Mastering LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram: A Beginner’s Guide for Local Business Owners
If you’re a local business owner in The thriving City of Kingston, you’ve probably heard that social media is now considered mainstream and ‘essential’ in the same way your website and phone are — but where do you start? LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram each offer unique opportunities to connect with your community & customers, build brand awareness, and of course; drive sales. Let’s break down how you can leverage each platform to grow your business with a mix of organic and paid activity on social media.
LinkedIn: Build Authority & Professional Connections
Think of LinkedIn as the digital networking event you can attend - without having to leave the house. It’s where professionals go to search by keyword, re-connect with old workmates, and see what’s happening in their industry - making it the perfect place to establish credibility, grow your network, and position yourself as an expert in your field.
What to Post: Share industry insights or your experiences with key topics of interest, behind-the-scenes business updates, and success stories like case studies. Engage by adding a comment on posts from other business owners.
Why It Works: When people trust you as an authority, they’re more likely to do business with you.
Bonus Tip: Optimise your profile with a professional photo, a compelling ‘About’ section in your bio, and consistent activity. You can click here to connect with Kingston Collective on Linkedin and we’ll tag you in a shout-out.
Facebook: Community & Engagement Hub
With billions of users worldwide, Facebook remains a powerhouse for local businesses. It’s FAR from dead. It’s the place where locals look for recommendations, engage with requests and shout-outs, and get information on local events and promotions. Business pages might feel like a ghost-town but those local community pages GO OFF. Remember, you have to fish where the fish are!
What to Post: Business specials, customer testimonials, and interactive content like polls or Q&As.
Why It Works: Facebook allows direct communication with your audience through comments and messages. Plus, Facebook Groups can be goldmines for local networking. Your personal profile AND your business profile can be used and tagged.
Bonus Tip: Running targeted Facebook Ads to reach specific postcode demographics local to the City of Kingston will ensure you’re mixing with the locals online; remember you can be VERY targeted in Meta Ads! There are over 1,100 members in the private Facebook group for Kingston Collective Community & you’re welcome to come join us if you live, work or play in the area!
Instagram: Visual Storytelling & Brand Personality
Instagram is all about aesthetics and engagement. Even if they change the post sizes and layouts without notice!! Home to posts, reels, and stories; this platform is wildly image-led. Whether you run a café, boutique, or service-based business, Instagram lets you showcase your brand’s personality through high-quality visuals and short-form videos.
What to Post: Eye-catching images, reels showcasing your products/services, and behind-the-scenes content.
Why It Works: Instagram’s visual appeal makes it easier to capture attention and build a loyal following, plus it’s an easy way to get direct engagement with connections via ‘DMs’ perfect for nurturing warm leads.
Bonus Tip: Use Instagram Stories and Pinned Posts to keep important information easily accessible. Connect with Kingston Collective on Instagram!
Bringing It All Together
Each platform has its strengths, (and stressful bits!) but they work best when used all together. For example, share a professional milestone on LinkedIn, then repurpose that content as a more casual post on Facebook, and strip back the copy to share an engaging image to Instagram. If you’re running a promotion, use Facebook Ads while also sharing behind-the-scenes stories on Instagram talking about the special offer.
The key is consistency. Show up, engage, and provide value. Social media isn’t just about selling—it’s about building relationships, and when done right, it can be a game-changer for your local business.
*Social Media 101 Interactive Workshop Event*
Join us at a special interactive workshop for beginners - or those who are keen for a refresher - on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram. We’ll be hosting SOCIAL MEDIA 101 WORKSHOP at Events on Citrus in Braeside on Wednesday 12 March from 10am - midday.
