And Start Using It Like a Conversation
Hi, welcome back.
Today I want to talk about two things most small businesses get wrong:
- Social media
- Existing customers
Let’s keep this simple.
Social Media Is Not the Answer
But It Is a Tool
Social media is not magic.
It will not fix a broken business.
It will not replace proper marketing.
And it will not turn rubbish into results.
But it is free access to attention.
You have platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
They cost nothing to use.
And they give you direct access to:
- Potential customers
- Referrers
- Partners
- People already interested in what you do
That is powerful.
Most people waste it.
Why Most Businesses Get It Wrong
They treat social media like a loudspeaker.
“Buy this.”
“Look at me.”
“Here’s another offer.”
Noise.
That’s why people switch off.
What Actually Works
Use what is already happening in the world.
Example:
A story appears on the BBC about faulty kitchen units.
If you’re a kitchen fitter, that’s your moment.
You say:
“You may have seen this issue.
Here’s how we do it differently so it doesn’t happen.”
Now you are not selling.
You are explaining.
You are solving.
You are positioning yourself as the person who knows.
That works whether you are:
- A builder
- An accountant
- A solicitor
- A consultant
Same principle.
The Shift You Need to Make
From this:
“Look at me.”
To this:
“Here’s something useful.”
When you do that:
- Your content gets shared more
- The algorithm finds the right people
- You stop being a nuisance
- You become relevant
That’s marketing.
Not selling.
Now Let’s Talk About Your Existing Customers
This is where most businesses are just… lazy.
You already have people who:
- Know you
- Like you
- Trust you
- Call you when they’re stuck
But you never contact them.
Why?
You message your mates.
You send them links.
You share things you find interesting.
But your customers?
Silence.
Makes no sense.
Your Customers Are Already Your Audience
If someone has used you before, you are their go-to.
If something breaks, they call you.
So why wouldn’t you:
- Send them a useful article
- Share a video you made
- Flag a common problem
- Offer a simple solution
Email.
Text.
WhatsApp.
Even a letter.
Yes, a letter. Remember those?
No one gets anything in the post anymore except bills.
So when they get something useful from you, it stands out.
How to Do It Without Being Annoying
Don’t sell.
Just say:
“Saw this. Thought of you.
If it’s relevant, give me a shout.”
That’s it.
No pressure. No pitch.
You stay visible.
You stay useful.
You stay top of mind.
This Is the Bit Most People Miss
You don’t need more leads.
You need to:
- Talk properly on social media
- Stay connected to existing customers
That alone will grow most small businesses.
Do Something With This
If you are sitting there thinking:
“I should probably be doing this…”
You’re right.
But thinking doesn’t pay the bills.
Action does.
If you want help putting this into place:
- Go to https://richardsmith.com if you run a larger business
- Go to https://smallbusinessninja.co.uk if you are a small or micro business
Or just get in touch and we’ll sort it out.
Because right now, you are sat on customers, content, and opportunity.
And doing precisely nothing with it.
Which is a bold strategy, if your goal is to stay exactly where you are.
Get In Touch
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