It is no secret that social media can be an incredibly useful tool for businesses, both large and small.

When used effectively, social media can help businesses to build relationships with potential customers and partners, while increasing brand awareness and sales.

With other words: as a business owner, you want to earn money. That’s why you are here. If you don’t want to earn money, then it’s a hobby. Even charities need money, so yes, you are in business for money, end of story.

Again. That’s why you doing your business. Even if you want to donate to charities, you need money for that, so yep, we all are here for the money and never ever forget that for a second, when doing anything on social media.

When managing other accounts, I always come across with accounts that have ten thousands of followers ( influencers LOL ), or even more, but every posts has likes and comments under ten max 20 and want free gifts from said small business owner (‘to help them’ LOL ). I always want to ask them, yep, for what. From 10 likes and 20.000 fake followers with no posts, we unlikely will gain money so why are you so arrogant and want something for free? Buy the product, THAT’s what supporting a small business is. I rather have 300 real followers than 10.000 fake one. We all know that you can buy followers for cheap, so that’s not even a question.

We regularly receive messages offering follower packages for a few pounds. If I have time, then I always ask them: Why would I buy fake followers? I won’t get money from fake followers and my only purpose on social media as a small business owner is to earn money. It’s that simple. I want money. You want money. Everybody wants money. So, after asking that from them, I always report them and then block.

However, it is possible to earn money on social media, just be careful with who you collaborate. Avoid said fake accounts, also avoid boots, like pest and regularly clean your followers and followed accounts from scammers. Myself, on every social media accounts that I manage, I regularly delete accounts from my followers, those who seem to be fake. Like those who write me a message hello dear. Instant ban from me 😀

To reap the full rewards of social media it is less important, how many followers you do have, and it’s more important to ensure that you post regularly and you engage with real people, who really are interested in your posts. Regular posting on a variety of different channels helps keep your brand at the forefront of people’s minds, whilst interacting with the real (future) customers shows them that you care about their needs.

Engaging content can be anything from inspirational quotes, useful advice or just interesting information about your products or services. Or just a joke. Seriously, do whatever you want just be yourself!

When people find what they’re looking for on your page, they’ll remember your brand and they will come back time after time.

Additionally, engaging with other accounts on social media like Instagram will increase the visibility of your own profile too! So don’t be selfish: drop likes and comments to other accounts. The effort will pay you out in the long run.

To sum up, using social media to promote your business is a great way to connect with customers and generate more leads but be careful and try to avoid scam profiles.