Running a small business in 2025 is more complex than ever. Between managing payroll, taxes, and daily operations, adding social media to the mix might feel overwhelming. You may be wondering:

“Do I really need to be on social media?”

The answer is a resounding yes. Social media is no longer optional—it’s a critical tool for attracting customers, building trust, and growing your business. Whether you run a boutique in the Midsouth, a local restaurant in Memphis, or a service-based business, an active online presence can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving.

However, just as you wouldn’t handle your own business taxes without an accountant, navigating social media without a clear strategy—or expert help—can lead to wasted time, effort, and money.

Let’s break down why social media is essential for small businesses in 2025 and how partnering with experts, such as our team at The Profit Link, can help you make the most of it.

Your Customers Expect to Find You Online

Think about the last time you needed a product or service. Did you check a company’s social media before making a decision? Your customers are doing the same.

Over 5.24 billion people worldwide use social media (Statista), and in Memphis and the Midsouth, thousands of people search platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok every day for local businesses.

A potential customer searching “best coffee shop in Memphis” on Instagram is more likely to visit the business that has an active page with appealing photos, customer reviews, and recent updates. If your business isn’t showing up in those searches, your competitors are capturing those customers instead.

A well-managed social media presence ensures that people find you first when they search for businesses like yours.

Build Trust and Brand Awareness

Customers don’t just buy from any business—they buy from brands they trust. Social media provides an opportunity to connect with your audience in ways that traditional marketing simply can’t.

By consistently sharing content such as:

• • Customer testimonials and success stories
  • Behind-the-scenes looks at your business
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
  • Valuable tips and local insights

You create a brand that feels authentic, relatable, and credible.

When hair salons post before-and-after transformations, styling tips, and client reviews, they’re building confidence in the staff’s expertise. A bakery showcasing beautifully decorated cakes and engaging with local food bloggers is establishing itself as the go-to spot for desserts.

Done right, social media makes your brand more visible, trustworthy, and memorable.

It’s One of the Most Cost-Effective Marketing Tools

Compared to traditional advertising—billboards, TV, and print ads—social media marketing is significantly more affordable, measurable, and targeted.

With even a modest budget, you can:

• Run highly targeted content that reaches and appeals to the people most likely to buy from you
• Track posts’ performance in real-time and adjust based on what’s working
• Engage directly with potential customers, answering their questions and addressing concerns

According to HubSpot, 77% of marketers say social media has been instrumental in helping their company achieve its business goals. But without a clear strategy, posting content can feel like throwing money into the void. That’s why working with a marketing team that understands how to optimize your social media spend is crucial.

What’s Working on Social Media in 2025?

The digital landscape changes fast, but here are the key trends that businesses need to leverage this year.

1. Short-Form Video is Dominating

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have reshaped online engagement. Short, compelling videos capture attention quickly and are more likely to be shared, helping businesses reach a wider audience. 

Even amid the shaky legal future of TikTok, the media format it pioneered is taking over other platforms. If you don’t have a clear strategy for short-form video, you’re missing out. Luckily, our team here at The Profit Link stays on top of industry trends, breaking news, and best practices. You can rest assured that when we outline a plan for your business, we’re accounting for recent developments, emerging technologies, and a genuine concern for the future of your business.

2. Local Content Drives Engagement

Customers love supporting businesses that feel connected to their community. Content that highlights local events, landmarks, or cultural trends tends to perform well.

In Memphis that could include shouting out the Grizzly’s latest win, giving voice to your community’s leaders, or promoting upcoming festivals. Showing that you understand and celebrate the local community builds loyalty and brand recognition.

3. AI and Automation Are Game-Changers

Social media management can be time-consuming, but AI-powered tools now help businesses automate tasks like:

• Scheduling posts in advance
• Responding to common customer inquiries
• Analyzing performance to refine strategies

The challenge is knowing which tools to use and how to set them up effectively. This is where expert guidance can save time and ensure maximum efficiency.

You Don’t Have to Manage Social Media Alone

1. It Takes More Time Than You Expect

Creating engaging content, designing visuals, responding to comments, and tracking performance isn’t something that can be done sporadically. Successful social media marketing requires:

• • A well-planned content calendar
  • Consistent, high-quality posting
  • Active audience engagement
  • Ongoing performance analysis and adjustments

As a business owner, you’re already juggling countless responsibilities, and adding social media management can quickly become overwhelming. Outsourcing this critical but complex task to professionals allows you to focus on what you do best—running your business.

2. Social Media Algorithms Are Always Changing

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok constantly update their algorithms, affecting how and when content is seen. Without staying up to date on these changes, businesses risk having their posts buried in newsfeeds, resulting in low engagement and missed opportunities.

The marketing experts on our team here at The Profit Link stay ahead of these shifts, ensuring that your content strategy adapts and remains effective.

3. You Need a Strategy—Not Just Random Posts

Many small businesses struggle on social media because they lack a clear plan. A strong strategy includes:

• • Setting measurable goals (brand awareness, leads, sales, etc.)
  • Understanding and targeting the right audience
  • Creating a consistent posting schedule
  • Tracking results and refining tactics over time

Without these elements, social media efforts can feel scattered and ineffective. 

Partner with The Profit Link for Expert Social Media Marketing

If you’re serious about growing your business through social media, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team here at The Profit Link specializes in helping small businesses in Memphis and the Midsouth:

• • Build an engaged, loyal audience
  • Create compelling, high-quality content
  • Stay ahead of digital trends and algorithm changes

Verdict: Social Media is No Longer Optional

Still wondering if your business needs social media? The answer is clear.

• • Your customers expect to find you online
  • It builds trust and strengthens your brand
  • It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to market your business

However, just like taxes, payroll, and legal matters, social media is best handled by professionals. Partnering with a trusted local marketing team ensures that your social media efforts drive real results without adding more to your already full plate.