10 Social Media Prompts to Boost Engagement for Small Businesses

Creating consistent, engaging content on social media is crucial for small businesses looking to build a strong online presence. Whether you’re promoting a product or simply engaging with your audience, having a variety of content ideas ready to go will keep your social media fresh and exciting. Here are 10 detailed social media prompts that can help your small business connect with followers and drive engagement.

1. Introduce Your Team or Business Story

People love connecting with businesses on a personal level, and introducing yourself or your team is a great way to humanise your brand. Share your backstory—how did your business start? What inspired you to create your brand? Highlight key team members with a mix of professional info and fun facts, like their favourite part of the job or a quirky hobby.

Example post:"Hi everyone! 👋 I’m [Name], the founder of [Business Name]. It all started with a passion for [your product/service], and today we’re proud to bring it to you! Fun fact: I started this business in my garage, and it’s grown into a team of 5 amazing people. 💼 Meet [Team Member Name], our go-to for [role]! #MeetTheTeam #OurStory"

2. Show a Behind-the-Scenes Glimpse

One of the best ways to create trust with your audience is by showing the effort and passion that goes into your work. Share a behind-the-scenes look at how your product is made, how orders are packed, or what a typical day in your business looks like. It helps build authenticity and shows the human side of your operations.

Example post:"Ever wonder what goes into creating our products? Here’s a sneak peek behind the scenes at how we make sure every detail is perfect before it reaches you! 👀 #BehindTheScenes #HandcraftedWithCare"

3. Customer Testimonials and Reviews

Positive feedback from happy customers is one of the best forms of social proof. Sharing customer testimonials or reviews not only showcases your great products or services but also builds trust with potential buyers. Bonus: include photos of customers using or enjoying your product to add authenticity.

Example post:"We love hearing from happy customers like [Customer Name]! 💬 'I absolutely love my new [product], it’s exactly what I was looking for!' Seeing our products bring joy to you makes our day! ❤️ #CustomerLove #Testimonial"

4. Run a Poll or Ask for Feedback

Social media is all about engagement, and polls are an easy way to get people talking. Ask your followers for their opinions on something fun or relevant to your business. You can also use polls for product feedback, like asking which new colour or design your followers prefer.

Example post:"We’re planning something new and need your help! 🗳️ Which colour would you like to see for our next product release? Swipe up to vote! 💡 #HaveYourSay #FeedbackMatters"

5. Share a Tutorial or How-To Guide

Showcasing how your product works or offering helpful tips in your industry is a great way to provide value to your followers. Tutorials can be in the form of videos, step-by-step guides, or even carousel posts, making them versatile and easy to create.

Example post:"New to [product]? Here’s a quick guide on how to get the best results! Follow these simple steps and tag us with your finished look. 💡 #HowTo #TutorialTime"

6. Celebrate Milestones

Whether it’s hitting a follower count, celebrating an anniversary, or achieving a sales goal, sharing milestones allows you to celebrate success with your audience. It shows your business is growing and thriving, and customers love to celebrate alongside you.

Example post:"We hit 5,000 followers today! 🎉 Thank you to every single one of you for supporting us. To celebrate, we’re offering 15% off on all orders today only! Use code THANKYOU at checkout. 🙌 #MilestoneMoment #Grateful"

7. Offer a Giveaway or Contest

Nothing drives engagement quite like a giveaway! Offering a free product, discount, or experience in exchange for likes, comments, and tags can quickly increase your brand's visibility. Make sure the prize is relevant to your brand and audience.

Example post:"It’s giveaway time! 🎁 We’re giving away [prize] to one lucky follower. To enter: 1) Follow us, 2) Like this post, 3) Tag a friend who would love this! Winner announced on Friday! #GiveawayTime #FreebieAlert"

8. Share User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a powerful way to build trust and community. When customers tag you in posts, sharing those on your profile not only boosts engagement but also encourages others to share their experiences with your product.

Example post:"Nothing makes us happier than seeing our products out in the wild! 🌿 Thank you [Customer Name] for sharing this gorgeous photo of your new [product]. Tag us in your posts for a chance to be featured! 📸 #CustomerSpotlight #UGC"

9. Highlight a Product Feature

Pick a specific feature of your product and dive deep into why it’s special. Whether it’s a unique material, a design choice, or a practical benefit, showing off the details gives your audience insight into what makes your product stand out.

Example post:"Did you know our [product] is made from 100% sustainable materials? 🌱 Not only does it look great, but it’s also eco-friendly! That’s a win-win. 🏆 #EcoFriendly #ProductHighlight"

10. Answer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Many potential customers might have similar questions about your products or services. Use social media to address these in an easy-to-digest format. Not only does this add value to your followers, but it also makes you a more approachable business.

Example post:"We get asked this all the time: 'How long does shipping take?' 🚚 Answer: We ship within 2 days, and delivery typically takes 3-5 business days! Got more questions? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to help! 💬 #FAQFriday #CustomerSupport"

Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses to connect with their audience, build trust, and drive engagement. By using these 10 prompts, you can create content that resonates with your followers, showcases your brand’s personality, and encourages interaction. Remember, consistency is key—stay active, authentic, and always provide value to your audience.