From social media zero to hero – the journey of an independent cafe embracing social to survive

Stay social if you want to stay relevant

“During the pandemic it was a sink or swim situation. We either learned how to get social or we would be left behind," said Isabella. 

Isabella's new reality was the same as many small business owners across the UK. But she was undeterred by her lack of knowledge or experience. Armed with a new smart phone and some training and support provided by Positively Putney and Maybe*, Isabella set about upskilling herself.

"We were able to do some one-to-one training that was really helpful. It was just trial and error, getting to know what you can and can’t do and we attended all of the webinars and training sessions provided by Maybe* to upskill," she added.

Isabella likes posting photos of customers and her food and showing what they are doing on a daily basis. She has lots of fun with Instagram Stories, regularly posting  polls to keep people engaged. Isabella posts on impulse rather than planning it in and find Instagram more rewarding than Facebook.

"Being new to social, Instagram is easier. Posting and talking to people is really satisfying. Don't be afraid to make an error as you can always erase and start over," said Isabella.

Though she lost 30% of her business due to lockdown, she appreciates that the situation could have been even worse had she not embraced social media.

Isabella now listens and watches other businesses for ideas and inspiration. Buoyed with her success from social she's determined to keep learning and has vowed to nail Twitter next. She's always on hand to answer the questions of local Putney businesses who need a helping hand or a steer in the right direction to begin their social media journey.