top of page

6 Best Social Media Content Types for Small Businesses

Social media content is a powerful tool for small business owners to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive engagement. This section explores various social media content types, including posts, stories, reels, tweets, and challenges. Social media platforms offer unique opportunities to reach a broad audience quickly and cost-effectively. By sharing regular updates, engaging visuals, and interactive content, you can create a vibrant online presence that attracts new customers and keeps existing ones interested. Each platform, from Instagram and Facebook to Twitter and TikTok, has its own style and best practices, allowing you to tailor your content to fit your audience's preferences.


social media content types

Creating effective social media content doesn't require a big budget or advanced skills. Start by posting regular updates about your products, services, and business activities. Use stories to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, highlight customer testimonials, or showcase new arrivals. Short videos or reels can capture attention and are perfect for demonstrating product features or sharing quick tips. Participating in social media challenges or creating your own can increase your visibility and engagement. By consistently posting engaging and relevant content, you can build a strong online community, foster customer loyalty, and drive traffic to your business with minimal investment.


This is the Social Media Content Type section of the guide titled 'Business Boosters: Best Content Types to Capture Customers' (including downloadable checklist) to help you select which individual content types will help you to build positive brand awareness and grow new customers for your business.


Social Media Posts


Overview of Social Media Posts


Social media posts are updates, photos, videos, or text shared on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. They keep your audience informed, entertained, or engaged with your brand.


Business Best Suited to Social Media Posts


Any business looking to maintain an active online presence, such as retail shops, service providers, and local businesses.


What Type of Audience Engages with Social Media Posts


Current and potential customers, followers of your brand, and the general public who use social media regularly.


The Characteristics of Social Media Posts


  • Short and engaging text

  • Often includes images, videos, or links

  • Regular updates (daily or weekly)

  • Can be promotional, educational, or entertaining


Benefits of Social Media Posts


  • Increases brand visibility

  • Engages with your audience directly

  • Drives traffic to your website

  • Supports customer service and feedback


Limitations of Social Media Posts


  • Requires regular content creation

  • Needs to be well-crafted to stand out

  • Can be time-consuming to manage multiple platforms


Required Skill Level of Social Media Posts


  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

  • Basic writing and design skills, along with an understanding of each social media platform's best practices.


Stories (Instagram, Facebook)


Overview of Stories


Stories are short, temporary posts that disappear after 24 hours. They often include photos, videos, or text and can feature interactive elements like polls and questions.


Business Best Suited to Stories


Perfect for businesses looking to share timely updates, behind-the-scenes content, or promotional offers, such as fashion brands, restaurants, and event organisers.


What Type of Audience Engages with Stories


Followers on social media platforms, particularly younger audiences and those who enjoy quick, ephemeral content.


The Characteristics of Stories


  • Short-lived (24 hours)

  • Often casual and spontaneous

  • Includes interactive features like polls and stickers

  • Can be enhanced with filters and effects


Benefits of Stories


  • High engagement and visibility

  • Great for real-time updates and promotions

  • Encourages interaction with your audience

  • Easy to create and share


Limitations of Stories


  • Temporary nature means they need frequent updates

  • Requires a steady stream of content

  • May not reach all followers due to algorithm limitations


Required Skill Level of Stories


  • Skill Level: Beginner

  • Basic skills in taking photos or videos and using social media platforms' story features.


Reels/Short Videos


Overview of Reels/Short Videos


Reels and short videos are brief, engaging videos typically lasting up to 60 seconds. They are designed to be easily consumable and highly shareable.


Business Best Suited to Reels/Short Videos


Great for businesses looking to create engaging, quick content, such as fitness trainers, beauty brands, and entertainment companies.


What Type of Audience Engages with Reels/Short Videos


Younger audiences, social media users who prefer video content, and those looking for quick, entertaining updates.


