30 must-try social media post ideas for small businesses

Navigating the constantly evolving world of social media can feel exciting, unpredictable, and a little overwhelming. Whether you’re a small business looking to build your audience or an established brand aiming to keep the conversation going, we all sometimes stare at a content calendar like it’s a puzzle.

But here’s a little secret: keeping your social media engaging doesn’t require a magic wand or a trip to Hogwarts. What it does need is a sprinkle of creativity, a dash of strategy, and a convenient graphic design editor that will cover all design-related tasks. That’s exactly why we’ve put together 30 social media post ideas for you with real-life examples and ready-to-use templates that you can quickly adjust to your business.

Ready to take your social media strategy from good to great? Let’s get started!

But first…Create an efficient content calendar

In the realm of social media, consistency isn’t just key — it’s the entire lock and door to building a thriving online presence. Regular posting keeps your brand top-of-mind, fosters a loyal community, and ensures your message is heard loud and clear in the bustling social media landscape. That’s where the art of strategic planning and a convenient social media scheduler come into play.

How to create an efficient content calendar 

1. Consistency over quantity

It’s not about bombarding your followers with content, but delivering quality posts regularly. Aim for a rhythm that keeps your audience engaged without overwhelming them (or your content team).

The recommended frequency of posting on different social media channels can vary depending on the platform, your audience, and your industry:

• Instagram: 1-3 times a day.
• Facebook: About 3 times per week to once per day.
• X (Twitter): 3-5 times a day.
• LinkedIn: About once per business day.
• Pinterest: 3-5 times per day.
• TikTok: 1-3 times per day.

Keep in mind that these are just recommendations, and it’s important to adjust your posting frequency based on your audience’s engagement. 

2. Diversity is king

Mix educational content, behind-the-scenes, user-generated content, and promotional posts to keep your feed interesting and engaging. We’ll offer additional social media post ideas for your business later in this article to simplify your journey. 

Meanwhile, have you heard about the 80/20 content rule?  

This rule suggests that 80% of your content should inform, educate, or entertain your audience, while only 20% should directly promote your products or services. This balance ensures that your social media feeds are not just sales pitches, but are valuable resources that build trust and relationships with your audience.

• Instagram: 10 AM – 3 PM, Tuesday through Friday. 
• Facebook: 9 AM – 1 PM, Tuesday through Thursday. 
• X (Twitter): 8 AM – 4 PM, Monday through Friday. 
• LinkedIn: 9 AM – 12 PM, Tuesday through Thursday. 
• Pinterest: 8 PM – 11 PM, with Fridays and Saturdays being the most effective days. 
• TikTok: 6 AM – 10 AM and 7 PM – 11 PM, with Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays showing high engagement.

3. Timing matters

Understanding the best times to post on each platform can help you maximize visibility and engagement. There are specific recommendations for the best times to post on different social media platforms, based on research and data analysis from various sources. But remember that these times are starting points, and the best times for your specific audience might vary: 

Taking time zones into consideration is also crucial, especially if your target audience is on a different continent. Rather than adjusting your sleep schedule to accommodate these times, we suggest planning your posts in advance using the social media scheduler from VistaCreate. Designed specifically for entrepreneurs and social media marketers, this tool allows you to plan, schedule, and publish posts across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Inspiring social media post ideas for businesses

Social media provides you with lots of content options: educational, entertaining, promotional, inspirational, and more. The trick is to mix them up right in your posting schedule. We’re going to break down each type, giving you ideas, examples, and even customizable templates that you can use straight away. Let’s dive in and find the perfect balance for your content calendar.

EDUCATIONAL CONTENT

Educational content is a powerful tool for engaging and growing your audience. By providing value through informative posts, videos, and infographics, brands can establish themselves as industry leaders and build trustworthy relationships with their followers. 

1. How-tos and guides

The how-to format is a highly effective way to engage audiences by providing step-by-step instructions or guidance on a particular task or topic. This format is ideal for delivering actionable content that empowers your followers with new knowledge or skills. Typically, how-to posts can be presented through detailed captions, infographics, short videos, or a series of images that break down the process into digestible steps.

