How to Use Social Media to Find New Customers

Entrepreneurship in 2025 is a battlefield, and social media is the best weapon you have—if you know how to use it. Gone are the days when business owners relied solely on flyers, billboards, and radio jingles that nobody listens to anymore. Today, if you're not leveraging social media to find new customers, you might as well be selling ice in Antarctica.  

The problem? Many entrepreneurs are doing it all wrong. If your strategy involves cold messaging strangers with "Hi dear, I sell quality bags," you're doing more harm than good. Instead of being a desperate salesperson lurking in people's inboxes, you need to master the art of attraction. Here’s how.  

1. Stop Selling, Start Storytelling 

Nobody logs into social media thinking, "I hope someone sells me something today." People come to be entertained, informed, or inspired. If your content isn’t doing any of these, you're losing.  

Instead of posting "Buy my product," try this:  

- Tell a story about how your product has changed someone’s life.  

- Share behind-the-scenes moments of your business.  

- Make people laugh while subtly introducing your brand.  

For example, if you sell skincare products, don’t just post "Our lotion is the best!" Instead, tell a funny story about how you used to glow like a flashlight until you found the right skincare routine. That’s content people engage with.  

2. Become the King (or Queen) of Trends

Social media trends are like free advertising campaigns. If something is trending, find a way to tie it to your brand. Memes, viral challenges, and trending hashtags can put your business in front of thousands of potential customers without spending a dime.  

Imagine you sell wigs and a popular challenge is making rounds. Join in, but instead of dancing, do a skit where your wig transforms from messy to flawless. People will laugh, engage, and check out your page. That’s smart marketing.  

3. Use Hashtags Like a Pro

Hashtags are your business’s GPS—they help customers find you. But using #entrepreneur #business #success on every post isn’t going to cut it. Be specific. If you sell shoes in Lagos, use hashtags like #LagosFashion #NaijaSneakers #BuyNaija. The more targeted your hashtags, the better your chances of reaching actual buyers.  

4. Leverage the Power of Influencers (Even the Micro Ones)

You don’t need to pay a celebrity millions to endorse your brand. Micro-influencers (people with 5k–50k followers) often have a more engaged audience than big influencers. Partner with them, send them free products, or negotiate affordable deals.  

Better still, turn your happy customers into influencers. Encourage them to post reviews, tag your page, and share their experiences. User-generated content is gold—it builds trust and attracts new customers effortlessly.  

5. Use Ads Wisely (Because Organic Reach Is Not Your Friend)  

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok ads are the easiest way to put your business in front of new customers, but only if done right. Instead of boosting random posts, run targeted ads based on interests, location, and buying behavior.  

Example: If you sell men’s watches, target your ads at men aged 25–40 who follow luxury brands, not just any random Facebook user. Precision matters.  

6. Create Engaging Content (Not Just Pretty Pictures) 

Aesthetics are nice, but engagement drives sales. Ask questions, run polls, host giveaways, or go live. When your followers engage with your content, their friends see it too—free exposure!  

For instance, if you sell perfumes, post two scent options and ask, “Which one would you rock for a date night?” People will comment, argue, tag their friends, and boom—your engagement skyrockets.  

7. Don’t Sleep on Video Content

TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts—this is where the magic happens. A 30-second video showcasing your product in action is 10x more powerful than a static image.  

If you sell food, post a mouth-watering video of someone taking a bite. If you sell clothes, do a try-on haul. If you’re in the service business, share a quick tip that solves a problem. Video sells—use it.  

8. Engage, Don’t Just Post and Run

Social media is not a billboard; it’s a conversation. Reply to comments, react to messages, and engage with your audience. People buy from brands that feel human, not robotic.  

If someone comments, “I love this bag!” don’t just like their comment—reply with “Thanks! We just restocked. DM for a special discount.” That simple interaction can turn a casual browser into a paying customer.  

9. Join Relevant Groups and Communities 

Facebook groups, Twitter Spaces, and LinkedIn communities are full of potential customers. But don’t be the person who spams the group with product links. Instead, add value. Answer questions, give free advice, and subtly introduce your brand when it fits.  

For example, if you’re in a wedding planning group and someone asks for makeup recommendations, don’t just drop your business link. Instead, share expert tips, then mention that you sell bridal makeup kits. That way, you build trust and attract sales naturally.  

10. Consistency is Key (Don’t Go MIA) 

If you post today and disappear for a month, don’t expect results. Social media rewards consistency. Post regularly, engage daily, and stay active. You don’t have to be online 24/7—use scheduling tools like Buffer or Meta Business Suite to plan your posts.  

Final Thoughts 

Finding customers on social media isn’t about shouting "BUY FROM ME!" It’s about building relationships, creating valuable content, and staying visible. The more people see, like, and trust you, the more likely they are to buy.  

So, stop sending those cringey DM sales pitches and start using social media like a pro. Your next big customer might just be one viral post away!