The Characteristics of Reels/Short Videos


  • Short duration (up to 60 seconds)

  • Engaging and visually appealing

  • Often includes music, effects, and text overlays

  • Designed for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts


Benefits of Reels/Short Videos


  • High engagement and shareability

  • Can go viral and increase brand visibility

  • Easy to create with built-in platform tools

  • Great for showcasing products or tutorials


Limitations of Reels/Short Videos


  • Needs to be highly engaging to stand out

  • Requires regular content creation

  • May require some video editing skills


Required Skill Level of Reels/Short Videos


  • Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

  • Basic video recording and editing skills, and creativity to produce engaging content.


Tweets/Threads


Overview of Tweets/Threads


Tweets are short messages (up to 280 characters) posted on Twitter. Threads are a series of connected tweets used to convey longer messages or stories.


Business Best Suited to Tweets/Threads


Ideal for businesses looking to share quick updates, engage in conversations, or provide customer support, such as tech companies, news outlets, and personal brands.


What Type of Audience Engages with Tweets/Threads


Twitter users, industry peers, customers looking for quick updates, and those interested in engaging in discussions.


The Characteristics of Tweets/Threads


  • Short and concise messages

  • Can include links, images, and hashtags

  • Threads allow for longer content in a series of connected tweets

  • Often timely and conversational


Benefits of Tweets/Threads


  • Quick and easy to post

  • High engagement with real-time interactions

  • Great for customer service and feedback

  • Increases brand visibility and reach


Limitations of Tweets/Threads


  • Character limit requires concise messaging

  • Needs regular activity to maintain visibility

  • Can be time-consuming to manage interactions


Required Skill Level of Tweets/Threads


  • Skill Level: Beginner

  • Basic writing skills and an understanding of Twitter's best practices.


Social Media Challenges


Overview of Social Media Challenges


Social media challenges are campaigns where users participate in a specific activity, often tagging others to join in. They can go viral and generate significant engagement.


Business Best Suited to Social Media Challenges


Businesses looking to increase brand engagement and visibility, such as lifestyle brands, fitness companies, and non-profits.


What Type of Audience Engages with Social Media Challenges


Active social media users, particularly those who enjoy participating in trends and engaging with brands in a fun way.


The Characteristics of Social Media Challenges


  • Encourages user participation and sharing

  • Often involves a specific hashtag

  • Can include prizes or incentives

  • Typically spread across multiple platforms


Benefits of Social Media Challenges


  • High engagement and reach

  • Encourages user-generated content

  • Increases brand visibility and awareness

  • Can go viral and attract new followers


Limitations of Social Media Challenges


  • Needs a creative and appealing idea

  • Requires promotion and monitoring

  • May need prizes or incentives to encourage participation


Required Skill Level of Social Media Challenges


  • Skill Level: Intermediate

  • Requires creativity and planning, as well as the ability to engage and monitor participants.


Pinned Posts


Overview of Pinned Posts


Pinned posts are featured posts that remain at the top of your social media profile. They highlight important information, announcements, or key content.


Business Best Suited to Pinned Posts


Any business wanting to showcase important updates, such as special offers, events, or essential information, like retail stores, event organisers, and service providers.


What Type of Audience Engages with Pinned Posts


Followers and visitors to your social media profile looking for key information or updates.


The Characteristics of Pinned Posts


  • Fixed at the top of your profile

  • Highlights important content or announcements

  • Can be updated or changed as needed

  • Visible to everyone visiting your profile


Benefits of Pinned Posts


  • Ensures important information is seen first

  • Easy to update with new content

  • Increases visibility of key messages

  • Enhances user experience by providing quick access to essential info


Limitations of Pinned Posts


  • Limited to one pinned post at a time

  • Needs to be regularly updated to stay relevant

  • May not be as engaging as other interactive content


Required Skill Level of Pinned Posts


  • Skill Level: Beginner

  • Basic skills in creating engaging content and understanding how to pin a post on social media platforms.


Next Step: Go through the User-Generated Content Types to select the ones best matched with your business.

---

​

Unlock the potential of your small business with our TAD Customer Growth Momentum email course. In just 12 weeks, you’ll receive actionable insights to attract and convert new customers, without breaking the bank. Transform your approach and start seeing tangible growth today. Sign up now and take the first step towards a thriving business.

​

---

bottom of page