Ways to Boost Your Brand’s Social Presence Without Ads

Before we get into how to boost your brand’s social presence without running ads, let me just say: I’m not a social media manager. Though I’ve worked in this capacity before for small consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands and a few bloggers, my own social media accounts are the only ones that I have my hands on now. This field changes every day, and to really stand out on social (after you have your amazing photography, of course), you should spend time and money on the resources that can support you in this. I’d recommend starting with Rachel Karten’s newsletter if social media is something you’re taking on for your business.

A lot of small business owners and clients ask me whether or not I think it’s worthwhile to pay for ads on social media as they build their following. Here’s a few things you can do instead to boost your brand’s social media accounts.

Post Consistently to Boost Social Presence

It’s important to post consistently to boost your presence on social media. Lots of people start off too strong, posting every day or even a few times a day to get their brand name out there. When things start picking up (or life gets busy, as any founder knows will happen!), social media often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. Once you lose steam, it gets harder to show up. Set a realistic goal at the beginning, and show up consistently to meet that goal. Of course, if you’d like to increase your posts per week, go for it, but make sure that decision is made with intention.

Use Consistent Branding Across Channels

Every social media account that you’ve claimed for your brand should include the same information, taglines, and branding. Branding, by the way, includes everything from logos to photography, so if you’re not already working with a photographer who understands how to build out consistent, on-brand imagery for your brand, book a call with one who does. (Pst. That’s me!)

Showcase Local Connections

Smaller food and beverage brands often have strong ties to local communities. Everyone loves to see their accounts getting tagged, so be strategic about what other products or retailers you’re showcasing and be a part of your community. Not sure where to start? Use photography to highlight these connections. Feature images of local farmers, artisans, or community events that emphasize your brand's commitment to supporting local businesses.

Show Off Your Products

Lastly, I just want to emphasize how important good product photography can be for boosting your brand’s social media presence. Here at my Chicago studio, I make images that help you grow—they’ll stop the scroll, get people to engage, and convert them to buyers. Show off your brand in its best light, and the clicks will follow!