April 25, 2025 - If you’ve ever opened Instagram and thought, “Why isn’t this getting more traction?” — you’re not alone!
Social media changes constantly. New trends pop up, algorithms shift and it can feel like you’re always trying to catch up.
But here’s what hasn’t changed: real connection still drives engagement. And the good news? You don’t need a big budget, a complicated strategy or a perfectly curated feed to start building that connection. You already have what you need — your team, your customers and your local community.
Start With the People Closest to You
Your team already plays a substantial role in your business — they interact with customers, represent your brand and help shape the experience people have with you. So, why not bring that same presence online?
When people see familiar faces on your feed, it helps them connect with your business on a more personal level.
Getting your team members involved can be as easy as:
- Asking them to like and comment on posts
- Encouraging them to share posts and tag your business on their Stories
- Creating incentives with a fun challenge
Remember, making your team members feel included — whether it’s a story feature or posting a picture of a team outing — can motivate them to engage with your content even more!
Make It Easy for Customers to Share
Your customers want to support you — it’s just that most need a nudge or a natural opportunity to do it.
Some ways you can encourage them to be a part of your social brand include:
- Providing a small “photo moment” in your space (chalkboard signs, a branded wall, or even a clipboard with your logo)
- A quick, friendly ask: “If you post about your visit, we’d love you to tag us!”
- Monthly giveaways or shoutouts for customers who tag your business
You don’t need to overthink it. It’s about making people feel seen and appreciated, and in return, they’ll help spread the word.
Customer engagement goes beyond likes and comments. It’s about building trust and showing you’re there for them. According to Forbes, creating trust is crucial for small businesses looking to grow their community.
These moments don’t need to be fancy — they just need to feel natural.
Build a Quick Daily Engagement Habit
You don’t need to spend all day online to stay active. A short daily check-in is often enough to keep your account visible and growing.
Here’s what that could look like in 10 minutes:
- Leaving a few thoughtful comments on posts from customers or other local businesses
- Following new accounts in your area or industry
- Sharing a local event or community post to your Stories
- Sending a quick message to a customer or follower you haven’t talked to in a while
Consistency matters more than perfection. The goal is to stay present, not perfect.
Keep in Mind — This Is Just One Piece
If you’ve been doing all the “right” things and Instagram still feels like a struggle, don’t worry. Engagement is just one part of a bigger picture.
To really make social media work for your business, you also need content that reflects your brand, speaks to your audience and shows up consistently.
That’s where we come in.
At Melon Local, we help small businesses build confident, consistent online presences without having to figure it all out on their own. From branded content to engagement strategies, we’re here to take the pressure off and help you show up in a way that feels true to your business.
Want Social Media to Work With You, Not Against You?
Schedule a demo with Melon Local today and see how we can help you build a confident, consistent and professional online presence. For more tips, visit the Melon Social Blog for simple strategies that keep your online presence strong and engaging.