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A Simple Social Media Plan for Small Businesses: 5 Easy Steps

Content| strategy
January 14, 2026•3 min read

If you’re a small business owner, social media can feel like one more thing on an already-full plate. The good news? You don’t need to post every day, dance on Reels, or become a full-time content creator to see results.

What you do need is a basic plan you can follow consistently—one that fits your business, your schedule, and your comfort level.

Here’s a simple, realistic social media plan to help you get started (and stay started).

👉 Step 1: Pick your “home base” platform (don’t try to do them all)

When you’re starting out, focus on one primary platform and one “supporting” platform if you have the capacity. The best platform is the one your customers already use.

  • Facebook: great for community-based businesses, local services, events, groups

  • Instagram: strong for visual brands (retail, food, beauty, home services, lifestyle)

  • LinkedIn: perfect for B2B, professional services, recruiting, networking

  • TikTok: great reach, but requires more video comfort + consistency

Tip: If you’re not sure, start with Facebook + Instagram (Meta makes it easy to cross-post).

👉 Step 2: Set one clear goal (otherwise it’ll feel pointless)

Most small business owners post randomly, then wonder why it doesn’t “work.” Social media works best when you know what you want it to do.

Pick one primary goal for the next 30 days:

  • Get more local awareness

  • Drive website clicks

  • Get more DMs / inquiries

  • Build a community

  • Get more reviews

  • Drive appointments / bookings

  • Increase repeat customers

Pro tip: Your goal determines your call-to-action. No CTA = missed opportunity. Always include a CTA!!!

👉 Step 3: Lock in your posting rhythm (simple > perfect)

You don’t need daily posting. You need consistent posting.

A realistic beginner schedule:

  • 2–3 posts per week

  • 3–5 Stories per week (optional, but great for visibility)

  • 1 short video per week (even a simple one)

If that feels like a lot, start with:

  • 2 posts per week for 4 weeks

Consistency builds trust. Trust builds sales.

👉 Step 4: Use a basic content plan that never runs out

Here’s the easiest approach: choose 4 content “buckets” and rotate them.

1) What you do (clarity content)

Help people understand your services quickly.

  • “Here’s what’s included when you book…”

  • “3 signs it’s time to…”

  • “Before/after + what we did”

2) Proof (trust content)

Social proof is everything for small businesses.

  • Testimonials

  • Reviews

  • Case studies

  • Client wins

  • Client Generated Content (like their photos or tags)

3) Behind the scenes (connection content)

People buy from people.

  • Your process

  • A day in the life

  • Your team

  • Your tools

  • What goes into pricing (in a respectful way)

4) Local/community (visibility content)

If you’re a local business, this is gold.

  • Local events

  • Partner shoutouts

  • “We’re in Hudson today!”

  • Favorite nearby spots

  • Community involvement

Tip: If you can come up with 10 post ideas for each bucket, you’re set for months.

👉 Step 5: Make posting easy with a weekly “Power Hour”

Social media gets hard when you try to create everything on the fly.

Instead, block one hour a week:

  1. Pick your 2–3 posts for the week

  2. Write short captions (don’t overthink)

  3. Add one photo/video per post

  4. Schedule them

  5. Save leftover ideas in your notes

Tools to make this easier:

  • Meta Business Suite (free for FB/IG scheduling)

  • Canva (templates = speed)

  • A Notes app folder called “Post Ideas”

So, what are you going to post this week!?

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