This format thrives on platforms like Instagram, where visually appealing guides can be shared through posts, Stories, or IGTV. TikTok is another excellent channel for how-to content, as it loves bite-size videos. YouTube is the go-to platform for longer, more detailed tutorials. Lastly, Facebook and LinkedIn can also be effective for sharing how-to content, especially when targeting professional communities.

2. Tips and tricks

This social media post idea focuses on concise, practical advice that people can implement in their daily lives or specific areas of interest. Tips and tricks are not only highly shareable, but also position your brand as a helpful resource in your niche. You can share tips related to your products, such as suggesting the best ways to style a T-shirt you’re selling. Alternatively, you can offer tricks that aren’t directly tied to your products, but still captivate your audience’s interest. 

Platforms like Instagram, with its Stories and Reels, provide a visually appealing way to share quick tips. Meanwhile, X (Twitter) is perfect for short, impactful pieces of advice, and YouTube excels with in-depth tutorials for a more comprehensive learning experience.

3. Expert insights

Expert insights offer deep dives into topics, trends, and techniques that can elevate people’s understandings. It’s a brilliant way to build trust with your audience, as you’re not just sharing information; you’re providing valuable information that can help them make informed decisions or improve their skills.

You can share insights through a variety of formats, including posts, videos, blog articles, podcasts, and more. Regardless of the format you select, explore professional templates available on our platform to create polished and engaging content.

4. Educational infographics

Infographics can pack a ton of useful information into an easily digestible and visually appealing format. By combining compelling visuals with key facts and figures, infographics make complex data or concepts straightforward and engaging. They’re perfect for sharing on social media, where eye-catching visuals get more shares.

5. Recycled content

Recycled content, or repurposing existing materials like article excerpts, newsletter highlights, YouTube video snippets offers a smart way to breathe new life into your brand’s content. This approach maximizes the value of your previous efforts by reintroducing them to your audience in fresh formats or on different platforms. This way, you can ensure that your great ideas receive the attention they deserve.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES

Behind-the-scenes content is the secret that makes everyone feel like they’re part of the club. It’s all about showing the real, unpolished side of things, which people appreciate because it’s genuine. Plus, who doesn’t love a sneak peek into how their favorite products are made?  

6. Day in the life

Whether you’re baking cakes, organizing weddings, or knitting sweaters, your followers would love to get a glimpse of your life. People are naturally curious, so why not use that to your business’s advantage? Brands can leverage “day in the life” content in several strategic ways to enhance their connection with audiences, humanize their image, and provide valuable insights into their operations and values.

Explore VistaCreate’s templates to showcase your “day in the life”, strengthen relationships with your audience, and promote your business effectively.

7. Team member profiles

Team profiles are a fantastic way to invite people into the heart of your business and introduce them to the individuals who make everything happen. By highlighting the favorite products of each team member, you not only personalize your brand, but also spotlight the diverse preferences and personalities that enrich your workplace. We just love how Ganni showcases colleagues’ personalities through their dogs in a short TikTok video:

This approach creates fun and engaging content that resonates with your audience, allowing them to connect with your team on a more personal level. Whether it’s through social media posts, website bios, or feature videos, showcasing your team’s stories and preferences adds a human touch to your brand. 

8. Product creation

The creation process of your product is a story worth telling. This social media post idea for businesses offers a transparent look behind the scenes, revealing the craftsmanship, innovation, and dedication that goes into bringing a product to life. It’s invaluable for several reasons: from building trust and transparency to showcasing the unique aspects of your business. 

Showcase how you’re roasting coffee beans, crafting visual content for your blog, or making candles — these are all fantastic creative Instagram Story ideas or TikTok video notions.

Interested in creating your own product creation video? Explore our templates and design stunning content in just a few clicks!

9. Office tours

Another fun way to pull back the curtain on your company’s culture are office tours. Perfectly suited for video formats, these tours allow your audience to visually and virtually step into your world, making the experience highly engaging and personal.

