Podcast Summary: Small Business Quick WINS w/ Jay Schwedelson Presented By Thryv

Episode Title: SOCIAL MEDIA SUCCESS SECRETS! 🚀 Daniel Murray Shares Tips for Small Businesses 🔥 1M+ Followers on LinkedIn
Release Date: January 9, 2025

Introduction

In this dynamic episode of Small Business Quick WINS, host Jay Schwedelson welcomes social media expert Daniel Murray, renowned for amassing over a million followers on LinkedIn through his influential platform, Marketing Millennials. The conversation centers on actionable strategies for small businesses to excel on social media, leveraging organic growth, and creating engaging content tailored to their audiences.

Guest Introduction: Daniel Murray

[00:56] Jay introduces Daniel Murray, highlighting his success in building a substantial social media presence. Daniel humorously reflects on his early struggles:
“I started with Instagram and TikTok accounts that failed before finding success on LinkedIn.” [02:01]

Despite initial setbacks, Daniel's persistence and strategic approach led to the rapid growth of his platforms, including a podcast with 100k listeners and a robust newsletter subscriber base.

Daniel’s Journey in Social Media

Daniel shares his unconventional path to social media mastery, emphasizing experimentation and learning from failures. “I was just running marketing ops for a software company and started learning social media on the side,” he explains, underscoring the importance of testing various platforms before identifying where his efforts would pay off.

This trial-and-error phase was crucial in developing the strategies that ultimately propelled his LinkedIn presence to over a million followers.

Prioritizing Social Media Over Other Content Channels

When asked whether small businesses should prioritize social media, podcasts, or newsletters, Daniel strongly advocates for social media:

“I would prioritize social media because it gives you organic reach.” [03:50]

He argues that social platforms offer inherent advantages in visibility, whereas newsletters and podcasts require additional strategies for audience growth, such as paid promotions or SEO optimization.

Choosing the Right Social Media Platform

Daniel emphasizes the importance of selecting platforms where your target audience is most active:

“Start with the platform that your audience hangs out with,” he advises. [05:00]

For instance, an HVAC company might find greater engagement on Facebook and Instagram rather than LinkedIn, based on where potential customers are more likely to spend their time.

Getting Started with Instagram: Content Creation and Strategy

For businesses new to Instagram, Daniel outlines a clear path to building a presence:

1. Focus on One Platform: Avoid spreading efforts thin across multiple platforms initially. “Be the best on one platform and then once you've learned how to do that, move away,” he recommends. [06:17]

2. Content Types: Choose between expert-focused content or storytelling:

   • Expert Content: Share industry tips and actionable advice. For an HVAC business, this could include maintenance tips or seasonal advice.
   • Storytelling: Provide behind-the-scenes looks at daily operations, featuring team members or customer interactions.

3. Time Commitment: Dedicate sufficient time daily (30 minutes to 2 hours) to create and engage with content unless opting to hire an agency. [06:17]

Building Initial Followers and Engagement

For businesses starting with a modest follower base, Daniel advises strategic community engagement:

“Search your area, see what's trending, and engage by commenting on 30 to 40 posts a day,” he suggests. [09:39]

Key tactics include:

• Meaningful Interactions: Leave insightful, helpful, or entertaining comments rather than generic praises.
• Leveraging Reels: Utilize Instagram Reels for their high organic reach, incorporating localized hashtags to target specific areas. “Use hashtags like #HVACTampaBay,” he notes. [13:19]

Additionally, boosting posts with a small budget can enhance visibility within targeted demographics, supplementing organic efforts.

Content Strategies: Expert vs. Storytelling

Daniel outlines two primary content strategies for small businesses:

1. Expert Content:

   • Focus on providing value through tips and educational content.
   • Example: For an HVAC company, sharing advice on maintaining air conditioning systems.

2. Storytelling:

   • Showcase the company’s daily operations and team members.
   • Example: Creating a “reality TV” feel by documenting technician visits and customer success stories.

“Social media is social for a reason,” Daniel emphasizes the need for genuine and engaging content. [06:17]

Localized Marketing and Influencer Collaborations

Localized marketing is pivotal for small businesses. Daniel highlights:

• Geographical Targeting: Use location-based hashtags and engage with local content to dominate regional searches. “If you own an HVAC company in Tampa Bay, create content specifically for that area,” he advises. [09:39]

• Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with local influencers by offering services in exchange for promotional posts. “Reach out to influencers and offer your services for free in exchange for exposure,” Daniel suggests. [15:32]

These strategies help establish authority within a specific locale, driving both engagement and customer inquiries.

Leveraging Existing Channels for Social Growth

Daniel recommends maximizing every interaction point to promote social media presence:

• Website Integration: Feature social media sections prominently on the company website.
• Email Signatures and Invoices: Include social media handles and encourage followers.
• Customer Databases: Inform existing customers about new social content, inviting them to follow for tips and updates.

“You can build it by using channels you already have,” he explains. [15:35]

Final Advice: Consistency and Commitment

In wrapping up, Daniel underscores the critical elements for social media success:

• Consistency: “Consistency is the number one winner on social media,” he states. [17:06]
• Quality Content: Ensure that your content stands out and is something you personally find valuable.
• Continuous Learning: Observe what makes content engaging and adapt proven strategies from successful accounts in other industries.

“There are proven playbooks out there that work. You just have to take inspiration and then use it for yourself,” he advises. [17:06]

Conclusion

Jay and Daniel conclude the episode by reinforcing the accessibility and effectiveness of the discussed strategies for small business owners. They encourage listeners to implement these tips to enhance their social media presence, drive engagement, and ultimately grow their businesses.

“This is great stuff and I feel more empowered,” Jay remarks, summarizing the episode's impact. [16:41]

Listeners are also directed to explore Daniel’s podcast, Marketing Millennials, and his social media channels for further insights and guidance.

Key Takeaways:

• Prioritize social media for its organic reach and immediate impact.
• Choose the right platform based on where your target audience spends their time.
• Engage actively and meaningfully within your local community online.
• Develop a clear content strategy, whether through expert advice or storytelling.
• Leverage existing channels to promote your social media presence.
• Maintain consistency and quality to build and retain a loyal follower base.

By following Daniel Murray’s expert advice, small businesses can effectively navigate the social media landscape, fostering growth and establishing a strong online presence.