Social media is a business strategy that is absolutely important for a small business. But you can’t afford to be idle on social media. You need to constantly be switched on and have a strong content strategy plan, or it will quickly overwhelm you.

If you are a small business boss lady, juggling many different balls, and wearing so many different hats, it can really do a number on your mental health.

You may find yourself spending more of your time planning content and photo shoots, and at the end of the day you’re too exhausted to do anything else.

What’s more, social media tends to bring out the compare despair in us. We compare ourselves to others, and we despair because they seem to have it better than us.

So why is it important to do a social media detox? The number one reason is self-care. If you take care of yourself, you bring your best self to your business.

But is it possible to take a break from social media without killing your business?

Yes, it is.

How did businesses in the past promote themselves before social media became a “thing”? By old fashioned marketing.

Here are my three tips for some old-fashioned promotion you could try.

1.Word of mouth

Simple but effective. Ask your family and friends to tell others about what you do and how well you do it. Don’t be afraid of the shameless plug. 90% of people are more likely to trust a brand if it was recommended to them by someone else – even a stranger!

So next time you’re at a social gathering and someone asks, what do you do? Have your spiel ready. Just don’t talk their ear off.

2.Direct Mail

I’m not talking about fancy, glossy brochures that will set you back a few hundred dollars to design and print. I’m talking about taking it way back to the old school – handwritten letters.

Yep.

But won’t it just get thrown out? You ask. After all, nobody likes junk mail.

Not when it’s handwritten.

There’s something about handwritten letters that makes people want to read, especially if it’s addressed personally to them. Maybe because they’re so rare that getting one in the mail really stops someone in their tracks, and makes them want to read.

Happens to me all the time. I check my mail and see various advertising leaflets, do a quick flick and drop them straight in the bin (sorry! I know a lot of small businesses invest in these flyers). I see a handwritten letter (especially one not in an envelope) and immediately I get curious and start reading.

If the letter is showing the customer how your business will solve a problem for them, then you’ve hooked them.

So if you know several people in your street by name, get out the pen and paper and write to them about your product or service, and why they need it. Then next time you walk Fido drop it in their letterbox.

And with 39% of consumers trying a business for the first time because of direct mail, it’s a cheap, easy and personal way to advertise your business.

3.Free samples

Reciprocity is a powerful psychological driver. That means, if you offer someone something for free, it gives them a strong obligation to return the favour. It’s hard wired into us.

So next time you meet with friends or at your next soiree, and you’re giving your spiel about how amazing your products are, bring along some free samples to give away.

If your business is a service, offer a free consultation, free measure and quote, free advice, free assessment – but keep it brief of course, just enough to give them a taste for what you do.

And don’t forget to ask for testimonials.

I hope these tips inspire you to take a break from social media, while still growing your business.

Contact me if you would like help with creating beautiful Direct Mail leaflets that will less likely end up in a bin.