Social Media Marketing for Small Business with entrepreneur Laura Roeder. She also shares her entrepreneur story and how she launched and bootstrapped her business. Laura Roeder is an entrepreneur and the founder of MeetEdgar – an online social media automation tool.

Laura shares her personal story, from studying advertising, working as a freelance designer, and founding her first social media business. She also shares her experiences with launching and bootstrapping MeetEdgar, and tips and advice for social media for small business owners.

Update – December 2020 – Laura has launched a new software solution for coaches: Paperbell

Laura began her entrepreneurial journey at the age of 22, when she quit a design job and decided to launch her first business.

In 2009, she started LKR Social Media, where she created online courses that taught thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners how to take their social media marketing into their own hands.

Then in 2014 she launched MeetEdgar, which was driven by a need in her own business to more effectively manage social media.

Since MeetEdgar’s launch, her remote team has grown to 28 people, they generate more than $300,000 in monthly recurring revenue, and have bootstrapped the entire way! MeetEdgar is now providing social solutions to more than 7,000 customers.

Resources:

Top 10 Social Media Essentials for Small Business Owners

Social media has become an indispensable tool for small businesses looking to expand their reach, engage with customers, and drive sales. However, navigating the social media landscape can be overwhelming. To help you focus on what really matters, here’s a list of the top 10 social media essentials every small business owner should consider.

1. Choose the Right Platforms: Not all social media platforms are created equal. Each has its own audience and strengths. Choose platforms that align with your target audience and business goals. As Henry Lopez, Entrepreneur and Host of The How of Business Podcast, advises, “Social media can be a powerful and effective way to promote your business and connect with your customers. But many small businesses owners are challenged with knowing which platforms to be on and how to use them. I always recommend that you start small, perhaps with one or two social media platforms to begin with, and then expand over time if it makes sense.”
2. Consistent Branding: Maintain consistent branding across all social media platforms. This includes your business name, tag line, business profile, profile pictures, and overall aesthetic. Consistency helps in building brand recognition.
3. Content Calendar: Plan your content in advance with a content calendar. This helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule, which is crucial for keeping your audience engaged. You can also use a tool like MeetEdgar to help you manage all your social media scheduling and posting.
4. Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to post high-quality content less frequently than to post mediocre content often. Invest time in creating valuable, relevant, and engaging posts.
5. Engage with Your Audience: Social media is not just a broadcasting tool; it’s a two-way street. Make sure to engage with your audience by responding to comments, messages, and mentions. Focus on posting content that gets a conversation started with your followers.
6. Use Analytics: Most social media platforms offer analytics tools that provide insights into how your content is performing. Use this data to refine your strategy and make informed decisions. Social media platforms are continually changing their algorithms requiring you to adjust your tactics to continue reaching your target audience.
7. Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage satisfied customers to share their experiences and tag your business. User-generated content provides social proof and can significantly boost your credibility.
8. Run Targeted Ads: Social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube offer advanced targeting options for advertising. Use these to reach potential customers who are most likely to be interested in your products or services.
9. Collaborate with Influencers: Partnering with influencers who align with your brand may help you reach a broader audience. Make sure to choose influencers whose followers match your target demographic.
10. Monitor and Adjust: Social media is ever-changing. Regularly review your strategy and be prepared to make adjustments based on performance and emerging trends.

MeetEdgar, a social media automation tool, emphasizes the importance of leveraging social media for business growth. They state, “Social media isn’t just a megaphone for your brand; it’s a conversational tool that allows you to connect directly with potential customers. Use it to solve problems, entertain, and build relationships that turn followers into customers.”

Social media can be a powerful tool for small business owners, but it requires a strategic approach. By focusing on these 10 essentials, you can create a strong social media presence that not only builds brand awareness but also drives business growth. With insights from experts like Henry Lopez and MeetEdgar, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of social media marketing.

Other Episodes:

Social Media Episodes

You can find all episode of the top-rated podcast for small business and entrepreneurs, The How of Business podcast, on our Archives page.