One of the questions I get asked at least once a week is “how often do I need to use my social media?”

Is there such a thing as a magic number? The quick answer: no there isn’t.

Social media takes a bit of work to do it right. Sure you can do it half-ass and you may generate some interest, but it won’t provide longevity.

I’m a small business owner and I get it, you’re busy looking after your customers so you don’t have time for social media. You’ll do when you get to it. Or you’ll just automate, thinking that is the answer.

Social media is the work you do online – to develop lasting relationships with your customers – that will help you sell face-to-face.

Social media is different than traditional marketing. If traditional marketing is working for you, don’t stop it! Use your social media to complement it. Social media can be used for so many things and it’s not always about the sale.

Some of the many ways you can use your social media:

• Drive traffic to your website
• Drive traffic to your store
• Create brand awareness
• Generate buzz in a new product
• Generate engagement and followers online

Think of the social media marketing cycle. It can take a lot of touch points before your customers are ready to buy from you.

• Customers need to KNOW you
• Customers need to LIKE you
• Customers need to TRUST you
• So they will BUY from you

Do you still want to know how much time you actually need to spend on your social media? Watch the video to hear my answer!

There is no quick fix to your social media. As a small business owner, roll up your sleeve and put in the work. Social media works. I see successes – big and small – every day!

I would love to hear from you. How much time do you put into your social media?