The 7 Types of Social Media Posts Every Local Business Should Be Using

One of the most common questions business owners ask is:

"What should I post on social media?"

It's a fair question.

After all, most business owners know they should be active online. The challenge is figuring out what to post consistently without sounding repetitive or overly promotional.

The good news is that you do not need to reinvent the wheel every week.

Most successful businesses rely on a handful of content types that help them attract attention, build trust, and generate leads.

If you're a business owner in Grande Prairie or Northern Alberta, these are the seven types of social media posts you should be incorporating into your content strategy.

1. Educational Posts

Educational content helps position your business as a trusted expert.

These posts answer questions, solve problems, and provide useful information to your audience.

Examples:

• Marketing tips

• Industry insights

• Frequently asked questions

• Common mistakes customers make

• How-to guides

Why It Works

People are more likely to buy from businesses they trust.

Educational content builds that trust before a customer is ready to make a purchase.

2. Behind-the-Scenes Posts

Customers love seeing the people behind the business.

Behind-the-scenes content helps humanize your brand and create a stronger connection with your audience.

Examples:

• A day in the life

• Team introductions

• Work in progress

• Office or shop tours

• Event preparation

Why It Works

People connect with people.

The more familiar your business feels, the easier it is for customers to trust you.

3. Customer Success Stories and Testimonials

You can tell people how great your business is all day long.

It is much more powerful when your customers say it for you.

Examples:

• Client testimonials

• Customer reviews

• Before-and-after results

• Case studies

• Success stories

Why It Works

Social proof is one of the strongest marketing tools available.

Potential customers want reassurance that others have had a positive experience.

4. Community and Local Content

As a local business, one of your biggest advantages is your connection to the community.

Highlighting local involvement helps build stronger relationships and reinforces your local presence.

Examples:

• Community events

• Local partnerships

• Sponsorships

• Volunteer initiatives

• Supporting other local businesses

Why It Works

People often prefer doing business with companies that are invested in their community.

5. Promotional Posts

Yes, you should absolutely promote your products and services.

The key is not making every post promotional.

Examples:

• Service highlights

• New offerings

• Seasonal promotions

• Special events

• Discovery call invitations

Why It Works

People cannot buy from you if they do not know what you offer.

Promotional content is important when balanced with other content types.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

If customers ask a question once, chances are others are wondering the same thing.

FAQ content is one of the easiest and most effective forms of social media content.

Examples:

• Pricing questions

• Process explanations

• Service details

• Common misconceptions

• Industry myths

Why It Works

It saves time, provides value, and helps remove barriers that may be preventing someone from becoming a customer.

7. Personal Brand and Storytelling Content

People often buy from businesses because they connect with the person behind them.

Sharing your story helps build trust and authenticity.

Examples:

• Why you started your business

• Lessons learned

• Business milestones

• Challenges you've overcome

• Personal insights

Why It Works

Storytelling creates emotional connection.

Customers remember stories far longer than they remember sales pitches.

How Often Should You Use Each Type of Post?

A balanced content strategy might look something like this:

Educational Content

40%

Behind-the-Scenes Content

15%

Testimonials and Success Stories

15%

Community Content

10%

FAQ Content

10%

Personal Brand Content

5%

Promotional Content

5%

This keeps your feed valuable and engaging while still creating opportunities to promote your business.

The Biggest Mistake Businesses Make

Many businesses rely almost entirely on promotional content.

Every post becomes:

• Buy now

• Book today

• Contact us

• Limited spots available

While promotions are important, they should only be one part of your content strategy.

The businesses that see the best results on social media are the ones that consistently provide value first.

Trust comes before the sale.

TL:DR

If you're constantly wondering what to post, the solution is not creating more content.

It's creating the right mix of content.

By using these seven post types consistently, you can:

• Build trust

• Increase engagement

• Strengthen your brand

• Stay visible online

• Generate more leads

Most importantly, you'll never have to stare at a blank content calendar wondering what to post next.

Need Help Planning Your Content?

Knowing what to post is one of the biggest challenges business owners face.

That's exactly why we created our Free 30-Day Custom Content Plans.

Inside, you'll get:

• Content ideas for an entire month

• Options for posting 3 times per week

• A simple framework designed specifically for your businesses

• Scripts and filming tips

👉 Get your free 30-Day Custom Content Plan here: https://www.peacecountrymarketing.com/free-social-media-plans

Want Help Managing Your Social Media?

At Peace Country Marketing, we help businesses in Grande Prairie and across Northern Alberta create content strategies that attract attention, build trust, and generate leads.

👉 Book a free discovery call here: https://www.peacecountrymarketing.com/free-discovery-calls

Let's create a social media strategy that works for your business.

Maggie Reid

Social Media Manager

Peace Country Marketing