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram (via IGTV or Stories) are ideal for sharing these tours, given their wide reach. LinkedIn can also be a strategic choice, especially for B2B companies aiming to showcase their professional environments to potential employees and partners.  

USER-GENERATED CONTENT (UGC)

UGC is content created by unpaid contributors, offering authenticity and trustworthiness that resonates more deeply with consumers than traditional ads. For small brands, UGC is a goldmine — it’s cost-effective, serves as powerful social proof, enriches content diversity, and strengthens community ties.

10. Customers reviews

Transforming customer feedback into content is a strategic move that can boost engagement, trust, and credibility for your brand. Modify feedback into success stories for LinkedIn posts, save your customers’ reviews in Instagram Highlights, or use it as an opportunity for brand growth. Both positive and negative feedback can be valuable, as long as you’re open to learning from it or even having a good laugh.

Below are several templates designed to help you craft content using your customers’ feedback:

11. Fan features

Fan features refer to all types of content created by customers of a brand, product, or service across various platforms. This includes social media posts, Stories, Reels, TikToks, and more. Sharing customer-generated content not only fosters engagement, but also inspires others to share their own experiences, seamlessly integrating customer satisfaction with brand promotion.

This approach is particularly effective for beauty products, food manufacturers, online retailers, clothing brands, and more.

12. Q&A sessions

Q&A content is like killing two birds with one stone in the world of user-generated content. It’s not just about answering questions; it’s a golden opportunity to really connect with your audience and let their voices be heard. Imagine this: every time you engage in a Q&A session, you’re not only clearing up doubts and sharing knowledge, but also showcasing that you genuinely care about what your audience thinks and needs.

INTERACTIVE CONTENT

Interactive content is your secret weapon in the digital world, turning passive viewers into active participants and injecting life into your online presence. This dynamic form of content, whether it’s polls, quizzes, or giveaways, invites your audience to engage directly with your brand, creating a two-way conversation.

13. Polls and quizzes

Whether you’re crafting polls or surveys about your products and their features or any other engaging topic, this type of content is an excellent way to connect with your audience. It not only sparks immediate engagement, but also yields valuable insights into consumer preferences, informing future product development and marketing strategies.

For example, a beauty brand could engage followers by having them vote on their next lipstick shade. Similarly, a coffee brand might invite customers to describe themselves using the characteristics of their favorite beverages.

Got an idea for your next post? Use these templates to bring it to life!

14. Giveaways and contests

If you need an engagement booster for your socials, conduct a contest or a giveaway. Not only do they create excitement and buzz around your brand, but they also encourage users to interact with your content, share it with friends, and even contribute their own ideas.

Whether it’s asking followers to tag friends, share photos, or participate in challenges, these activities ramp up the community vibe and can significantly expand your reach.

15. Ask me anything sessions

Another effective way to quickly boost engagement is “Ask me anything” sessions. They invite followers to submit their questions, which are then answered in real time, providing a direct line of communication between your brand and its community. By openly answering a wide range of questions, your brand demonstrates transparency and openness, building trust and credibility with your audience.

AMAs can be conducted across various platforms, including Instagram Stories, X (Twitter), Reddit, or Facebook Live, making them a versatile option that can be tailored to your audience’s preferences.

16. Brainstorms

Asking customers to chip in with ideas for new products, improvements, or even packaging design isn’t just smart — it’s a game-changer. This approach turns customers into co-creators, giving them a sense of ownership and a deeper connection with your brand.

This social media post idea is a win-win: you get a fresh perspective directly from your target audience, ensuring your offerings hit the mark, while customers feel valued and heard.

For example, the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream brand has been known to take flavour suggestions from customers, occasionally turning popular ideas into actual products available for purchase.

17. Live events

Looking for real-time engagement? Live events foster a sense of immediacy and excitement, encouraging viewers to interact in real time through comments, likes, and shares. This direct interaction boosts engagement rates and strengthens the connection between your brand and its audience.

What’s more, the dynamic nature of live content often benefits from platform algorithms, leading to higher visibility and discoverability among new audiences. This type of content is incredibly versatile, suitable for product launches, Q&A sessions, interviews, and more.

