In today’s fast-paced digital world, SMEs can’t afford to ignore social media. It’s no longer just a nice-to-have — it’s an essential part of building your brand, attracting customers, and staying competitive in a changing market.
The Power of Social Media for Local Businesses
For many local SMEs, marketing budgets are tight and time is limited. Social media provides a cost-effective way to:
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Level the playing field: You don’t need a huge budget to compete with bigger brands.
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Reach local audiences: Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for connecting with nearby customers and communities.
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Build relationships: Social media lets you engage directly with people — creating trust and loyalty that traditional advertising can’t match.
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Drive real business growth: From generating leads to increasing footfall or online sales, social media can have a measurable impact on your bottom line.
Common Challenges for SMEs
Many small businesses know social media is important but struggle with:
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Deciding which platforms to focus on.
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Knowing what type of content will actually connect with their audience.
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Finding time to plan, post and measure results.
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Staying consistent and confident in their marketing efforts.
A Practical Solution
If this sounds familiar, help is at hand. The Business Gateway Growth Hub is hosting a fully funded, practical online session designed especially for local SMEs.
What You’ll Learn
Marketing expert Shamshad Walker will guide you through how to:
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Build a simple, effective social media plan that supports your wider marketing goals.
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Understand what type of content works best across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).
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Use tools like Canva and Buffer to create, schedule and manage content easily.
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Create your own content plan during the session, tailored to your business goals and time constraints.
Why You Should Attend
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It’s interactive and practical, not just theory — you’ll actually create and schedule content during the workshop.
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It’s tailored for SMEs in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, meaning it’s locally relevant.
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You’ll learn from an experienced marketing consultant who understands the realities of small business life.
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It’s free to attend, but spaces are limited — so early registration is recommended.
Key Takeaways for Your Business
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Focus on the platforms where your customers are most active.
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Create content that speaks to your audience, not just about your business.
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Use scheduling and design tools to save time and stay consistent.
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Measure what works — and keep improving.
By taking small, strategic steps, your social media presence can become one of your strongest marketing tools — helping you connect, grow and thrive.
