At BIG DEAL Company, we know social media isn’t just a platform – it’s a stage. For nonprofits and businesses alike, every post, story, and comment is an opportunity to connect, inspire, and build lasting relationships with your audience. Truly standing out calls for creativity, authenticity, and strategies that turn followers into active participants in your mission or brand story.
 
In this post, we’re sharing a collection of unique, actionable ways you can engage with your social media audience – ideas that go beyond likes and shares to spark conversations, build community, and create memorable experiences (read more about experiential marketing). Whether you’re a nonprofit looking to rally support or a small business aiming to deepen customer loyalty, these tactics will help your social presence feel less like a broadcast and more like a conversation.

​1. Polls & Quizzes
 Interactive polls and quizzes are a fun way to engage followers while learning more about them. From quick yes/no polls to personality quizzes or content quizzes related to your brand or cause, these tools encourage participation and can provide valuable insights to direct your marketing strategy.
 
Example: A local nonprofit asked followers, “Which sustainability tip will you try this week?” Poll results drove engagement and informed their next campaign.
 
Visual Suggestion: Colorful poll graphics with “Swipe to Vote” or interactive Instagram story templates.
 
2. Mini Challenges
 Encourage followers to participate in small, shareable actions, like posting a photo using your product, trying a DIY tip, or completing a charitable task. Mini challenges create excitement, foster a sense of community, and give followers a reason to tag friends, expanding your reach organically.
 
Example: A small bakery ran the #BIGDEALBakes challenge, inviting followers to post photos recreating a signature recipe. Featured posts boosted visibility by 40%.
 
Visual Suggestion: Branded challenge templates for followers to post or tag friends.
 
3. Behind-the-Scenes or Day-in-the-Life Posts
 Show the human side of your organization. Whether it’s a volunteer sorting donations, a team member preparing for an event, or a peek into your creative process, behind-the-scenes content builds trust and personal connection, and audiences feel like you’re letting them in on a secret.
 
Example: A nonprofit shared a reel showing volunteers prepping for a fundraiser, generating hundreds of heartfelt comments.
 
Visual Suggestion: Short video clips or Instagram Reels with playful captions.
 
4. Interactive Infographics
 Transform facts and statistics into swipeable (like an Instagram carousel) or clickable graphics (like a Facebook story) that invite followers to engage. Nonprofits can highlight impact numbers, while businesses can share industry insights, making learning fun and visually appealing.
 
Example: An animal rescue posted a carousel of “5 Ways Your Donation Helps Animals,” resulting in a 25% increase in shares.
 
Visual Suggestion: Carousel posts with bold icons, numbers, and animated elements.
 
5. Photo Contests
 Encourage your audience to share their own photos related to your brand or mission. Highlighting participants in your feed or stories not only rewards engagement but also builds a library of user-generated content you can use for future campaigns.
 
Example: A community fitness brand ran a #FitForChange photo contest, showcasing top entries in weekly stories. Engagement doubled during the contest period.
 
Visual Suggestion: Branded announcement post with clear instructions and deadline.
 
6. Live Trivia
 Host a live trivia event relevant to your cause or industry. This is a playful way to educate followers, foster friendly competition, and keep your audience tuned in for real-time engagement. Ideal platforms include Facebook and Instagram stories or polls.
 
Example: A local museum hosted “Art Trivia Tuesdays” on Instagram Live, drawing 50+ viewers each session and sparking lively discussion.
 
Visual Suggestion: Branded slides with questions, countdown timers, and live polls.

7. Live Q&A
 Give your followers direct access to your team or experts in your field. A live Q&A allows for authentic, real-time conversations where you can answer questions, address concerns, or share insights. Ideal platforms include Facebook and Instagram stories or polls, Reddit AMAs (“Ask-Me-Anything”), or LinkedIn Live and LinkedIn Audio.
 
Example: A nonprofit CEO hosted a Reddit AMA about an upcoming campaign, resulting in 50+ meaningful questions and increased email sign-ups.
 
Visual Suggestion: Live session overlay graphics, pinned comment box for questions.
 
8. Virtual Workshops or Classes
 Teach a skill or share knowledge via live or pre-recorded sessions. Whether it’s a cooking demo, a craft tutorial, or a training on your nonprofit’s mission, workshops provide tangible value and encourage repeated engagement. You can create always-accessible videos on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or TikTok, or go live to create a limited-time experience for viewers.
 
