Anna Heaton outlined on Apr. 6 practical advice for small business owners looking to improve their social media presence, in an article originally published in the March/April 2026 issue of FOCUS magazine by the Small Business Association of Michigan.
The guidance is intended to help businesses navigate the challenges of maintaining a consistent and authentic online presence, which has become increasingly important as customers turn to social platforms for up-to-date information. The Small Business Association of Michigan operated as a statewide advocacy entity focused on small business interests, according to the official website.
Heaton said that consistency is key: “Set a cadence for how often you want to post. Start with three times per week. Don’t wait until you think you have something worthy to post.” She also advised posting authentic content and involving employees in posts: “Feature your employees as part of your social rotation, whether they got promoted, came up with a new idea, or spent hours volunteering at the local animal shelter.”
Heaton emphasized that engagement goes beyond posting: “Posting is only half the battle. You should be liking posts on other pages, commenting and engaging (word to the wise: NOT on political topics).” She suggested that planning ahead pays off and recommended using AI tools sparingly for content prompts while ensuring authenticity remains central.
She cautioned against never investing money into promotion or spreading resources too thin across all platforms: “You should occasionally boost posts… Even if you have a decent social media following, stagnation is fatal.” Instead, she recommended focusing efforts where audiences are most active based on each business’s unique needs.
The Small Business Association of Michigan functioned as a nonprofit advocacy organization offering support including membership services, insurance and resources for small businesses across Michigan according to its official website. Brian Calley served as president and CEO during this period according to the same source. The association aimed to lead advocacy efforts statewide for small businesses.
Heaton concluded by saying: “Consistent, intentional, and authentic is the only social media formula your small business needs.”
