Us small business owners in Wales know the struggle – trying to make a name for ourselves against the big corporate giants that seem to dominate the market. But you know what they say, the best way to take down the man is to do it on your own terms.
Small businesses are the beating heart of our Welsh economy. Their resilience, innovation and community spirit have never been more important.
Welsh Government Press Release, “Small Businesses are the Heart of Our Economy,” April 2023.
As the Welsh Government recently emphasized, “Small businesses are the beating heart of our Welsh economy. Their resilience, innovation and community spirit have never been more important.” And when it comes to levelling the playing field, social media is our secret weapon.
Think about it – we’ve got something the big boys don’t: authenticity. We’re not some faceless corporation, we’re real people, with real stories to tell. And social media is the perfect platform to share those stories and connect with our customers in a way the bland and boring can’t.
So if you’re a small business owner in Wales looking to make waves, listen up. We’re about to show you how to use social media to grow your reach and make the competition green with envy.
Pick the Right Platforms
First things first, pick the right platforms. Facebook and Instagram are the obvious choices, but don’t count out the underdogs like Twitter and TikTok, who have massive, and dedicated user-bases also.
As the Welsh Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething recently stated, “Embracing digital tools and channels is crucial for small businesses to reach new audiences and stay competitive.” The key is meeting your customers where they already are. Figure out where your target audience across Wales hangs out online and plant your flag.
Get Personal
Next, get personal. Ditch the corporate jargon and stuffy branding – that’s not gonna fly with today’s social media crowd. Instead, let your personality shine through. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your business through Employee-generated content, showcase your team, and get real about the ups and downs of running a small business. People want to connect with real humans, not robots.
Actually Connect
And speaking of connection, make sure you’re actually, you know, connecting. Reply to comments, engage with your followers, and don’t be afraid to start conversations. The more you put yourself out there, the more people will be drawn to your brand.
Highlight What Makes You Unique
But don’t just talk the talk – walk the walk too. Use social media to highlight the unique products and services you offer. Show off your local roots and community involvement, whether you’re in Swansea, Blaenau Gwent, or the Welsh countryside. Heck, even a little healthy trash-talking of the competition can work in your favour (just keep it light-hearted, yeah?).
Access Welsh Government Funding
And don’t forget, the Welsh Government is committed to supporting small businesses like yours. Through initiatives like the Business Wales program and gov.wales business support, you can access a range of funding and resources to help your business grow.
The bottom line is this: social media isn’t just a necessary evil for small businesses across Wales – it’s a powerful tool to help us take on the big dogs. So what are you waiting for? Grab the bull by the horns and show the world what your little Welsh business is made of.