How to Post on Facebook for Small Business Owners in South Africa

If you run a small business in South Africa, chances are you’ve got a Facebook page. But if you're not sure what to post, how often to post, or how to get people to actually engage, you’re not alone.

Many local service providers have a Facebook page but no real plan. A few random posts, months apart, and then nothing. Or worse, only sharing memes and never saying what they actually offer.

Here’s how to use Facebook properly to build trust, get seen and help local customers choose you.

1. Make It Easy for People to Contact You

Before you post anything, check your page settings. Is it easy for someone to message or call you? Do you have a WhatsApp button linked? Is your location and service area clear?

Make sure your:

  • Phone number works

  • About section is filled in

  • WhatsApp is linked (if used)

  • Profile picture is your logo or face

  • Cover image says what you do

A polished profile builds trust even before your first post.

What should affordable marketing include?

Cheap is not the same as affordable. Some services give you generic posts and blurry designs and call it marketing. That’s not going to help your business grow.

Real affordable marketing should include:

  • Clear upfront pricing, with no funny stuff

  • Support from an actual person, not just templates

  • Content based on what your customers are actually searching for

  • Basic SEO, so your blogs and site pages help your Google ranking

  • Social media that is branded and actually useful

  • Training or support if you want to do some of it yourself

You also shouldn’t have to sign up for 6 or 12-month contracts just to try it out. It should be simple, clear and flexible.

2. Post Consistently, Not Constantly

You don’t need to post every day. But you do need to show up regularly. A few useful posts a week are better than one great post every few months.

📅 Aim for:

  • 2 or 3 posts per week

  • Always include your contact details

  • Mix up what you post (see next step)

💡 Bonus: Reuse the same post in local Facebook groups. Just change the intro to suit the group.

3. Share What People Actually Want to See

Most followers want to know three things:

  • What you do

  • How much it might cost

  • What makes you reliable

Here are post ideas that work well for South African audiences:

  • ✅ Before and after photos of your work

  • 📍 A list of areas you work in

  • 💬 Reviews or screenshots from happy clients

  • 💰 Starting prices or special offers

  • 👀 A video of you doing a job (just 30 seconds)

  • 📸 Your logo and services list, shared weekly

  • ❓ FAQs like “Do you work on weekends?” or “Do you do quotes?”

If you don’t know what to post, think about the last 3 questions a client asked you. Post the answers.

4. Keep It Local

South African Facebook users love seeing posts that feel familiar. Use local slang or locations. Mention your area. Be real.

Example:

“Scottburgh and Umkomaas, I’m open for bookings this week. Plumber with 15 years experience. Quotes are free. WhatsApp me here 👉 067 601 0605.”

It’s not polished, but it’s clear and honest. That works better than something too fancy or generic.

5. Don’t Overthink the Design

You don’t need professional graphics. A neat Canva post is more than enough.

Use:

  • One clear photo

  • Your logo in the corner

  • One service or price per post

  • Short, simple text

  • Your contact info on every post

🎨 If you don’t have branded Canva templates, I offer once-off design packs to help you look consistent and professional across posts.

Final Tip: Always Add a Call to Action

Every post should tell people what to do next. It doesn’t need to be pushy.

Try:

  • “Send a WhatsApp to book”

  • “Comment if you’d like a quote”

  • “Share if you know someone who needs this”

  • “Bookings open now for next week”

Want Help Setting This Up?

If posting feels like a chore, or your page isn’t getting any likes or messages, I can help. I offer social media setup and design services made for small South African businesses. No retainers. No fluff. Just what works.

📅 Book a call here
📱 WhatsApp:
067 601 0605
📧
sez@sezdg.com

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How to Get Local Customers as a Small Business in South Africa