🌱 March into More Engagement

March is here, bringing fresh starts, longer days, and the perfect excuse to give your social media strategy a refresh! 🍀 Feeling stuck on what to post? Don’t worry – here’s what we’ve got for you in today’s newsletter:

🚀 Cracking the Code – Stay ahead with the latest social media algorithm update.

🏆 Get Recommended – Simple steps to make Instagram’s algorithm work for you.

📅 March Content Inspiration – Fresh post ideas to keep your feed buzzing all month.

🤖 ChatGPT to the Rescue – Two creative prompts to boost engagement and spark new content for your business.

Social media is shifting, and small businesses must keep up! Platforms now reward authentic engagement – real conversations and valuable content. Ditch generic posts and focus on content that educates, entertains, and engages. Here’s what’s changing and how to adapt. 👇

🔹 Instagram Prioritizes Engagement

Instagram is focusing more on meaningful interactions (comments, shares, and saves) over passive likes. Encourage discussion by asking questions in captions or running interactive polls.

🔹 Facebook Boosts Local Businesses 

Meta is testing new "Local Favorites" badges to help small businesses stand out. Make sure your business info is updated and encourage reviews to rank higher in local searches.

🔹 TikTok Loves Originality 

The platform is favoring longer, story-driven content. Showcase behind-the-scenes clips, customer testimonials, or day-in-the-life videos to keep viewers hooked.

🔹 LinkedIn Cracks Down on Low-Quality Posts 

Generic engagement bait (like “comment ‘yes’ if you agree”) is getting deprioritized. Focus on valuable insights and share industry-specific tips to stand out.

Need a trending sound to level up your next Reel? Click on the photos below to jump straight to the hottest audio on Instagram right now! 🎶🔥

1. Original Audio - by @katstickler)

📌 Best for: Feel-good reels with fun vibes

💡 Post Idea: Show off your spring refresh with seasonal updates – new products, refreshed decor, or behind-the-scenes moments. 🌊 Take your audience on a Rhode Island Adventure with scenic coastal views, a day in Newport, or a favorite local spot paired with an uplifting caption. 🎉 And don’t forget to embrace the March Madness (beyond basketball!) by highlighting the fun chaos of small business life – bestsellers, busy days, or a lighthearted take on industry quirks.

2.Happiness Can Be Found In Little Things - by @albertobressanmusic

📌 Best for: Reels with a sentimental undertone, perfect for capturing heartfelt moments

💡 Post Idea: Capture the magic of everyday moments with this sentimental audio. Share a day in the life by showcasing small joys like your morning coffee, a peaceful walk, or a customer’s smile. Try a before-and-after transformation, whether it’s a refreshed workspace, new product packaging, or a happy customer’s experience. Highlight the little joys of local living, from a beautifully plated dish to a handwritten thank-you note or a scenic Rhode Island view. And don’t forget the power of surprise and delight – film the reaction when you gift a customer or employee something special.

3. Original Audio - by @addison.briann

📌 Best for: Showing off the things you love so much. Use it to highlight your favorite local spots, products, or small business must-haves.

💡 Post Idea: Looking for ways to use this trend for your business? Restaurants can feature fan-favorite menu items, while retail shops can show off their bestselling products or exciting new arrivals. Salons and spas might highlight services that clients can’t stop raving about. Cafes can showcase the menu items so good they’re worth dropping everything for, and gyms or fitness studios can share their must-have equipment or go-to workout snacks.

4. Gentle Soul - by @softy_hs

📌 Best for: This soft, calming audio is perfect for creating Reels with a laidback, soothing vibe.

💡 Post Idea: Capture slow living with peaceful moments like reading, sipping tea, or strolling by the ocean. Showcase handmade goods, skincare, or cozy decor with soft visuals. Share behind-the-scenes creativity – painting, writing, or crafting. Pair with reflective captions or meaningful quotes. For a calming escape, highlight Rhode Island’s coastlines, sunsets, or tranquil parks.

5. Angels- by fadinglights

📌 Best for: Content with a motivational/aspirational undertone

💡 Post Idea: Share your small business success story, highlighting a milestone or challenge you’ve overcome. Inspire with a morning motivation Reel, pairing sunrise or coffee shots with a quote on growth. Take followers behind the scenes, showing how you bring ideas to life. Spotlight a customer shoutout, featuring a glowing review or loyal client, or post a dream big moment, sharing your goals and inspiring others to chase theirs.

Get Your Content Recommended on Instagram ✅

Want more eyes on your business without spending a dime on ads? Instagram’s recommendation system can boost your content – if you follow these key rules:

1. No watermarks – Avoid reposting any videos with logos; Instagram doesn’t like it.

2. Add audio – Sound makes your posts more engaging, especially for photos and carousels.

3. Keep videos short – Under 3 minutes is the sweet spot.

4. Be original – Instagram prioritizes fresh, unique content.

5. Check your account status – Head to Profile > Account Status to make sure you're in good standing.

Fresh Content Ideas for March 2025 🌷

🌿 Spring Refresh: Show behind-the-scenes footage of how your business is prepping for the new season, whether it’s fresh menu items, new inventory, or a store refresh.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Day Fun (March 17): Share a “lucky” giveaway, a festive product or service, or a Reel featuring green-themed behind-the-scenes clips.

🌞 Daylight Savings (March 9): Remind followers to “spring forward” with a creative before-and-after post of your business opening earlier or a morning routine featuring your products/services.

📚 Women’s History Month: Highlight local women-owned businesses, share your own story as a business owner, or feature historical facts about inspiring Rhode Island women.

🏀 March Madness: Engage followers with a fun bracket challenge – think “Best Local Coffee Spot” or “Fan-Favorite Menu Item.”

Following these strategies will keep your content fresh, engaging, and Instagram-friendly. Happy posting! 🚀

Got a burning social media question? Wondering how to get more engagement, what to post next, or if hashtags still matter? 🤔 Now’s your chance to pick a marketer’s brain – no consulting fee required! Drop your questions in our quick survey, and we’ll tackle the hottest topics in an upcoming newsletter. Whether it’s content creation, branding, or social media trends, we’ve got you covered.

📢 Fresh ChatGPT Prompts to Elevate Your RI Business This March

Looking to shake up your social media game this March? 🍀 Whether you're a cozy cafe in Providence or a boutique in Newport, fresh content ideas can help you stand out. To make things easier, we’ve got two ChatGPT prompt ideas designed to spark creativity and boost engagement for your business:

1️⃣ Spring Into Business Growth 🌷✨

Prompt: "March marks the beginning of spring! Help me craft engaging social media posts to promote my Rhode Island small business, highlighting seasonal specials, local events, and fresh offerings. I’d like content that connects with my audience and encourages engagement. Please include Instagram captions, hashtag suggestions, and post ideas that align with my industry."

2️⃣ St. Patrick’s Day Local Love 🍀💚

Prompt: "With St. Patrick’s Day coming up, I want to create fun and engaging social media content that ties into the holiday while promoting my Rhode Island small business. Generate creative post ideas, captions, and hashtag recommendations that encourage local customers to shop, dine, or support my brand during this festive season."