The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success

by Peg Fitzpatrick

An essential guide for small business owners that Booklist calls "appealing and supremely useful" in a starred review, and Guy Kawasaki points out in the foreword, "If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner and want to master digital marketing, you need this book."

In The Art of Small Business Social Media, social media expert Peg Fitzpatrick offers a comprehensive guide tailored specifically for small business owners. Recognizing that social media isn’t a one-size-fits-all tool, Fitzpatrick provides a roadmap for entrepreneurs to navigate the digital landscape effectively. Drawing from her extensive experience working with brands big and small, she demystifies choosing the right platforms, crafting a robust social media plan, and engaging with communities online. Real-world examples from various industries serve as case studies, offering actionable insights that can be applied to any small business setting.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or part of a small team, The Art of Small Business Social Media is your key to unlocking the full potential of social media marketing. It’s not just about being online; it’s about being online effectively. This book equips you with the skills to participate in and thrive in the digital world, giving your business a competitive edge in today’s marketplace.

Add to your TBR and "want to read" list now.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

323 pages, Hardcover

Published November 19, 2024

About the author

Meet Peg Fitzpatrick, a bestselling author in social media who guides small businesses with practical and effective marketing strategies. As the co-author of “The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users” alongside Silicon Valley icon Guy Kawasaki, Peg brings a wealth of knowledge in entrepreneur-focused social media strategies.

NEW: The Art of Small Business Social Media: A Blueprint for Marketing Success. Please add to your TBR lists!

Peg's career includes impressive collaborations with brands like TJMaxx, where she shared platforms with influential figures such as Laila Ali and Barbara Corcoran. A notable milestone was serving as Canva's inaugural head of social strategy. Her expertise in orchestrating successful social media campaigns is evident from her past projects with prominent names like Audi, Motorola, Google, and Virgin. Moreover, Peg has been a dynamic brand ambassador for companies such as Kimpton Hotels and Nestle.

Her expertise and real-world application of her teachings set Peg apart. She's pre-tested every social media tip and tool, so you don't have to.

Reviews

[Neon · Rating 1 out of 5]

DnF at 25%

Man, I really tried. Having a small photography business I was super excited to get and read this. However, I really struggled to read it and I really like boring non-fiction and everything. But I kept reading the same pages over and over and over and it got real frustrating. In the end I have up.

One star for the professional looking cover and the general layout.

[Amelie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In many ways, this is a great, confidence-boosting intro to social media platforms and strategies. Some things I knew and some things I didn’t, and I’m glad to have gotten another crash course in social media marketing.

[Liesl Back · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was quite helpful for a hopelessly old-fashioned millennial trying to help a small business expand its social media presence. Basic info on all the important platforms and step-by-step strategies and timelines.

A shameless chapter plug for Canva- (the author was instrumental in Canva's growth) which I didn't mind a bit as Canva is what makes marketing a little bit enjoyable for me.

Note that I read this off the shelf of new releases at the library early in 2025 (and plan to re-borrow). While the content seems super relevant right now, I don't see this book being as helpful 5 years from now, definitely not in ten, as marketing constantly evolves over time and we are now potentially facing a big turning point from SEO/keyword focus to AI 😛

[David Hawk · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, coming across this book was simply by chance in the new release section of our library, so I had no background knowledge of the author, etc. I have now renewed it the maximum number of times, and it is well past overdue🤪.... Needless to say, I will be purchasing my own copy now.

There are some general basic things at first in the book that didn't exactly raise my hopes for the remainder of the book. However, I was definitely surprised by the rest. There are so many good nuggets, strategies, apps, links, ideas, and more that can be used for a small business. I would recommend this book to anyone. The information is basic enough to understand but also in depth enough and plain to deep dive and customize.

[Kyle Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known the basics of social for a while, but I felt like I was doing a puzzle with only 1/2 of the pieces and didn’t have the picture on the box. Even just 60 pages in I feel the author has given me the picture of what I’m working towards and I’m getting the rest of the puzzle pieces working through the rest of the book. I was skeptical at first, but diving into it, the author really gets this on a high level.

[Carrie Dalby · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Good information.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up as someone who is looking at expanding my social media reach. The book gets into the nitty gritty of different social media platforms and how to make them work for you. The chapters are very in depth and feature questions that are helpful. I enjoyed the to do challenges at the end of each chapter. Fitzpatrick is well informed and provides many ideas and programs to try.

This is not a book that you pick up and immediately earn $10000, but it provides building blocks and systems that help you set and reach goals. It was a dense read and took time to think and put things in action. At times it felt a bit repetitive, but the many examples were helpful.

Grateful to Book Sirens for providing me with an ARC.

[Michelle Glogovac · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a small business owner, I know and understand the importance of social media to attract potential clients and boost your brand. Although I've been using social media for close to a decade for my business, I definitely found value in THE ART OF SMALL BUSINESS SOCIAL MEDIA. Peg offers great tips, advice and ideas on how to refresh your social media marketing for your business on every platform available. Businesses that are brick and mortar or those who have never used social media will absolutely learn fantastic tips and tools from a true master of marketing!

