Small Gold Coast businesses can greatly boost their visibility by using social media marketing Gold Coast strategies effectively. To start, know your target audience and tailor everything to them. Are you trying to reach local residents, visiting tourists, or both? Defining your ideal customer helps you choose the right platforms and content. For example, one study found that 71% of consumers are influenced by social media when making purchases – especially if your posts speak directly to their interests. On the Gold Coast, that means highlighting local lifestyle, events, or attractions. A custom “buyer persona” (age, interests, needs) can guide your posts and ads for more effective social media marketing Gold Coast results.
Choose the Right Platforms for Your Audience
Not all platforms suit every business. Start by asking: Where do my customers spend time online? Pick 1–3 that fit your audience. For example, Facebook is great for local community engagement and sharing news, images or videos. Instagram shines for visual storytelling – use it to post photos of your products, behind-the-scenes shots or Stories/Reels with local scenes. If you offer professional B2B services, LinkedIn can help you network and share expertise. And if you target younger customers, consider TikTok for fun, creative short videos.
Choosing platforms wisely means you’re “in the same spaces online that your customers do”. Avoid the temptation to be everywhere at once; instead focus your energy on where your message will be best received.
Create Engaging, On-Brand Content
Whatever channels you use, keep your brand voice and look consistent. Regular posting builds recognition and trust. Plan content ahead with a simple calendar so you never skip long stretches. Use varied formats to keep your audience’s attention: mix photos of Gold Coast scenery or your shop with behind-the-scenes videos, helpful tips, or even lighthearted posts. Instagram Stories or Reels are especially powerful: for example, you might post a quick video of beachside café latte art, or a promo for a local event. In posts, use local touches like Gold Coast hashtags (e.g. #GoldCoast, #SurfersParadise) and geotags so locals and tourists alike can find you.
Short, visual content tends to get the most engagement. One guide notes that “the key to great social media content is understanding your audience” and tailoring to them. So focus on what your Gold Coast customers care about – maybe sunny weather tips, surf updates, or local festivals – and tie that into your product or service. Above all, stay consistent: even posting 1–2 times a week on a schedule is better than being sporadic.
Engage Directly with Your Community
Remember: social media is a two-way conversation, not just a billboard. When someone comments or sends a message, respond warmly and promptly. Thank customers for compliments and help answer their questions. Over time this builds loyalty and word-of-mouth. As one expert puts it, “Social media is about two-way communication, not just one-way broadcasting”. Seeing a comment? Reply and start a chat. Sharing user-generated content – like a photo a customer took of your meal or product – gives a personal touch and authenticity (often called UGC), and shows you care about your fans.
Engagement also means listening. Monitor your feeds so you catch feedback or trends. Join local Gold Coast groups (many Facebook communities exist for local businesses) and post helpful advice or promotions when relevant. This kind of active community presence shows you’re invested in the area and not just selling. Over time, these interactions can foster a supportive local following.
Use Paid Ads and Local Tools Strategically
While organic posts grow trust, paid social ads can turbo-charge growth when used right. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram let you target people by age, interests, and location. That means you can show an ad only to Gold Coast residents or even to people who live elsewhere but are visiting the area. For instance, a tourist souvenir shop might target ads to recent visitors in Queensland. As one digital marketing guide notes, Facebook’s advanced targeting “enables you to reach customers by location, intent, and behaviour with precision that traditional channels cannot match”.
Even if you start small, consider boosting a well-crafted post or running a simple campaign (e.g. promote an upcoming sale). Ads can give quick visibility for special offers or new products. Be sure to set a clear goal (like website visits or message enquiries) and then measure the results.
Also, don’t overlook local search. Set up a Google Business Profile for your store or service – it’s essential for being found when people search “cafes in Surfers Paradise” or “plumbers Gold Coast.” A complete Business Profile shows your hours, location on Google Maps, photos and reviews. Studies say it’s an easy way to connect with nearby customers and improve online visibility. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews there – word-of-mouth online is very persuasive.
Measure, Refine, and Be Patient
Track how your social efforts are doing. Most platforms offer built-in analytics showing likes, reach, shares, and clicks. Keep an eye on which posts get the most engagement or website visits. If a certain type of post (say, videos of your shop) does well, do more of it. If another type underperforms, tweak it or try something new. As one small-business guide suggests, “Track the performance of your posts using analytics… Metrics such as engagement, reach, and click-through rates can help you understand what’s working and what’s not”. You might jot key numbers in a simple spreadsheet each month to spot trends.
Finally, patience is key. Social media success for small businesses usually builds over months, not days. Keep posting regularly, keep interacting, and keep improving. Even if growth seems slow at first, consistency pays off. One expert advises small businesses to stay consistent with posting schedule and committed to quality content, even when it feels difficult. Over time, your brand will become more recognizable and trusted.
In summary, Gold Coast small businesses should focus on knowing their audience, choosing the right social platforms, and creating local, engaging content. Responding to followers and using local targeting (both via hashtags and ads) will build a loyal community. Tools like Facebook’s ad targeting and Google Business Profile can extend your reach. Track what works and refine your approach. With authenticity and persistence, your social media can become a powerful channel for attracting both Sunshine State locals and visitors.
Read our latest blog posts for more updates and insights.