Starting a small business in the Philippines wasn’t part of my original plan. Like many others, I began with a simple side hustle — offering products online and hoping to earn a little extra on the side. I had no huge capital, no fancy website, and very little experience. But I had one thing that made a huge difference: social media 

The Beginning

My first “business” started with a few posts on Facebook Marketplace. I sold items I no longer used, then tried reselling simple products like accessories, home items, and even digital services. I was surprised at how fast inquiries came in — it was my first lesson in visibility.

From there, I created a dedicated Facebook Page and Instagram account. I didn’t have a budget for ads, so I focused on engaging posts, customer testimonials, and joining Facebook groups where my target customers were. Slowly, I built trust.

How Social Media Helped

Here’s how I used social media to grow my business — completely for free:

• Consistency: I posted 2–3 times a week — product photos, behind-the-scenes, customer feedback, promos.
  
  

• Stories and Reels: I used Instagram Stories and Facebook Reels to show short clips of my packaging process or share daily tips.
  
  

• Authenticity: I replied personally to DMs, used my own voice, and shared real struggles and wins.
  
  

• Facebook Groups: Joining relevant groups gave me access to a highly active and interested audience.
  
  

• Customer Shares: I encouraged happy customers to post and tag my page — free marketing!

Lessons I Learned

You don’t need to be a tech expert to start. Social media is free but powerful — if you’re consistent and genuine. It’s okay to start small — I only had a few followers at first, but they were loyal.

Word-of-mouth, especially online, can multiply your reach faster than any paid ad.

Final Thoughts

My business is still growing, and I still learn something new every day. But if there’s one thing I’d tell any aspiring entrepreneur in the Philippines, it’s this: Start where you are. Use what you have. Post it, share it, talk about it. That’s how it begins.

Social media helped me not just grow — it helped me start. And I believe it can do the same for others.

Image source: Canva

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