If you're running a local business, social media isn’t just another marketing channel—it’s your loudest megaphone. It’s how your neighborhood discovers, connects with, and recommends you. But showing up online consistently and effectively can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve put together this quick-start guide to help you win at local social media marketing—without burning out.

1. Know Your Local Audience

Before posting anything, take time to understand your customers:

• Where do they live?
• When are they online?
• What kind of content do they interact with?

Use tools like Instagram’s “Audience” tab or Facebook Insights to get real data. You’ll spot patterns in activity times, interests, and location that help you post smarter—not harder.

Tip: Use local hashtags and geotags like #AustinEats or #NYCBarber to get discovered by nearby users. This small detail can dramatically increase local visibility.

2. Show Up Consistently

No matter how amazing your product is, people won’t remember you if you vanish from their feed. Whether it’s once a day or three times a week—just be consistent.

Consistency builds:

• Trust with your audience
• Familiarity with your brand
• A stronger algorithm presence

Use Baked: Schedule content across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more—weeks in advance. Baked even suggests the best times to post based on real platform data.

3. Highlight What Makes You Local

Local businesses have personality. Show it off!

• Post behind-the-scenes clips
• Celebrate neighborhood events
• Spotlight your regular customers
• Introduce your staff and local partners

Example: A coffee shop could create a Reel about their barista’s favorite morning playlist, tagged with the shop’s location and a neighborhood hashtag.

These moments feel real—and real builds connection.

4. Encourage Check-Ins and Reviews

When happy customers tag you, check in, or leave a review, they’re doing your marketing for you. This social proof helps others feel more confident in choosing your business.

How to boost it:

• Ask in person or with a sign at checkout
• Offer small perks (like a discount or freebie) for tagging
• Share and thank customers publicly in Stories

Automate It: Use Baked to create simple templates for review requests or weekly “thank you” shoutouts. Set it once, then let it run.

5. Run Local Giveaways or Collabs

Team up with another nearby business and create a giveaway. It’s one of the fastest ways to grow your local following—and strengthen community ties.

Example: A yoga studio and a smoothie bar co-host a “Wellness Week” giveaway. Both businesses promote it and gain new, highly relevant followers.

Keep entry simple: follow both accounts, like a post, and tag a friend. Boom—organic growth.

6. Use Stories and Reels for Daily Updates

Stories and Reels are perfect for quick updates like:

• Daily specials
• Limited-time offers
• New arrivals
• Community shoutouts
• Event reminders

They’re casual, engaging, and easy to make. Even one quick video a day builds your presence.

With Baked: You can design and schedule Stories or short-form videos using AI templates—plus add auto-captions to boost accessibility and engagement.

7. Turn DMs Into Bookings or Sales

DMs are modern-day phone calls. When someone reaches out, they’re already interested—make it easy for them to book, buy, or ask questions.

Tips to improve DM conversion:

• Use saved replies for FAQs
• Add auto-responders when you're offline
• Link directly to menus, booking pages, or order forms

Streamline It: With Baked, you can manage all your comments and DMs across platforms in one place—saving time and improving response rates.

8. Measure What’s Working

What gets measured, gets better. Instead of guessing, review your content’s performance every week:

• Which posts got the most clicks?
• Which Reels were shared the most?
• Which call-to-action actually brought people in?