PROMOTIONAL CONTENT

Promotional content on social media is crucial for brands looking to drive sales, increase awareness, and introduce new products or services to their audience. From exclusive discounts and limited-time offers to brand collaborations and product launches, promotional content varies widely, catering to different goals.

18. Product launches

Launching a new product is super exciting, and sharing that buzz on social media can really amp up the anticipation. You can start with teaser posts to spark curiosity, followed by sneak peeks that offer a glimpse of what’s coming. Then, kick launch day off with all the details your audience has been waiting for. Remember, it’s all about creating a story around your product that gets people talking and sharing.

Keep it light, fun, and packed with all the juicy details that make your audience feel like they’re part of something special. VistaCreate will help you with the design! Browse customizable templates on our platform to find a layout for your niche:

19. Sales, discounts, and holiday deals

Who doesn’t love a good deal? Sales and discount content on social media is like a magnet, drawing in folks who’ve been eyeing your products and giving them that final nudge to make a purchase. It’s all about timing and presentation. Drop those discount codes, flash sale announcements, or special offers in a way that feels like an exclusive treat for your followers.

Remember, it’s not just about slashing prices; it’s about creating buzz and urgency — think countdowns or limited-time offers to crank up the excitement. Keep it straightforward and enticing, letting everyone know exactly what they’re getting and how they can snag your deal.

20. Limites editions

There’s something special about limited edition products that just makes everyone sit up and take notice. Highlight what makes these items unique — maybe it’s a one-of-a-kind design, a collaboration with a cool artist, or just something that’s never been done before. The key is to build up that feeling of “you’ve gotta have it before it’s gone.”

Create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, making your audience feel like they’re part of an exclusive club. Keep the message light and enticing, focusing on the uniqueness and the “limited time only” aspect. It’s not just about selling a product; it’s about offering your followers a chance to own a piece of something truly special.

21. Brand collaborations

Brand collaborations are perfect for reaching new audiences, enhancing credibility, and injecting fresh energy into offerings. When two brands team up, they leverage each other’s strengths and fan bases, creating a synergy that can significantly amplify their visibility. For small businesses, this means getting their products or services in front of a wider audience that might have been out of reach before.

For example, Uber partnered with Spotify to offer personalized music experiences during rides. H&M has famously collaborated with high-end designers like Alexander Wang, Balmain, and Giambattista Valli to create affordable designer collections. LEGO created a building set for “Dune” movie fans.

22. Influencer partnerships

By partnering with influencers — individuals who have a substantial following and high engagement rates on social media — small businesses can tap into established audiences that trust and value the influencer’s opinions and recommendations.

Influencers often have a niche audience, making it easier for small businesses to reach potential customers who are likely to be interested in their products. Plus, compared to traditional advertising, influencer marketing can be more budget-friendly, offering a higher return on investment.

Send product samples to influencers and request their feedback on social media, even if you don’t have a budget for influencer marketing. Many influencers are willing to share their honest opinions if they genuinely like your product. Alternatively, you can go the traditional route and partner with influencers for detailed product reviews. This approach can significantly boost your visibility.

INSPIRATIONAL CONTENT

Inspirational content serves as a beacon of motivation and positivity. It comes in various forms, each tailored to uplift people in its unique way. Quotes and affirmations are among the simplest yet most powerful forms, offering bite-sized nuggets of wisdom. Success stories and brand journeys provide real-world examples of overcoming challenges, showcasing the journeys of individuals or brands that have achieved their goals against the odds.

23. Quotes

Quotes are perfect for when you need an engaging post but are short on time. Whether sourced from historical figures, contemporary leaders, or fictional characters, quotes simplify complex ideas into digestible snippets. They tap into our shared human experiences, inspiring perseverance, love, and courage. 

On social media, quotes often go viral due to their broad appeal and resonance. If your business revolves around selling books, organizing conferences, or offering educational courses, quotes are an ideal type of content to connect with your audience.

