Blog Layout
What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Social Media Marketing
Clayton Pantano • February 17, 2025
Stick around for a few while I talk about what we've built at Entrust Marketing and how we've become a leading digital marketing agency in Tacoma (and all around Puget Sound.)21 Million Social Media Posts Analyzed: What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Social Media Marketing
Most small business owners don’t have the time (or patience) to sit down and analyze 21 million social media posts. But last night, I did.
Metricool released a 96-page deep dive into what’s actually working in social media marketing, and after sifting through the data, one thing is clear:
Most businesses are playing the social media game all wrong.
The good news? The patterns are clear. If you understand the data, you can leverage these insights to refine your social media management strategy, grow your audience, and avoid wasting time on content that doesn’t work.
After taking extensive notes, here’s what you, as a business owner, need to know to stay ahead in 2025.
1. Organic Facebook Reach Is Fading (Unless You Pay to Play)
Facebook’s organic reach dropped by 41% in 2024, while ad prioritization has skyrocketed. What does this mean for your social media marketing strategy?
If you’re relying on organic Facebook posts to drive growth, you’re in for a tough time. While Facebook remains valuable for paid advertising and website traffic, organic posts alone won’t deliver significant business results.
Takeaway: If Facebook is a key part of your strategy, lean into ads. Otherwise, don’t make it your primary organic growth platform.
2. Instagram Reels Took a Hit, but They’re Still Essential
Instagram saw a 21% increase in overall post reach, but Reels reach dropped by 20%—a signal that the platform is prioritizing a more balanced content mix.
The best social media management approach for Instagram in 2025?
- Use Reels for audience growth – They’re still powerful but shouldn’t be your only focus.
- Carousels & Photos for engagement – High-quality, valuable posts are being rewarded.
- Stories for conversions – Personalized interactions help build trust
Takeaway: Stop relying solely on Reels and diversify your Instagram content strategy.
3. LinkedIn Is a Goldmine for Organic Growth
Engagement on LinkedIn has skyrocketed by 99%, while posting frequency has dropped 25%. This means fewer people are posting, but those who do are seeing massive engagement.
If you’re in B2B or professional services, LinkedIn should be a priority in your social media marketing efforts.
Takeaway: Start posting on LinkedIn. It’s one of the easiest platforms for organic engagement right now.
4. TikTok: A Growth Powerhouse (For the Right Businesses)
TikTok saw an 84% increase in plays compared to Instagram, and post reach increased by 70% in 2024. The platform remains one of the best for organic reach, but it isn’t right for everyone.
If your business benefits from video content—such as personal brands, coaching, or visually engaging industries—TikTok can be a game-changer. However, B2B brands may find better opportunities elsewhere.
Takeaway: If TikTok aligns with your brand, test it. Its discoverability is unmatched for the right industries.
5. YouTube: The Best Long-Term Social Media Platform
The data is clear: YouTube leads in impressions per follower, interactions per follower, and sustained audience growth.
Unlike other platforms, where posts fade within hours or days, YouTube videos have years-long visibility through search. Even small accounts can gain traction over time.
Takeaway: If long-term brand visibility is a goal, invest in YouTube. It’s the best social media platform for sustainable growth.
6. The Social Media Funnel: How to Use This Data Effectively
Each platform serves a different purpose, and smart social media management requires using them accordingly. Here’s the ideal breakdown:
Top of Funnel: Maximize Reach and Discoverability
- YouTube (Search-based longevity)
- Instagram Reels (Short-form visibility)
- TikTok (Algorithmic discoverability)
- LinkedIn (High-value engagement)
Middle of Funnel: Build Engagement and Relationships
- LinkedIn (B2B credibility and thought leadership)
- TikTok (Community building through comments and duets)
- Facebook (Retargeting and group interactions)
- YouTube (Long-form content for deeper engagement)
Bottom of Funnel: Convert Traffic into Sales
- Pinterest (Search-driven product discovery)
- LinkedIn (B2B lead generation)
- Facebook Ads (Highly targeted conversions)
- X (Twitter) (Potential, but less reliable)
Takeaway: Stop expecting one platform to do everything. Build a multi-platform social media strategy that aligns with each platform’s strengths.
Key Takeaways: What This Means for Small Business Owners
If you only remember a few things from this post, make it these:
✔ Facebook’s organic reach is fading – Use ads or focus elsewhere.
✔ Instagram requires a balanced strategy – Reels aren’t everything.
