Ever found yourself staring blankly at your phone, thinking, “What on earth do I post on social media that won’t just vanish into the void?” You’re not alone. Lots of businesses in the UK struggle with this. It’s like trying to clap with one hand – tricky and a bit frustrating.

Truth is, posting random bits of content won’t cut it anymore. Social media is more competitive than a full house on a Manchester Corry’s market day. People want more than just a sales pitch – they want something proper, authentic and useful. That’s where education, behind-the-scenes glimpses, proof and personality come in.

This is where Cleartwo can help. They offer savvy social media services tailored to make your posts stand out, building real connections with your audience while creating content that works hard for your business. Let’s break down exactly what your social media should look like in 2025 and beyond.

A local business owner capturing behind-the-scenes moments to engage followers and build trust online.

Why Most Social Media Posts Just Don’t Work

Think of social media posts like a bag of crisps at a North West footy match – if you don’t pack the right flavour, mate nobody’s gonna be reaching for it. Posting generic or purely promotional content is like trying to sell fish and chips without the chips. It’s just not satisfying, and your followers sense that right away.

Here’s the issue with most business posts:

• They’re all shouty sales messages
• They lack consistency and clear value
• They don’t build trust or personality
• They ignore the entertaining and educational mix
• They’re too salesy, turning followers off

Algorithms on platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn now favour content that’s engaging and meaningful, not the usual hard-sell nonsense. So, if you want your posts to actually pop, it’s time to rethink your approach. Let’s keep it local and clever, shall we?

Education Posts: Share the Smart Stuff

Education is the secret sauce your social media needs. Think of it like giving your followers a proper natter about something that matters to them – a bit like your local shopkeeper who’s more than happy to share the best pie in town.

Your business doesn’t need to be a university, but sharing quick tips, industry how-tos or busting common myths helps you become the go-to expert. People love learning new things that make their lives easier.

• Quick how-to videos or reels
• Simple tips related to your products or industry
• Answer FAQs in easy, digestible posts
• Break down jargon with fun, relatable examples
• Share industry news updates made simple
• Create carousel posts busting myths or sharing secrets

For example, a Manchester-based bakery might post a short video on how to create the perfect sourdough starter or share fun facts about their locally sourced ingredients. It’s proper value, isn’t it? Fancy giving it a go next week?

Behind-the-Scenes: Show the Real You

People buy from people, not faceless brands. Think of behind-the-scenes content like inviting your followers for a cuppa and a chat. Showing how your products are made, spotlighting staff stories or sharing day-in-the-life moments makes your brand feel human and relatable.

This type of content builds trust, much like the friendly face who serves you on the High Street every morning.

• Introduce your team members
• Share your office or workshop tidbits
• Show how products are made or packed
• Take your audience through events or launches
• Post fun, candid snaps or short videos
• Share the challenges and wins of running a business

Think about a local brewery sharing a time-lapse video of brewing day, or a design studio showing sketches turning into finished projects. That’s right here, proper local, and it makes followers feel part of your journey.

Proof: Let Your Work Do the Talking

If education is your smart head and behind-the-scenes your heart, proof is the solid handshake. It shows that what you say isn’t just talk – it’s backed by real results and happy customers.

Social proof comes in many forms, from testimonials to before-and-after photos. It’s like spotting familiar faces singing your praises – proper reassuring for anyone on the fence.

• Customer testimonials and stories
• User-generated content (UGC) reposts
• Before and after results
• Case studies or success summaries
• Reviews and ratings highlights
• Photos or videos shared by happy customers

Using proof smartly helps you build credibility. For example, if you run a hair salon in Bolton, sharing transformations with customer quotes is a winner. It shows your skills and makes new customers trust you like a local legend. Think of it like word spreading faster than the queues at a Curry Mile late-night.

Personality: Stand Out With a Local Twist

Personality on social media is like the unique vibe you get from your favourite Manc pub – familiar, welcoming and with a bit of cheeky charm.

Your business’s character should shine through. Add a splash of humour, share relatable regional stories, or respond to followers in a down-to-earth way. Personality builds connections that feel real and long-lasting.

• Share founder stories and anecdotes
• Use humour or regional slang smartly
• Create memes or relatable content
• Run informal polls or quizzes
• Respond personally to comments and messages
• Celebrate local culture or events

Say you run a café in Liverpool; cracking a joke about the weather or football while sharing your menu can make your posts memorable. It’s about making your brand sound proper human. You know what I mean?

Putting It All Together: Your 2025 Social Media Recipe

Right, now you know the four big pillars: education, behind-the-scenes, proof and personality. But a little mix is key here, like knowing your curry needs heat and zing in just the right balance.

The smart move is aiming for an 80/20 split – about 80% value-driven and engaging content, and 20% direct sales or promotion. This way, your social media looks less like a sales pitch and more like a helpful pal advising over a pint. That’s the smart move.

Try structuring your week like this:

1. Monday: Educational post or tutorial
2. Wednesday: Behind-the-scenes snippet
3. Friday: Customer testimonial or social proof
4. Sunday: Light-hearted personality post or local shoutout

This keeps things varied and interesting while building trust and a loyal following. Ever tried posting without a plan? What happened?

Tools & Tips to Keep You Sorted

Keeping up with social media sounds like a full-time job, but it doesn’t have to feel like running the Trafford Centre on a Saturday clapboard. Let’s keep it clever.

Here are some tools and tips to stay on track without losing your marbles:

• Use free schedulers like Hootsuite or Later
• Measure engagement with platform insights
• Repurpose popular posts for different platforms
• Engage directly with your followers – keep it personal
• Stay up to date with trends but adapt them to your style
• Plan content in bulk to avoid last-minute scrambles
• Ask your audience what they want to see

Need a Proper Helping Hand? That’s What Cleartwo’s Here For

Crafting smart, consistent content that ticks all these boxes can get a bit much when you’re busy running your business. That’s why Cleartwo’s social media management takes that off your plate.

They know how to make local UK businesses sound their best and connect with the right crowd. From creating educational posts to sharing candid behind-the-scenes moments and presenting your proof with flair, it’s proper social media done right.

With practical strategies and a local, savvy touch, Cleartwo helps you grow followers who actually want to hear from you, turning scrolls into sales.

Final Thoughts: Keep It Clever, Keep It Local

Social media success isn’t about bombarding your feed with flashy ads. It’s about telling your story, educating your audience, showing real people behind the brand and sharing proof that you’re the real deal.

So, if you’re wondering what businesses should actually post on social media, remember these four pillars. Think of your content as a proper Manchester brew – strong, honest and with just the right kick of personality.

Planning your posts with this smart mix will save you time and stress. You’ll build an audience that trusts, engages and sticks around longer than a Friday night in Didsbury.

Want a practical toolkit and expert help? Don’t miss Cleartwo’s latest social media tips and guides. They’re proper handy and tailored for businesses right here in the UK.