Peg is opening her toolbox and sharing everything with readers! She's been the secret weapon behind Canva and worked with big companies like Google, Virgin, Audi and more...she knows what she's doing and I greatly appreciate that she's sharing her expertise with readers!

[WhimsyRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an entrepreneur who has long known that I needed to brush up on social media marketing, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do just that.

First impressions: I really enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of chapters. This was a nice touch.

This was an informative read and taught me so much that I honestly was completely unaware of regarding social media and marketing. Helped me to identify who my target audience is and where I should maintain online presence to reach them.

[Chris Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peg has done it again! The Art of Small Business Social Media isn’t just a book—it’s your new marketing playbook. Peg totally gets it. She knows the struggles small business owners face and breaks down social media strategies in a way that’s clear, actionable, and—fun!

This book is jam-packed with practical tips, creative ideas, and the kind of no-nonsense advice you need to finally make social media work for you as a small business. Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviving a dormant account, Peg’s got your back with step-by-step plans and real-world examples that make it feel doable—even on your busiest days.

What I love most? Peg keeps it real. No fluff, no crazy complicated jargon—just smart strategies that help you connect with your audience, stand out online, and actually sell.

This book is jammed with value - highly reccomended!

[Jeff Sieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Small Business Social Media by Peg Fitzpatrick is hands down the must-have guide for any entrepreneur looking to level up their social media game. Peg breaks it all down with super relatable tips, no-nonsense strategies, and a step-by-step path to making it happen. Full disclosure: I’ve been following Peg’s advice for years, and it’s revolutionized my business—it’s helped me grow to where I am today! It’s like getting one-on-one coaching from someone who really understands the ups and downs of building a brand online. If you’re serious about using social media to grow your business, this is the book that will get you there.

[pea. · Rating 1 out of 5]

in conclusion, the small business owner should spend the majority their time planning and making social media content ...
and pay for an app to help you manage your time.

this author business is media campaigns and not an actual brick and mortar business, which is a much different creature.

took very little from this book.
at one point, the author treated the reader as a complete idiot ("remember to replace the placeholders with actual names relevant to your business's location" page130)

parts off the book are already outdated (Tumblr¿)

the fact that this is an actual printed book is shocking.

[Kinsey from Feel Good Social · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for small business workers looking for a step by step guide to everything they need to 1) set themselves up for online marketing success!! A
and 2) continue to grow their online presence for their business!! Peg really lays out everything you need to know in a super actionable and easy way. 🤗 “Blueprint” is right. 👍 this is one of those books i wish i had when starting my business 5 years ago! So good!

[Ivy Digest · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is aimed for the small business owner who is unfamiliar with social media. It's a great fundamental for understanding what's involved, the platforms available, the effort needed, and how to navigate online content and marketing. Gen Zs and younger may already be social media savvy so this will be too basic for them, but Gen X and older will find much information and solid specifics on how to get started on building an online presence. Clear, concise, and informative.

[Mike Allton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve known Peggy since the early Google+ days and have watched her lead the charge in social strategy for over a decade—from her time as Head of Social at Canva to the powerhouse blog and content she’s consistently delivered. The Art of Small Business Social Media is exactly what you’d expect from someone with that depth of experience: smart, strategic, and incredibly actionable. It’s the go-to playbook every small business needs to show up online with confidence and clarity.

[Courtney Corlew · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that will teach you *everything* you need to know about social media -- this book is for YOU! You'll learn about platforms, how to create content, finding your niche, and more.

This is definitely the type of book that you'll find yourself referring back to! There are so many diamonds in here.

I highly recommend!

[Madeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have told everyone I know to get this book! I am a new small business owner and this book has helped me in more ways than I can count! It is written in a way, that just makes sense. Takes the scariness out of social media marketing. You get a step by step plan how to improve your business with social media. Trust me, get the book!! If I could give this 6 starts, I would! Very well done.

[Sylvester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is good for any business looking to get started or freshen up their business social media. It’s an easy read but around a point it started repeating points already made so I suggest skipping around when spots were getting dull. Overall a good and informative book.

[Claudia Vasquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I've seen some mixed reviews, I have to say this book was an absolute game-changer for me. I learned so much from it, and it played a huge role in the success of my launch>

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Art of Small Business Social Media is a must-read for small business owners who want to grow their online presence without feeling overwhelmed. With Peg Fitzpatrick as your guide, you’ll gain the confidence, tools, and strategies to make your mark on social media and drive real results for your business. It’s a happy, empowering, and highly actionable book that deserves a spot on every entrepreneur’s bookshelf.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Borrowed from my local library to assist in the beginnings of my social media journey for my small business making handmade soap and body products. This is a book crammed so full of knowledge and helpful insights that even though I've read it cover to cover and already gotten so much from it, I'm planning on purchasing it to have a copy on my shelf for future reference because I know I will be wanting to refer back to it time and time again .