Social media has evolved from a place to scroll through holiday snaps and cat memes into one of the most powerful business tools in the digital landscape. If you're an independent business owner who's not making the most of it, you might be missing more than just likes. In fact, you could be waving goodbye to new customers, community connections, and even revenue.

Let’s get something out of the way: social media is not a magical cure-all for your marketing woes. It won’t replace your website, your email newsletter, or your in-person customer service. But what it can do is act as a seriously powerful amplifier for everything else you’re doing - if it’s part of a joined-up strategy.

We’re way past the days of shouting into the void and expecting people to magically show up at your door with their wallets open. If you’re still approaching social media like a digital billboard, it’s time for a glow-up.