Let’s be honest—social media can feel like a second full-time job. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a marketing expert to show up well online. At LoBello Marketing, we help small businesses build smart, realistic strategies—and today, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide to creating a social media plan that actually works.
Why Social Media Still Matters
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really worth the effort, consider this:
77% of small businesses use social media to reach customers.
71% of consumers are more likely to buy based on social media referrals.
It costs 62% less per lead than traditional marketing.
The takeaway? Social isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.
Step 1: Choose Your Content Pillars
Content pillars are the 3–5 core themes you’ll post about regularly. These keep your messaging consistent and make content creation way less stressful.
At LoBello Marketing, we often recommend these for service-based businesses:
Behind the Brand – Show your team, process, values, or workspace.
Client Wins – Highlight testimonials, before-and-after results, or success stories.
Tips & Insights – Share industry knowledge, how-to guides, or educational posts.
Service Spotlights – Promote your offers in a clear, compelling way.
Community Involvement – Showcase local events, partnerships, or your company culture.
Tip: Rotate through these each week to keep your feed fresh but focused.
Step 2: Set Realistic Posting Goals (by Platform)
You don’t need to post every day—and you definitely don’t need to be everywhere. Focus on where your audience actually spends time, and start small.
Here’s a platform-by-platform breakdown for busy business owners:
Platform Recommended Posting Schedule
IG 3–4 feed posts/week + 3–5 Stories
Facebook 2–3 posts/week
TikTok 2–3 videos/week
LinkedIn 2–3 posts/week
Tip: Use tools like Canva, Loomly, Buffer, or Later to batch your content and schedule it out. It’ll save you hours each month.
Step 3: Track the Metrics That Matter
Follower count is a vanity metric. What really tells the story of growth? Engagement and action.
Track these key numbers each month:
Comments & Shares – Are people interacting with your posts?
Saves – Are you creating content worth coming back to?
Link Clicks – Are people taking action?
Reach – Are new people seeing your posts?
Follower Growth – Still relevant, but not your #1 focus.
Tip: Use built-in analytics tools (Meta Insights, LinkedIn Analytics, TikTok Pro) to see what’s working—and do more of it.
Step 4: Stay Consistent (Even If You’re Busy)
Success on social platforms isn’t about going viral. It’s about showing up consistently with content that adds value and builds trust.
Here’s your simplified starter strategy:
Choose 3–5 content pillars
Pick 1–2 platforms to focus on
Post 2–4x per week, consistently
Use scheduling tools to save time
Review performance monthly and adapt
Need Help?
At LoBello Marketing, we’re building templates, checklists, and calendars to make social planning easier for small business owners.
Want support creating your strategy? We offer:
Let’s build a plan that works for your business—and your schedule.
How to Create a Social Media Plan That Actually Works
Let’s be honest—social media can feel like a second full-time job. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a marketing expert to show up well online. At LoBello Marketing, we help small businesses build smart, realistic strategies—and today, we’re sharing a step-by-step guide to creating a social media plan that actually works.
Why Social Media Still Matters
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really worth the effort, consider this:
77% of small businesses use social media to reach customers.
71% of consumers are more likely to buy based on social media referrals.
It costs 62% less per lead than traditional marketing.
The takeaway? Social isn’t optional anymore—it’s essential.
Step 1: Choose Your Content Pillars
Content pillars are the 3–5 core themes you’ll post about regularly. These keep your messaging consistent and make content creation way less stressful.
At LoBello Marketing, we often recommend these for service-based businesses:
Behind the Brand – Show your team, process, values, or workspace.
Client Wins – Highlight testimonials, before-and-after results, or success stories.
Tips & Insights – Share industry knowledge, how-to guides, or educational posts.
Service Spotlights – Promote your offers in a clear, compelling way.
Community Involvement – Showcase local events, partnerships, or your company culture.
Tip: Rotate through these each week to keep your feed fresh but focused.
Step 2: Set Realistic Posting Goals (by Platform)
You don’t need to post every day—and you definitely don’t need to be everywhere. Focus on where your audience actually spends time, and start small.
Here’s a platform-by-platform breakdown for busy business owners:
Platform Recommended Posting Schedule
IG 3–4 feed posts/week + 3–5 Stories
Facebook 2–3 posts/week
TikTok 2–3 videos/week
LinkedIn 2–3 posts/week
Tip: Use tools like Canva, Loomly, Buffer, or Later to batch your content and schedule it out. It’ll save you hours each month.
Step 3: Track the Metrics That Matter
Follower count is a vanity metric. What really tells the story of growth? Engagement and action.
Track these key numbers each month:
Comments & Shares – Are people interacting with your posts?
Saves – Are you creating content worth coming back to?
Link Clicks – Are people taking action?
Reach – Are new people seeing your posts?
Follower Growth – Still relevant, but not your #1 focus.
Tip: Use built-in analytics tools (Meta Insights, LinkedIn Analytics, TikTok Pro) to see what’s working—and do more of it.
Step 4: Stay Consistent (Even If You’re Busy)
Success on social platforms isn’t about going viral. It’s about showing up consistently with content that adds value and builds trust.
Here’s your simplified starter strategy:
Choose 3–5 content pillars
Pick 1–2 platforms to focus on
Post 2–4x per week, consistently
Use scheduling tools to save time
Review performance monthly and adapt
Need Help?
At LoBello Marketing, we’re building templates, checklists, and calendars to make social planning easier for small business owners.
Want support creating your strategy? We offer:
1:1 strategy sessions
Custom content plans
Full-service social media management
Let’s build a plan that works for your business—and your schedule.
Jenny LoBello