30 Social Media Post Ideas Local Businesses Should Use Right Away
Building a strong social media presence as a local business isn’t just about posting consistently; it’s about making meaningful connections with your community.
To help you hit the ground running, here’s a curated list of 30 trending social media topics that are perfect for local businesses. Plus, we'll show you how to leverage them authentically and plan them out like a pro.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses
Share what goes on behind the curtain. People love seeing the process, the people, and the culture that make your business tick. Post a quick video or snap of your team prepping for the day.
Local Events Spotlight
Highlight upcoming local events and how your business is involved or impacted. Tag the event organizers for some extra visibility.
Customer Spotlights
Showcase a customer and their story with your business. It adds authenticity and builds trust with potential customers.
Employee of the Month
Put a face to the name. Feature a team member and share their favorite part about working at your business.
User-Generated Content
Share content created by your customers. Whether it's a photo they took in your store or a shoutout on social media, this is social proof gold.
Local Partnerships
Highlight your collaborations with other local businesses. Cross-promotion helps both parties and strengthens community ties.
Special Offers
Announce exclusive deals or promotions available only to your social media followers. FOMO is a powerful motivator.
Local News and Trends
Comment on or share news that’s relevant to your local area. Position yourself as a business that’s in the know.
Product/Service Highlights
Showcase your products or services with a focus on their benefits and how they solve local problems.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Share glowing reviews from your customers. Pair it with a heartfelt thank you to show appreciation.
Local History
Share interesting facts or stories about your local area. It adds depth to your connection with the community.
Seasonal Content
Tap into the seasons and holidays. Whether it’s a summer sale or a winter giveaway, seasonal content is always relevant.
Before and After
Show transformations, whether it's a renovated space, a customer's journey, or a product makeover.
How-To Tips
Offer tips related to your business. If you run a bakery, share a baking hack; if you're a mechanic, offer car care advice.
Sustainability Efforts
Share how your business is going green. This resonates with eco-conscious consumers.
Contests and Giveaways
Engage your followers with a fun contest or giveaway. Ask them to tag friends or share your post to enter.
Community Stories
Share inspiring stories from your community. This could be about a local hero, a charitable event, or a heartwarming moment.
Business Milestones
Celebrate your achievements publicly. Whether it’s an anniversary or hitting a sales goal, let your community celebrate with you.
FAQ Sessions
Address common customer questions in a Q&A format. This can be in a post or a live video.
Local Guides
Create a post about the best local spots—restaurants, parks, shops. Position yourself as a local expert.
Polls and Surveys
Engage your audience by asking for their opinions on various topics. This can be light-hearted or business-related.
Feature Local Artists
Highlight local talent. If you have their artwork in your store, feature it!
Live Tours
Go live and give a virtual tour of your business. Show off new arrivals, your workspace, or how your products are made.
Throwback Thursdays
Share a blast from the past. This could be an old photo of your store or a previous event you hosted.
Thank You Posts
Show gratitude to your customers, staff, or the community. Simple thank-yous go a long way.
Behind-the-Scenes in the Community
Show how you support your local community outside of work, whether it’s volunteering or attending events.
Day in the Life
Share what a typical day looks like at your business. This can be an Instagram Story takeover by an employee.
Customer Success Stories
Share how your product or service has made a difference for a customer. Success stories build credibility.
Local Influencer Collaborations
Partner with local influencers for shoutouts or collaborations. They bring a trusted voice to your brand.
Unique Selling Points
Remind your audience what makes your business unique. Whether it’s your product, service, or values, make it clear why you’re the best choice.
How to Leverage These Topics Authentically
Authenticity is key in today’s social media industry. Here’s how to make these topics work for you:
Be Genuine: Use your own voice and stay true to your brand. Don’t force trends—focus on what makes your business unique.
Engage with Your Audience: Reply to comments, ask questions, and create conversations. Social media is a two-way street.
Show Real Faces: People connect with people, not logos. Show the humans behind your brand whenever possible.
Plan Your Posts (example format)
To keep things simple and effective, start with a plan for 15 posts per month, scheduled every other day. Here's what that looks like in real time.
Week 1
Day 1: Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse
Day 3: Customer Spotlight
Day 5: Local Event Spotlight
Day 7: Product/Service Highlight
Week 2
Day 9: Employee of the Month
Day 11: Seasonal Content
Day 13: Community Story
Day 15: How-To Tip
Week 3
Day 17: Contest/Giveaway
Day 19: Sustainability Effort
Day 21: Throwback Thursday
Day 23: Local Guide
Week 4
Day 25: Business Milestone
Day 27: Customer Review
Day 29: Day in the Life
Don't forget to test and optimize your posting days!
After your first month, review the engagement metrics. Which posts did your audience love? Which ones flopped? Use these insights to adjust your strategy for the next month, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ideas.
Remember, social media is your chance to show off the heart and soul of your business. With these 30 topics, you’re not just posting—you’re building a community.
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- Team Get Local Social
