If the most recent Facebook and Instagram shut down didn’t make you think twice about how you run your social media marketing—hats off to you! You’re probably ahead of the game. 

For many business owners, entrepreneurs, brands and influencers it definitely hit home as the hours ticked by that we do not have control of social media platforms. We do not control when there is an update or when it gets shut down for maintenance, we do not control what you can/can’t post, and we do not control what users do or don’t see. We are not the owners and we need to follow the rules. 

So how do you market your business if you aren’t relying 100% on social media?  

In a perfect world, a business would have an unlimited marketing budget to find new customers and increase their sales. They could buy unlimited amounts of advertising, run promotions to build traffic and launch a public relations campaign to increase product or brand's visibility and awareness. 

But seriously this isn't a perfect world and most businesses do not have that luxury. 

Most small businesses have AMAZING ideas on how to grow, expand and promote but simply don’t have the resources and cash flow to make it happen. So they rely on social media.

If you are a Facebook & Instagram only business it’s time to diversify! It doesn’t matter where you are or what business you have. When a platform that you do not own goes down, it’s a day off without pay (and who can afford or want that?)

Here are 10 options to promote your business that isn’t Facebook or Instagram

Social Media Marketing on multiple platforms

Even though there is a chance that any social media platform can go down, I still 100% recommend that your business/brand has a presence online. What I don’t recommend is only using 1-2 platforms, especially if they are run by the same company! 

I always recommend being present on 2-3 platforms. If you are only on Facebook/Instagram, why not try a profile on Twitter, Linkedin or Tik Tok.

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Be creative and be active on multiple platforms.

Email Marketing

If you do not have an email list or send out a newsletter it’s time to get started! Having a direct way into your client’s and potential client’s inbox is the key to sales! 

During the shutdown I got so many emails from businesses telling me they are still up and running, and were in their inbox should I need anything. 

Be available to your clients and let them know how to get ahold of you somewhere that is dependable

Blogging

Blogging is still alive and it’s a way to prove your expertise in a subject matter as well as being able to demonstrate your products or services. 

It has the added benefit of helping your business be discoverable on Google or Pinterest by millions of new audience members. 

Podcast

Similar to blogging, podcasts have come a long way and are a direct route to your ideal clients. 

By hosting a podcast or being a guest speaker on a podcast, you are speaking about your expertise and telling the listeners where to find you and get in touch with you! 

Plus, with podcasts available on a multitude of platforms, it’s unlikely to be affected by a Facebook shutdown. 

Affiliates/Ambassadors/VIP Customers

Create an affiliate or ambassador program where your VIP customers help you promote your product or service to their followers and customers. 

These programs exist and work very well as long as it’s mutually beneficial for both parties involved! 

Ask for referrals

Are your current customers happy with your services or have been happy with your work in the past? Ask them if they have any friends, family, fellow business owners that would need your services. Offer them a referral fee or gift card for helping you grow your business by handing out your business card or giving your name out.

Networking

Despite all the changes in the past couple of years, networking is still happening! Some events have started happening in person again, but many are happening online and provide opportunities for business owners to connect. 

Networking can be done the old-fashioned way, by getting involved in community organizations, such as the chamber of commerce, or attending business functions, such as trade shows. 

And don’t forget about social functions—dinner invitations, book clubs, etc.—these can also lead to potential business. 

Your Website

A website is something that your business owns, it’s a place to update your hours, your services/products, your sales, introduce your staff, host a blog and somewhere static that is easily accessible and found via the internet. 

Google My Business

If you haven’t claimed your business on Google My Business yet, you should get to that right now! So many people are going to Google and looking for a marketer, a baker, a mortgage broker, a new website and you want to make sure that your business comes up when they are looking for your services.

Collaborations 

Last but not least, find similar businesses or industries that compliment your business and collaborate with them! 

Host an online contest, write a book or a blog post, host an event, do a video together, host a live. Are you an artist? Collaborate with someone who makes jewelry, someone who makes charcuterie boards, or bath bombs. Collaborate and share your followers to promote all of your businesses together.

Whatever you choose to do moving forward, if you have been putting all your marketing eggs in one basket then it’s time to diversify and think outside of the box! 

Put yourself and your business where your customers and potential clients can find you, no matter what platform is up and running that day! 

Need help planning for the future?

The Social Media Content Planner can help you get organized using the process I use with my clients every day. Find out more here: