A Simple 7-Step Social Media Strategy for 2025
If you’ve ever felt like you’re posting endlessly on social media but not actually seeing results, you’re not alone. Most small businesses jump straight into content without a clear plan. The result? Burnout, low engagement, and missed opportunities.
The truth is, an effective social media strategy doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be intentional.
Here’s my seven-step framework I use with small business clients across Manchester and beyond, practical, sustainable, and designed for results.
Step 1: Define Your Goal (and Keep It Simple)
Start by setting one clear goal per quarter. Do you want to grow awareness, drive website traffic, or increase enquiries? Pick one — not three.
Your goal becomes the filter for every piece of content you post. For example:
If your goal is brand awareness: focus on reach, storytelling, and personality.
If your goal is conversions: prioritise case studies, testimonials, and clear CTAs.
If your goal is loyalty: post community-focused, behind-the-scenes content.
Step 2: Know Your Audience Inside Out
Forget broad demographics. Think specifics. What are your audience’s pain points? What motivates them to act? What platforms do they actually use?
Here’s an easy way to define them:
Problem: What are they trying to fix or achieve?
Objection: What’s stopping them?
Emotion: What do they want to feel after buying?
Once you understand this, every post can speak directly to them.
Step 3: Build Your Content Pillars
Pillars keep your content organised and balanced. Choose three that align with your goals. Examples:
Educate: Tips, tutorials, checklists
Inspire: Customer stories, transformations, brand values
Convert: Testimonials, offers, product highlights
If you’re a café, that could look like:
Coffee tips & behind the scenes
Staff stories & community updates
Promotions or events
Step 4: Pick the Right Formats
You don’t have to do everything. Reels, carousels, and Stories all work, but only if you can sustain them.
Start with one hero format and one supporting format.
Example: Reels + carousels.
Reels boost discovery; carousels build trust.
Pro tip: Reuse clips. One video can become three pieces of content.
Step 5: Plan Your Calendar (But Stay Flexible)
I always recommend a 4-week rolling content calendar.
It gives structure without locking you in.
Use tools like Notion, Asana, or Later to plan, then adjust weekly based on trends and performance.
A balanced posting rhythm might look like:
3 posts per week (mix of Reels, carousels, and Stories)
15–20 stories per month
1 trending audio post
Step 6: Engage Intentionally
Social media isn’t just about content, it’s about connection.
Set aside 10–15 minutes daily to:
Reply to comments and DMs
Engage with ideal customers’ posts
Share stories from followers
This boosts visibility and trust. The more you show up authentically, the more your brand feels human.
Step 7: Measure What Matters
Don’t obsess over likes. Track what actually drives growth:
Saves (shows value)
Shares (shows relevance)
Clicks and DMs (show intent)
Reach vs engagement (shows resonance)
Set benchmarks, review monthly, and celebrate progress, not perfection.
Key Takeaways
A strong social media strategy doesn’t rely on luck. It’s built on clarity, consistency, and connection.
When you start treating content as part of a strategy, not an afterthought, your results start compounding.
If you’re ready to build a strategy that’s both creative and data-driven, I’d love to help.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to see results from a social media strategy?
For most small businesses, noticeable engagement growth happens in 6–8 weeks, with follower and conversion gains in 3–6 months.
2. Do I need to be on every social platform?
No. Choose 1–2 where your audience is active. It’s better to be consistent on one platform than stretched across five.
3. How often should I review my strategy?
Quarterly reviews keep you aligned with trends and performance.