Social Media Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide To Getting Your Business Seen

Social Media: Modern Day Word-of-Mouth

Happy Monday beautiful readers!

When I was growing up, “getting the word out” about anything mean flyers on telephone poles, church bulletin announcements, a whole lot of knocking on doors, and the neighborhood grapevine.  When my Dad started his business, a mechanic shop, he woul leave his business cards at grocery stores and gas stations.  Today, the modern day word-of-mouth is social media.  This is the place now where people gather, talk, and discover online.  Makes me really miss the neighborhood gatherings on our lawn while my Dad watered the grass.

As I have been researching for this blog, I have learned that if we want something to go ‘viral’ we have to be online.  Whether you’re starting fresh or scaling something beautiful you have already built, social media is how your business will get seen.  DON’T panic, LOL, you do not need too know every challenge or dance on TikTok, and in many cases, you don’t even have to show your face.

Social media isn’t just scrolling through memes, watching DIY and cooking lives, or those extremely adorable baby videos!  At its core, social media is about connection.  It’s a bridge between you and the people your product, service, or story was made for.  When used intentionally, it becomes your free digital billboard, your virtual networking room, and your storytelling stage.  You don’t have to be perfect, you just ned to show up.

It’s Not a Trend, It’s a Necessity

Here’s the truth, most people now are looking online before they ever buy.  We’ve all used Amazon, Walmart+, Etsy, Shopify, and so many more.  It’s the convenience of not having to get in the car, face even more traffic, or deal with the crowded stores.  We can do all of our research and purchasing from the comfort of our home.  So when those customers are looking for their next purchase, if they can’t find you, believe me, they will find someone else!  Social media gives your business visibility, builds trust, and lets people get to know the person behind the brand, YOU.  This is how small businesses like ours can stand together, shoulder to shoulder with the big names.  And this can all be done from your cell phone!

 

Do you remember that saying, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ ?  Well, this old dog knows that if I’m not willing to learn these new tricks, my business and I will be stuck in the doghouse while everyone else gets to run free at the dog park.

 

FYI….before you jump onto any platform, here’s a quick tip that can make a big impact! Set up a business account instead of a personal account.  This will help in so many ways.  You will get access to analytics so you can see what’s working, it helps your brand look professional and credible, you can run ads or boost posts later if you choose to, and people can contact or follow your business faster.  This one step can lay the foundation for real growth.  If you already have a personal account on your choice of platform, don’t stress, most platforms let you convert it to a business account in just a few clicks.

New Tricks to Learn

Let’s start with the top 4 platforms online right now.  I will give you a quick summary of each on, why they can benefit your business, how they work for different generations, and a brief descriptio of how to use them without losing your mind and patience, LOL.

 

First up is Instagram, this is your Brand’s Storyboard

Summary: Instagram is a great starting point because it’s visual, simple, and powerful.

Benefit: People fall in love with stories before products.  Instagram lets them see yours.

Why it works for different generations:

• For midde-aged entrepreneurs: It’s an easy entry into the digital world.  You can post a photo, a quote, or a simple video without needing to be tech-savvy.  It’s approachable, and your authenticity will shine.
• For established businesses that existed before tech: Think of Instagram as the new ‘word-of-mouth’. You’ve already built trust offline, now build that same trust online and show the world what you’ve been doing all along.
• For younger entrepreneurs: It’s your personal magazine cover.  It helps you build your brand identity early and grow a community fast.

How to use Instagram:

• Post a few times a week
• Use stories for behind-the-scenes at your business
• Lean into real life, not just polished perfection

What to do now: If you love sharing life snapshots and you’re ready to slowly step into social media, start here.  Post your first “hello” today, even if it’s just your smile and your why.  Try Instagram here

Second up is Facebook, your digital community hub

Summary: May of us already use Facebook, and it feels familiar to us, that is why it would be a great first platform.

Benefit: It’s still where millions of people gather daly.  Facebook is like hosting an open house, your friends and customers can find you, talk to you, and cheer you on.

Why it works for different generations:

• For middle-aged entrepreneurs: Many of your fiends, peers, and local community are already on Facebook.  You don’t need to build from zero, you can use your personal account to start where you are.
• For established pre-tech businesses: Facebook is an excellent way to bring your loyal offline customers online.  Announce your services, share updates, and invite referrals.
• For younger entrepreneurs: Facebook groups are gold for networking, collaborations, and niche audiences.

