If you’re a business owner in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), you already know how important it is to stand out in a competitive local market. The good news? Social media is one of the most powerful, low-cost ways to attract new customers and boost your sales. Whether you’re selling products, offering services, or running a local store, this guide will show you exactly how to get sales for your Port Elizabeth business with social media.
1. Choose the Right Platforms for Your Audience
Port Elizabeth customers are active on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp Business. Focus your efforts on the platforms your ideal customers spend the most time on.
- Facebook is excellent for local community groups and running ads.
- Instagram works well for visual brands like restaurants, salons, or retail stores.
- TikTok is perfect for fun, short videos to show your personality and products.
2. Optimise Your Profiles
Make sure your business profiles are professional and fully filled out:
- Use a clear profile photo (your logo or a branded image).
- Add your address, contact details, and business hours.
- Write a short, attention-grabbing bio with keywords like “Port Elizabeth”, “Gqeberha business”, or your product/service.
3. Post Consistent, Valuable Content
Don’t just sell — educate, entertain, and engage. Create a content mix:
- Showcase your products or services with high-quality images or videos.
- Share behind-the-scenes content of your team or operations.
- Run polls, questions, or competitions to encourage interaction.
- Use trending local hashtags like #PortElizabethBusiness, #GqeberhaLife, and #PELocal to increase visibility.
4. Use Stories and Reels
Instagram and Facebook Stories, as well as Reels, get excellent engagement.
- Share daily updates, flash sales, or limited-time offers.
- Reels allow you to creatively showcase products in action or highlight client testimonials.
5. Run Paid Social Media Ads
You can start small. Platforms like Facebook and Instagram let you target your exact audience:
- People living in Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas.
- People by age, interests, shopping habits, and even behaviours.
- Promote your best-performing posts or special offers to get more eyes on your brand.
6. Partner with Local Influencers
Micro-influencers in Port Elizabeth have loyal local followings. A few authentic posts or stories from them can drive real sales to your business. Look for influencers who match your brand and whose audience trusts their recommendations. Here are 3 examples of Influencers in Port Elizabeth:
Ashleigh Holmes
- Instagram: @ashleighholmes_
- Followers: Approximately 20,000
- Content Focus: Lifestyle, travel, home decor, and motherhood
- Overview: Ashleigh shares insights into her life, including travel experiences and home-making tips. She also offers an Airbnb rental, integrating her personal and professional endeavors.
Aisha Gqokoma
- Instagram: @aisha_gqokoma
- Followers: Over 6,800
- Content Focus: Beauty, fashion, and philanthropy
- Overview: Crowned Miss Port Elizabeth 2021, Aisha is a philanthropist and founder of @iambyaisha. Her content reflects her commitment to community upliftment and personal style.
Darné Daniels
- Instagram: @darnedaniels
- Followers: Approximately 19,400
- Content Focus: Beauty, fashion, lifestyle, photography, and travel
- Overview: Darné offers a blend of aesthetic visuals and engaging content, appealing to a broad audience interested in contemporary trends.
7. Respond Quickly and Be Personal
Social media is a conversation. Respond to comments, messages, and reviews as quickly as possible. Use friendly, human language. Port Elizabeth customers love businesses that are approachable and involved.
8. Track Your Results
Use Meta Insights (Facebook and Instagram) and Google Analytics to see what works:
- What posts get the most engagement?
- Which ads drive the most clicks or sales?
- Adjust your strategy based on what your audience responds to.
So… Can social media help your business?
Social media can absolutely drive sales for your Port Elizabeth business if you approach it with the right strategy. Stay consistent, be authentic, and always focus on adding value for your audience. Over time, your social media will become one of your biggest tools for growth.
Contact Voodoo Media
Need help growing your PE business with social media?
Contact Voodoo Media at 063 381 8714 or visit www.voodoomedia.co.za for a free social media and website audit.
