve made some of my most valued business connections through Instagram! 

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To get started, check out my previous blog post, where I shared the five things you need before launching your social media brand.

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I offer social media strategy sessions, monthly coaching, and full-service social media management for further support. If you'd like to chat, you can use this link to set up a discovery call. As a bonus, I have two special offers for Raleigh Founded members. 

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The first is a $200 off strategy session where we do a deep dive into your brand and explore the ideas you should consider while planning your content. If you’re already live on social media but struggling to grow, this strategy session can also be a great reset. With the discount, this session is $450 for Raleigh Founded members.

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The second offer for Raleigh Founded members is a waived kickoff fee ($525) for any monthly marketing package. You can check out the prices for these on my website here.

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No matter where you are in your social media journey - it can feel like there is SO MUCH you don’t know. It’s a constantly changing space, and trying to keep up can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in! Be sure to follow me on social media @thesocialrising, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any of your social media questions. I’m here to help!