Social Media Trends Small Businesses Should Use to Grow Plus Why You Need a Website

Social media is a powerful tool for small businesses, but relying on it alone can limit your growth. In the first quarter of 2025, trends have shifted, with more focus on seamless integration between social media and websites. While trends come and go, one thing remains constant: having a website makes your business more credible and searchable. Here’s how you can combine social media with a strong online presence for long-term success.

1. Engagement Matters More Than Followers

A large following doesn’t mean much if people aren’t interacting with your content. Platforms prioritize posts that spark conversations, so ask questions, encourage comments, and create polls or carousel posts that keep people engaged.

2. Saves & Shares Are the New Key Metrics

Likes aren’t as important as they used to be. Instead, focus on creating content that people want to save for later or share with friends, like useful guides, event roundups, or local recommendations.

3. Short-Form Video Is Still King

Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are driving engagement across all platforms. Quick event previews, behind-the-scenes clips, and fun interviews can help increase visibility and bring in new customers.

4. Social Media Search is Changing the Game

People now use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook like search engines. To make your business easier to find, use keywords in captions, geo-tags, and relevant hashtags like #YourTownEats or #ShopLocal.

5. Community Building is More Important Than Ever

Social media platforms reward active engagement. Respond to comments, start conversations in your stories, and build relationships in DMs to create a loyal community around your brand.

6. DMs & Private Messaging Drive Sales

More people are using direct messages to ask about products, services, and recommendations. Be responsive in your DMs and consider setting up automated replies for FAQs to improve customer service.

7. Tracking the Right Metrics is Essential

Follower count isn’t the best measure of success anymore. Instead, focus on engagement rate, saves, shares, and watch time to see what’s really working. Then, double down on the content that gets the most interaction.

Why Every Small Business Needs a Website

Social media is great for engagement, but it’s not enough. A website acts as your digital storefront, giving customers a reliable place to learn about your business, find contact details, and even make purchases.

✔ It Makes Your Business Look Legit – A website gives your business credibility and professionalism. Customers trust businesses with a real online presence.

✔ You Own Your Platform – Social media algorithms change all the time, but your website is yours. It ensures people can always find you, no matter what happens on Instagram or Facebook.

✔ It Boosts Searchability – When people Google your business, your website should be the first thing they find—not just your Instagram page. A well-optimized site helps with local SEO, making you easier to discover.

✔ It Connects All Your Marketing – Your website can feature your latest social media posts, blog articles, customer reviews, and an email signup—turning casual visitors into loyal customers.

✔ It Helps You Sell More – Whether through an online shop, booking system, or service menu, a website makes it easy for customers to take action and buy from you.

The Bottom Line

Social media trends will continue to evolve, but a strong website ensures your business remains visible, credible, and in control of its online presence. By combining an engaging social media strategy with a solid website, small businesses can attract more customers and build long-term success.

*Bonus Tip: Stop Using QR Codes in Your Social Media Posts

While QR codes may seem like a quick way to drive traffic, they don’t work well in social media posts—especially when viewed on a phone. People reading your post on their mobile device won’t be able to scan the code easily. Instead, focus on providing clear and easy-to-follow links or buttons that users can click directly. Adding a link in your bio or using a link-shortening service can help guide users to your website or promotions without any extra steps.

For more tips, read our article on 5 Essential Free Tools for Small Businesses.