How to use Facebook:

• Create a business page
• Invite friends and supporters
• Share updates, questions, and wins

What to do now: If Facebook already feels familiar, this is your easiest starting pint.  Turn your scroll time into build time. Try Facebook here

Third up is TikTok, the fun and fastest growing playground for all ages

Summary: Before you roll your eyes, yes, TikTok can work for you too, LOL.  Just give it a try, you will be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to start and learn.  Even this old dog can grasp it :-).

Benefit: One short video can reach thousands, extremely fast.  No polished camera work needed.  Just your voice, your message, and your magnetic energy.

Why it works for different generations:

• For middle-aged entrepreneurs: TikTok gives you permission to be imperfect.  You don’t have to ‘look the part’, just be real.  People connect with raw emotion more than anything else.
• For established pre-tech businesses:  TikTok is a way to tell your story in short bursts.  A 30-second clip of your work, products, or wisdom can build a massive reach.
• For younger entrepreneurs:  This is the ultimate playground.  Your personality is yur superpower here.

How to use TikTok: 

• Record short videos, 15 – 60 seconds, there are even ways you can use pictures and graphics with text overlays if you are not ready to record a video
• Share tips, behind-the-scenes, or quick wins
• Don’t overthink, just record and hit post

What to do now:  If you’re ready to stretch your comfort zone, film one clip today.  No filters, no perfection, just you.  Try TikTok here

Fourth up is LinkedIn, your professional power move

Summary: LinkedIn isn’t scary, its strategic.  Think of it as the professional dinner party where people come to talk shop, or as I like to describe it…..Facebook on steroids!

Benefit: Build credibility, find partnerships, and position yourself as the expert you already are.

Why it works for different generations:

• For middle-aged entrepreneurs: You already have experience and LinkedIn lets you showcase it proudly.
• For established pre-tech businesses: If you’ve built your reputation offline, this is where you can expand it online, just like Facebook, just more professional and people respect real expertise here.
• For younger entrepreneurs: It’s a powerful way to build your network and land professional collaborations early in your journey.

How to use LinkedIn:

• Create a clean, clear profile.
• Post once a week.
• Share what you do, why it matters, and stories of your journey.

What to do now: If your business involves services, coaching, or partnerships, LinkedIn is your quiet power move.
Try LinkedIn here

A Quick Word About Influencers & Content Creators

What is an Influencer? Influencers make income by promoting products and building personal brands.
What is a Content Creator? Content creators focus on making content to entertain, educate, or inspire.

You’ve probably heard the words “influencer” and “content creator” thrown around like they’re prerequisites for success, but you know what?  You don’t have to be an influencer to grow your business on social media.  You don’t need 50,000 followers, a perfect background, or daily videos.  Just show up, be real and share your business consistently.

Business owners like you can borrow the strategy they use without the spotlight pressure. Social media isn’t about becoming famous, it’s about being found.

How to Use Social Media Without Getting Overwhelmed

You don’t have to be everywhere at once. Pick two platforms that feel natural, get comfortable, then grow from there.

Try these easy steps first:

• Create a basic posting routine.
• Use the same post on both platforms, no one cares!  Being repetitive can only help you!
• Be real, be you, it will get you more views!
• Reply, comment, and connect, don’t just post and ghost.

Remember: consistency beats perfection every time.

What Not to Do on Social Media

Social media is powerful. but if you’re not careful, it can also drain your energy, hurt your momentum, or even harm your brand. Here are a few things to watch for and steer clear of:

• Don’t compare your Day 1 to someone else’s Year 5.
  That will only discourage you. Growth takes time.
• Don’t chase trends you don’t understand or enjoy.
  If it doesn’t feel natural, it’ll look forced. Stick with your gut and be real.
• Don’t spam your audience with constant sales posts.
  People want connection first and offers second. Build trust, then invite them in.
• Don’t get stuck in perfection mode.
  The perfect post you never publish will always lose to the messy one you do.
• Don’t engage in negativity or online drama.
  Protect your peace and your brand. You’re here to build, not brawl.
• Don’t forget to log off.
  Real life matters more than the scroll. Boundaries = longevity.

Remember: Your energy and integrity are part of your brand. Guard them. Grow intentionally.

Final Thought:

Starting on social media can feel intimidating, especially if, like me, you didn’t grow up with it. But your age, your story, and your journey are your superpowers.  If you’d like a deep-dive guide or step-by-step tutorial on any of these platforms, drop a comment below, we can walk through it together.

And if you’re a woman building her dream and need mentorship, SmartrWomen is here for exactly that. Together, we’re creating a movement where women aren’t just learning the game, we’re changing it.

Raw. Rooted. Rising = Unstoppable Legacy