Although quotes are primarily text-based content, it’s important to design them well, especially for social media platforms where visuals matter, like Instagram or Pinterest.

24. Success stories

Success stories, from both brands and their customers, highlight the real-world impact and value of products or services. These stories showcase achievements, obstacles overcome, and the concrete benefits gained. For brands, it’s about celebrating growth, innovation, and dedication. For customers, these stories act as genuine endorsements, demonstrating the positive changes products or services have brought to their lives or businesses. Through sharing these experiences, brands can connect with potential customers, showing how their offerings lead to success. That’s the reason why we, at VistaCreate, love this social media post idea!

25. Brand journey

Brand journeys are perfect for celebrating key achievements, reflecting on challenges, and sharing the pivotal moments that have shaped a brand’s identity.  

Whether it’s celebrating an anniversary, launching a breakthrough product, or reaching a significant business milestone, brand journey content inspires, engages, and reinforces the values and mission driving a company forward.

Create inspiring content in a snap with professional templates from VistaCreate: 

26. Community projects

Content dedicated to a business’s community projects showcases the company’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond its core operations. Highlighting these initiatives serves several purposes: it reflects the brand’s values, demonstrates corporate social responsibility, and builds a deeper connection with consumers who value ethical and community-focused actions.

Small businesses have numerous opportunities to positively impact their local communities, including participating in local clean-ups, sponsoring local events, hosting educational workshops, or forming partnerships with non-profits.

Sharing stories of involvement in local improvements, support for social causes, or partnerships with non-profits provides transparency and humanizes a brand, making it more relatable and trustworthy.

ENTERTAINING CONTENT

In the fast-paced digital world where users scroll through vast amounts of information daily, content that entertains stands out, encouraging users to pause, engage, and share. This type of content, whether it’s humorous posts, engaging videos, useful lists, or relatable memes increases brand visibility and fosters a positive brand association.  

27. Memes

Memes have become a cultural phenomenon on social media, blending humor, satire, and relatable moments into easily shareable content. They’re a powerful way for brands to connect with their audience on a more personal and informal level, showing that they’re in tune with current trends and online culture. However, it’s important for brands to use memes sensitively and align them with their audience’s values.

28. Fun facts

Fun facts are perfect for sparking conversations and sharing. These tidbits can range from intriguing insights about your industry to amusing trivia related to your products or services. By incorporating fun facts into your social media strategy, you not only entertain, but also educate your followers.

This social media post idea for businesses is excellent for breaking up more serious posts, adding a layer of personality to your brand, and fostering a fun, knowledgeable community around your social media presence.

29. Lists and recommendations

Lists and recommendations from brands are especially effective as a content format because it breaks down information into easy-to-understand pieces, making it accessible for a wide audience. Whether it’s “Top 10 must-have products for summer” or “5 books every entrepreneur should read”, these lists can help position a brand as an authority in its field, offering expert advice that adds value to the customer experience.

For consumers looking to navigate the vast options available in any industry, these lists become a go-to resource, strengthening the relationship between the brand and its audience.

30. Behind-the-scenes bloopers

Behind-the-scenes bloopers offer a delightful peek into the less polished, more human side of brands, making them a highly engaging form of entertaining content on social media. These light-hearted outtakes and mishaps from video shoots, product launches, or daily office life reveal the reality behind the perfection often showcased online.

Sharing bloopers not only entertains, but also endears your audience to your brand, as viewers appreciate authenticity and vulnerability. It breaks down the barrier between brand and consumer, fostering a sense of relatability.

Wrapping up

The possibilities for engaging, educating, and entertaining your audience are vast and varied. From leveraging humorous behind-the-scenes bloopers to harnessing the power of educational infographics, each social media post idea presents an opportunity to connect with your followers in meaningful ways.

Remember, the essence of a successful social media strategy lies in the 80/20 content rule: balance 80% of your content to inform, educate, and entertain, while reserving 20% for promoting your products or services. This approach ensures your social media presence is not only vibrant and engaging, but also strategically aligned with your business goals.

Stay tuned for more useful content on design and marketing!