✔ LinkedIn has massive organic potential – Now’s the time to get active.
✔ TikTok is great for discoverability – But not for every business.
✔ YouTube is still the best long-term platform – Content here works for years.
If you want social media marketing to actually work for your business, play the right game. The businesses winning in 2025 aren’t posting more—they’re posting smarter.
So, ask yourself:
Are you spending time on platforms that won’t serve your goals?
Are you using each platform the way it’s meant to be used?
If you’re ready to optimize your social media management strategy and make smarter marketing moves, let’s talk. At Entrust Marketing, we help businesses build real, sustainable growth—without the guesswork.
Interested in working with an agency?
As the owner of Entrust Marketing, I've had the pleasure of working with numerous businesses in Tacoma, helping them navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape. Tacoma is a vibrant city with a thriving business community, and having a strong digital presence is crucial for success. That's where Entrust Marketing comes in – we are dedicated to providing top-notch digital marketing services tailored to the unique needs of Tacoma businesses. Stick around for a few while I talk about what we've built at Entrust Marketing and how we've become a leading digital marketing agency in Tacoma (and all around Puget Sound.)
Why is Social Media So Important to the Food Truck Industry? Behind every successful food truck is a powerful tool driving visibility and customer engagement: social media.
Discover the benefits of hiring a social media marketing company for your business.
Recently, Hootsuite published a wildly informative and interesting study titled “The Social Media Consumer Report.” As I read it, I was blown away by the depth of the analysis being provided. It both proved and disproved theories that I’ve been guilty of holding. As I walked away from it, I felt this was worth sharing to anyone willing to read my takeaways.
Discover the top 5 marketing mistakes small businesses make and how to avoid them for better growth and efficiency.
Learn how to create an effective marketing strategy in just 5 simple steps in this article!
Discover why hiring a marketing agency can be a game-changer for your business, offering expertise, creativity, and cost-effective strategies.
Local SEO is a crucial component of any small business's digital marketing strategy, especially for those looking to attract more foot traffic and increase visibility within their local community. With the right approach, small businesses can effectively compete with larger companies and even dominate local search results. This blog post will provide actionable tips and strategies to help small businesses improve their local SEO and capture the attention of potential customers in their area.
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the importance of a quality website for businesses cannot be overstated. As we step into 2024, this significance only amplifies, with the digital frontier continuing to expand and consumer behaviors increasingly shifting towards online platforms for shopping, information gathering, and service acquisition. A quality website now serves not just as a digital business card but as a central hub for your brand's online presence, customer engagement, and conversion activities.
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media marketing, one principle has remained consistently at the forefront: the importance of authenticity. As we make our way through the digital era where content is king, authenticity has emerged as its queen. This article delves into why authenticity matters in social media marketing, how it influences consumer behavior, and practical strategies for brands to harness its power.
In today's digital age, social media has evolved from a novel communication tool into a pivotal marketing and branding platform for businesses of all sizes. With the vast and ever-growing digital landscape, managing social media can become overwhelming, especially for businesses with limited resources or expertise in this area. This is where outsourcing social media management comes into play, offering a plethora of benefits that can enhance a business's online presence, engage its audience, and drive growth. In this article, we will explore the key reasons why outsourcing social media management is a strategic move for businesses looking to thrive in the digital landscape.
Learn how to master social media marketing for your food trucks. From paid advertising to social media content, we'll cover it all!
Your Tacoma Business would greatly benefit from hiring a digital marketing agency. Read on to figure out why!
Digital Marketing in Tacoma - Where it's been and where it's going for Tacoma Business Owners!
As time progresses, food trucks need more than just delicious cuisine to stand out. They need a robust online presence, and this is where social media marketing, both organic and paid, plays a pivotal role. At Entrust Marketing, we specialize in catapulting food trucks to digital prominence, transforming them into local sensations.
Businesses located in Tacoma, Washington need to prioritize their digital marketing to stand out from the competition. Here we break down exactly why!
Master the 5 W's of Digital Marketing with this comprehensive guide to marketing your business!
For event companies in Tacoma, Washington, a strong online presence is essential to attract clients and stand out in a competitive market. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) plays a pivotal role in achieving this. This comprehensive guide explores how Tacoma-based event companies can leverage SEO to enhance their visibility and grow their business.
