Social engagement is great, but if it’s not bringing in leads into your business…what’s the point?
Local business owners are often told they need to “post more on social media” to grow their business. And yes, being visible online matters but chasing likes and comments without a clear strategy? That’s where most businesses get stuck.
Meanwhile, the people who are ready to buy? They’re searching on Google.
Not sure if your Google Business Profile is set up the right way? Here’s a quick guide to claiming and optimising your GBP listing.
So while social isn’t usually the first handshake, it is a powerful moment of decision. It’s where people go to see if you’re legit, consistent, and trustworthy.
That makes social media a massive opportunity.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- Why engagement doesn’t always equal revenue
- The role social plays in your customer journey
- How to turn views, likes, and comments into real leads
- The exact steps to take next
Your First Impression Happens on Google: But Social Still Matters
When someone needs a local service, they don’t open Instagram to find it, they head to Google. That’s where the real buyer intent resides.
But before they choose to buy from you…they’ll check your socials.
Prospective customers want to know:
- Are you the real deal?
- Do you seem trustworthy?
- Do other people like what you do?
- Are you the kind of business they want to work with?
That’s why your social media presence doesn’t need to be huge, it just needs to be credible. It’s not the start of the customer journey, but it can absolutely influence what happens next.
Likes Don’t Pay the Bills
If engagement is high but your inbox is empty, something’s missing.
The biggest issue? No clear path from post to purchase.
A business might post a great before and after photo, get a bunch of likes and emojis 👏🔥 in the comments… but then what?
If there’s no next step, no call to action, no deeper conversation…that attention fades.
Your content needs to move people somewhere: to a DM, a booking link, an email list, or a lead form. Somewhere, that you can continue the conversation with them.
How to Turn Social Attention Into Leads
Let’s talk practical steps:
1. Guide Engagement with Strategic Call-to-Actions (CTAs)
Every post doesn’t need to sell but it should give people a way to go deeper.
- “Want help with this? Send us a DM.”
- “Live in Sydney and need this done? Reach out.”
- “We built this system for local business owners. DM us ‘system’ and we’ll send it over.”
Simple. Clear. Direct.
2. Make Your Bio and Content Easy to Act On
A good social media bio is like a signpost.
Make it obvious what you do, where you do it, and how to take the next step.
Use pinned posts and highlights to explain:
- Who you help
- What to expect
- How to work with you
When people are ready, don’t make them search.
3. Post Content That Opens Conversations
Not just pretty photos or generic quotes. Post things that lead to real DMs.
- “Here’s what most people get wrong about social media.”
- “Our local client went from invisible to booked out with this one change.”
- “Need help showing up on Google? You’re not alone, send us a DM and we’ll take a look.”
The goal: let people see themselves in your content, and give them a low-barrier way to reach out.
Not sure how to turn likes into leads? Our social media strategy blueprint is built to help with this →
The Local Funnel: Search → Social → Sale
Here’s how it works when everything’s aligned:
- They search on Google and find your Google Maps listing or website.
- They check your socials to see if you’re legit and do the work they need.
- Your content builds trust and invites them into a conversation.
- You guide them into your funnel: DMs, lead forms, bookings.
- They become a paying customer.
Social doesn’t create intent but it supports it, amplifies it, and helps convert it.
Ready to Build a Local Funnel That Converts?
At Droid Media, we help local businesses show up where it counts…on Google and social. Turning that visibility into paying customers.
From optimising your Google Business Profile to building a social strategy that moves people from “just looking” to “ready to book,” we’ll help you turn attention into action.
👉 Want a local lead system that actually works?
Let’s have a quick chat. We’ll take a look at your current strategy, highlight any gaps and missed opportunities, and help you get clear on the best next step for your business.
Book your free call today.
