Running a café, homestay, or restaurant is already challenging. You rely on foot traffic, word-of-mouth, and repeat customers—but you also know that without social media, you’re invisible to many potential guests. The problem is: where do you even start, and how do you avoid wasting time on the wrong things?
This article will give you simple, actionable steps on how to get on social media as a local business, without overwhelming jargon or expensive tools.
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Core Tips
Start Small, Choose One Main Platform
Don’t try to be everywhere. For example, if most of your guests are young locals, TikTok or Instagram may work best. If your customers are families and professionals, Facebook is often more effective.
👉 Example: A homestay in Ho Chi Minh City focuses only on Facebook at first, posting room photos and guest reviews, instead of juggling five platforms.
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Use Everyday Moments as Content
You don’t need fancy equipment. A smartphone is enough. Show behind-the-scenes moments, new menu items, or happy guests (with their permission).
👉 Example: A restaurant posts a short clip of the chef preparing a signature dish—authentic and relatable, not staged.
![Chef plating food while someone films with phone] Alt text: Restaurant creating casual social media content](https://redsparks.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/how%20to%20get%20on%20social%20media(1).webp?width=1024&height=1536&name=how%20to%20get%20on%20social%20media(1).webp)
Encourage Customers to Share for You
Your customers are your best promoters. Encourage them to tag your business, leave a review, or post their experience. You can offer a small reward like a free drink coupon.
👉 Example: A café in Manila prints a small sign, “Tag us for a free cookie,” and gains dozens of posts every week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Trying to be too professional at the start: Many owners think they need a designer or high-end photos. In reality, simple, authentic posts work better in the beginning.
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Posting without consistency: A one-time burst of posts won’t build presence. Set a realistic goal, like “2 posts per week,” and stick with it.
Conclusion
Getting started on social media doesn’t require big budgets or marketing degrees. By choosing the right platform, sharing daily moments, and letting your customers amplify your story, your business can start attracting new guests online—without feeling overwhelmed.
👉 Ready to make it easier? Check out Redsparks’ services and see how we help local businesses grow faster with tailored social media solutions.
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