Stop Wasting Time on Social Media: Get More Customers Now

Why Most Brisbane Business Owners Are Wasting Money on Social Media

I’ve sat down with dozens of business owners from West End to North Lakes, and the story is usually the same. They are working 12-hour days, and someone told them they "need to be on social media." So, they spend their Sunday evenings or their lunch breaks posting the same photo to Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, wondering why the phone isn't ringing.

Here is the cold, hard truth: Posting the same thing everywhere is a waste of your time. It’s like trying to use a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame—it’s the wrong tool for the job.

If you want to get more customers from your online efforts, you need to understand that people use different platforms for different reasons. A homeowner looking for a plumber on Facebook at 8:00 PM is in a very different headspace than a property manager looking for a commercial contractor on LinkedIn at 10:00 AM.

In this guide, I’m going to break down exactly where you should spend your time (and money) based on the actual results—meaning more sales and more profit—not just "likes" or "follows."

The Data Behind Why People Buy

Before we look at the specific platforms, let’s look at the numbers. Most small businesses in Brisbane get 80% of their social media leads from just one or two platforms. Yet, they spend equal time on five different ones.

Analytics from our local clients show that when you tailor your message to the platform, your chances of turning a viewer into a paying customer go up by nearly 300%. Why? Because you aren't annoying them with irrelevant content. You are giving them what they want, where they want it.

Facebook: The Local Community Hub

Facebook is still the king for local Brisbane businesses. Why? Because of "Social Proof." When someone in a local community group asks, "Does anyone know a good electrician in Coorparoo?", and three people tag your business, that is worth more than $5,000 in advertising.

What works here: Before and Afters: If you’re a deck builder or a landscaper, people want to see the transformation. It proves you can do the job. Community Involvement: Sponsoring a local footy team? Post it. It shows you’re a real local business, not a faceless franchise. Customer Reviews: Take a screenshot of a nice text a customer sent you and post it. It builds trust instantly.

What works here: Short Videos (Reels): Show a 15-second clip of a kitchen renovation or a coffee being poured. These get shown to people who don't follow you yet, bringing in new local leads. Behind the Scenes: People buy from people. You can let your team talk to the camera. It makes your business feel approachable.

What works here: Case Studies: "How we saved a Brisbane manufacturing plant 20% on their energy bills." Industry Insights: Explain a change in local regulations that affects your clients. Direct Outreach: This is the best place to find high-value clients by talking directly to decision-makers.

The Cost: LinkedIn is the most expensive place to run ads. For most small businesses, I recommend using your personal profile to network rather than spending thousands on ads here.

How Much Will This Cost You?

Let's talk brass tacks. You have two costs: Time and Money.

1. The DIY Approach: Costs you about 5-10 hours a week if you do it right. If your hourly rate is $100, that’s $1,000 a week in "lost" time. 2. Hiring a Junior: Might cost you $30/hour, but they often lack the business sense to actually close a sale. They might get you followers, but will they get you customers? 3. Professional Agency: Usually starts at $1,500 - $3,000 a month. This sounds like a lot, but if it brings in three new $5,000 jobs, it’s the best investment you’ll make.

Timeline for Results: Social media is not a tap you turn on and get instant water. It’s more like planting a garden. Month 1: Setting up, getting the right photos, and starting the conversation. Month 2-3: You’ll start seeing more enquiries and people saying, "I saw you on Facebook." Month 6+: This is where the momentum builds and you start getting a steady stream of leads without much extra effort.

Ignoring Comments: If someone asks a question on your post and you don't reply for three days, they’ve already called your competitor. Treat a Facebook comment like a phone call. Being Too "Salesy": If every post is "BUY NOW 20% OFF," people will tune you out. Give them some value first. Show them how to maintain their gutters or how to pick the right paint colour. Using Stock Photos: People can spot a fake "smiling office worker" photo from a mile away. Use your own photos, even if they aren't perfect. Authenticity sells in Brisbane.

Summary: Will This Make You Money?

Yes, but only if you stop treating social media like a digital billboard and start treating it like a conversation at a local BBQ. People in Queensland buy from people they know, like, and trust. Use these platforms to build that trust.

Stop chasing likes and start focusing on the metrics that matter: phone calls, form fills, and foot traffic.

Ready to get your marketing sorted? At Local Marketing Group, we don't care about vanity metrics. We care about your bottom line. If you want a strategy that actually puts money in the bank, let’s have a chat.

Contact Local Marketing Group today to see how we can grow your Brisbane business.