5 Must-Know Facts About Social Media Marketing That Will Change the Way You Show Up Online

If you're a small business owner wondering whether social media marketing is really worth the effort — we get it. Between managing operations, sales, and everything in between, creating consistent content can feel like a full-time job in itself.

But here’s the truth: social media is no longer optional — it’s essential. Whether you’re a product-based brand or a service provider, your online presence is one of the most powerful tools for visibility, trust, and growth.

Here are 5 social media marketing facts every business owner should know:

1. People spend over 2.5 hours a day on social media.

That’s more than enough time to grab attention — if you're showing up where your audience is. Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are no longer just for entertainment — they’re research tools, word-of-mouth engines, and trust builders.

Tip: Focus on the platforms where your ideal customer spends time and post consistently to stay top-of-mind.

2. Video content drives 1200% more shares than text and image posts combined.

If you're still relying only on static graphics, it's time to pivot. Reels, short-form videos, and behind-the-scenes clips are proven to perform better, boost reach, and increase engagement.

Tip: You don’t need to go viral — you just need to show up with value, authenticity, and intention.

3. 70% of consumers check a business's social media before making a purchase.

Think of your social feed as your digital storefront. Potential clients are checking your Instagram to see if you’re active, legit, and aligned with what they’re looking for. Your feed builds trust before they even hit “follow.”

Tip: Showcase your work, share testimonials, and give a peek behind the scenes.

4. Consistent branding can boost revenue by up to 23%.

From your color palette and fonts to the tone of your captions — branding matters. When your visuals and messaging are cohesive, your audience remembers you faster and trusts you more.

Tip: A brand refresh (or a few strategic templates) can make a big difference in how polished and professional you look online.

5. User-generated content drives nearly 7x higher engagement.

Nothing builds credibility like real people sharing their experience with your brand. Whether it's a client testimonial, tagged photo, or a review repost — this kind of content works hard for you.

Tip: Encourage happy customers to tag you, and don’t be shy about sharing their kind words!

So… is social media marketing worth it?

Absolutely.
But only if you're doing it intentionally.

At Southpaw Marketing, we help small businesses create strategic, beautiful content that gets seen — and gets results. From social media management to full brand builds, we’re here to make marketing feel less overwhelming (and way more fun).

📩 Want help showing up with strategy? Let’s chat.