How to Get More Customers on Social Media: A Practical Guide

Lots of small businesses post regularly and still wonder why the phone is not ringing. Social media can help people find and trust you, but it is not a magic switch. Results vary from business to business, and nobody can honestly promise a set number of new customers. What you can do is make it easier for the right people to notice you, understand what you offer and get in touch.

Here is a practical way to go about it.

1. Be clear about who you want

"Everyone" is not a customer. Think about the people you most enjoy working with and who are most likely to buy. Where do they live? What problem are they trying to solve? What do they worry about before they hire or buy?

When you know this, it becomes much easier to decide what to post and how to say it.

2. Make your profile do the selling

Many people will check your profile before they contact you. Make sure it answers the basic questions in a few seconds:

• What do you do?
• Where do you do it?
• Who is it for?
• How can someone contact you or book?

Use a clear photo or logo, a short and plain description, and a working link or contact method. A tidy profile is a quiet but important part of getting enquiries.

3. Post things your customers actually want to see

Content that tends to help small businesses includes:

• Your work: finished jobs, products, results, before and afters.
• Answers to common questions: pricing factors, how long things take, what to expect.
• People: you, your team, how you work. People like buying from people.
• Customer feedback: with their permission, share kind words or a short story about helping someone.
• Practical tips: small things that are genuinely useful, without giving away the whole shop.

If you are not sure where to start, write down the last ten questions customers asked. Each one is a post.

4. Use video where you can

Short video is a good way to show rather than tell, and many platforms give video a prominent place. It does not need to be fancy. A clear, honest clip showing what you do and who you are can go a long way. If making video feels like a chore, a service or tool that handles editing can save time.

5. Tell people what to do next

A post that finishes without a next step leaves people guessing. Add a simple prompt: message us to book, call for a quote, visit the website. Keep it light, and do not make every post a sales pitch. A good mix is mostly useful or interesting content with an occasional clear offer.

6. Talk to people, not just at them

Social media is, as the name suggests, social. Reply to comments and messages promptly. Thank people. Answer questions properly. Comment on posts by local customers, nearby businesses and community groups where it feels natural. This is often how people discover you.

7. Be local if you serve a local area

Mention the town or area you cover. Tag locations where the platform allows. Share local events or news that connects with your business. People looking for someone nearby will notice.

8. Stick with it, and look at what works

Social media usually builds slowly. Post at a steady pace for a few months, then look at what you have. Which posts got messages or enquiries, rather than just likes? Do more of those. When you ask new customers how they found you, note what they say.

9. Avoid common mistakes

• Buying followers. They do not buy from you and can make your numbers misleading.
• Posting only when you are quiet, then disappearing when busy.
• Copying what large brands do. Your strengths are being real and local.
• Ignoring messages. A slow reply can lose a customer.

FAQ

How long until I see customers from social media? It varies a lot. Some businesses get enquiries quickly; for others it takes months. Regular, useful posting gives you the best chance, but there are no guarantees.

Do I need a lot of followers? No. A smaller audience of relevant local people is usually more valuable than a large one that will never buy.

Should I pay for adverts? Some businesses do, but it is not essential at the start. If you try it, begin with a small budget you are comfortable losing and track the results.

Which platform should I use? The one where your customers already spend time. If you are unsure, ask a few of them.

A gentle next step

If you would like help with the video side of things, you can register at reelfox.co.uk for 1 free video and a free marketing report. If it suits you, plans are Starter £49, Growth £99 and Pro £149 a month, with no VAT, and you can cancel online.

Paul