Over time, social media has emerged as a crucial platform for businesses to connect with customers, promote their brand, and drive growth. For small businesses, it offers a unique opportunity to compete on a level playing field with larger competitors. You might be wondering, how do I make the most out of social media? Is it required for my small business? Should I even spend the time developing a social media strategy? This comprehensive guide aims to demystify social media marketing, providing you with the strategies and tools needed to harness its power effectively.
Looking to know how to leverage SEO for your automotive shop in Tacoma? These 5 tips will help you generate more business from online search engines.
In the age of digital connectivity, social media is no longer just a platform for socializing; it’s a pivotal tool for businesses to engage with their audience. For businesses in Tacoma, Washington, a city known for its vibrant culture and diverse population, leveraging social media is essential. But how can local businesses tap into this dynamic market effectively through social media? Let’s explore.
Discover key factors to consider when selecting a digital marketing agency in 2024. Make an informed choice with our comprehensive checklist.
In the digital era, visibility is paramount for business success, especially in a competitive market like Tacoma, Washington . Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the key to ensuring your business stands out online. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential SEO strategies to enhance your Tacoma business's online presence.
In the digital age, social media advertising has become a crucial tool for businesses to reach their target audience effectively. For businesses in Tacoma, Washington, where the market is as diverse as its landscape, targeted social media advertising can be especially powerful. This guide explores how Tacoma businesses can leverage social media ads to maximize their impact.
In the digital age, local businesses have a world of opportunity at their fingertips. Yet, the competition in the local marketplace is fierce. If you're a business owner looking to stand out in your local area, leveraging local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is key. Let's dive into the essentials of local SEO and uncover actionable strategies to boost your local rankings.
In today's digital age, social media has become a crucial aspect of any business's marketing strategy. It is a powerful tool that can help you connect with your audience, build brand awareness, and ultimately drive sales. However, managing your business's social media presence is no small task. It involves creating engaging content, responding to customer inquiries, analyzing data, and staying up-to-date with the latest trends. That's why many businesses choose to hire a social media manager or a social media management agency to handle these tasks. But how do you choose the right one for your business? Here are some key factors to consider.
Hiring a social media marketing agency is no easy task. We explore the ins-and-outs of working with an agency to develop revenue-driving campaigns.
Discover why teaming up with a marketing agency can elevate your brand's reach and results. Top benefits explored!
In the bustling and growing world of food truck businesses, standing out from the competition isn't just about having the tastiest menu – it's about having a robust social media strategy. A strong presence on social media platforms for your food truck can exponentially increase your reach, boost customer engagement, and drive foot traffic to your truck. In this guide, we'll provide key steps and some of our favorite tips to create a winning social media strategy for your food truck.
As a food truck owner, you know that delicious cuisine is only one piece of the success puzzle. In today's digital world, your online presence can make or break your business. That's where Instagram comes into play. With over 1 billion monthly active users, Instagram is a powerful tool for connecting with customers and growing your brand. Entrust Marketing, the leading authority in food truck marketing, is here to share expert tips on how to master Instagram for your food truck business.
Social media has become a common part of our lives, as it continues to shape the way we communicate, interact, and make decisions in our every day lives. For businesses in Tacoma, social media marketing offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with customers, boost brand awareness, and grow your business both in this city and outside of the city limits. With social media marketing, it's possible to develop a presence that attracts people from all around King and Pierce County. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of social media marketing for Tacoma businesses and share tips on how to create a successful social media strategy.
Ensure the best marketing partner for your Tacoma business with this comprehensive guide to selecting an agency.
Understand the power of local SEO and why it's essential for Tacoma-based businesses to stay competitive and visible.
Creative and actionable promotional tactics specifically designed for food trucks looking to expand their reach and revenue.
Launching a food truck? Here's everything you need to know about Food Truck Marketing to grow your customer base.
Step-by-step guide on creating and refining your Google Business profile to ensure maximum local exposure and customer trust.
From Instagram to TikTok, find out which social platforms are crucial for food trucks aiming to increase their visibility through digital marketing.
Get inspired by these top-performing social media post ideas tailored for food trucks. Attract customers like never before with better food truck marketing.
Dive into the unique Food Truck marketing strategies that you can employ on social media to drive foot traffic and boost sales.
Let's Connect!
Entrust Marketing helps service-based businesses grow with high-value, results-driven marketing. From social media and SEO to paid advertising, we handle the details so you can focus on what matters most. No confusion, no hassle—just real marketing that works. Let’s talk!
clayton@entrustmarketingwa.com
253-455-3273