Example: A craft store hosted weekly virtual DIY workshops. Attendees shared completed projects, creating UGC (user-generated content) and recurring engagement.
 
Visual Suggestion: Step-by-step video clips, carousel instructions, or downloadable PDFs.
 
9. Interactive Stories
 Both Instagram and Facebook offer “Ask me anything,” polls, or sliders in stories. These tools let followers participate actively rather than passively scrolling, and they offer a quick, informal way to connect.
 
Example: A local bookstore asked followers to vote on the next book for their online book club, increasing story engagement by 35%.
 
Visual Suggestion: Branded story templates with prompts and stickers.
 
10. Partnership Takeovers
 Invite a partner organization, influencer, or community member to take over your account for a day. Takeovers bring fresh perspectives, expand your audience, and showcase collaboration authentically.
 
Example: A food bank partnered with a local chef to take over Instagram stories, sharing a behind-the-scenes cooking demo while promoting a fundraiser. Engagement surged, and new followers joined.
 
Visual Suggestion: Split-screen graphics highlighting guest hosts with your logo.
 
11. Badges or Rewards
 Gamify engagement by offering recognition or digital badges for participating in campaigns, attending events, or completing challenges. This creates motivation and encourages followers to come back for more. Instagram creators can offer badges to viewers during Live videos, and Reddit allows users to give badges or rewards to others’ posts and comments.
 
Example: A nonprofit recognized top donors with #BIGDEALStar badges shared on social media, boosting repeat engagement and online donations.
 
Visual Suggestion: Branded digital badges or icons displayed in stories or posts.
 
12. Feature Audience Stories
 Highlight the people behind your community: supporters, clients, or volunteers. Sharing their stories not only celebrates them but also strengthens the sense of belonging and trust in your organization or brand, plus tagging their accounts expands your post reach for free.
 
Example: A local pet shelter shared a follower’s adoption story, accompanied by a heartfelt photo. The post received 3x more comments than typical updates.
 
Visual Suggestion: Quote cards with photos and short captions.

13. Facility or Event Tours
 Bring followers into your space, whether it’s an office, a warehouse, or a local event. Similar to BTS (behind-the-scenes) content, live or recorded tours make your organization more transparent, relatable, and engaging while showcasing your work in action. These posts are popular for giving your audience a glimpse into areas that are often off-limits to the public.
 
Example: A nonprofit hosted a live tour of their community garden before a fundraising dinner, sparking excitement and driving RSVPs.
 
Visual Suggestion: 360° video clips, Instagram Live, or guided photo tours.
 
When used effectively, social media is a tool for connection, storytelling, and relationship-building. Download our FREE Content Marketing Simplified printable to get started.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we love helping organizations craft dynamic campaigns that leave a lasting impact. Start small, test what resonates, and watch your followers become an active, enthusiastic part of your story.

​Frequently Asked Questions
 
1. What social media platforms are best for unique engagement tactics?
 
A: Most tactics can be adapted for multiple platforms. Instagram and Facebook are ideal for polls, quizzes, stories, and live sessions. LinkedIn works well for professional Q&As, workshops, and industry-focused content. Reddit AMAs are perfect for deeper, text-based interactions, while TikTok and YouTube are great for challenges, behind-the-scenes videos, and tutorials. Choose platforms based on where your audience is most active.
 
2. How can nonprofits and small businesses measure engagement success?
 
A: Engagement isn’t just about likes or shares. Track comments, poll participation, story interactions, click-throughs, and conversions (like sign-ups or donations). UGC (user-generated content) and repeat participation in challenges or events are also strong indicators of success.
 
3. How can BIG DEAL Company help my business or nonprofit create these types of engaging social media content?
A: BIG DEAL Company helps you plan, create, and manage interactive social media campaigns. We design eye-catching graphics, polls, quizzes, and videos, schedule posts and live events, engage your community, and track results to optimize future campaigns. Our goal is to turn followers into active participants who connect with your mission or brand.

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They’re the cozy coffee shops that remember your order, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who go above and beyond because your business truly matters to them. At BIG DEAL Company, we proudly support and amplify the work of small businesses every day – and we’re here to let you in on a little secret:
Supporting a small business doesn’t have to cost a thing.
In a world where many marketing efforts come with a price tag, there are powerful, totally free ways you can help a local business grow. Here are some BIG ways to make a difference – for free!

1. Write a review
It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s highly influential. According to a recent survey, 93% of customers read online reviews before making a purchase. Whether you use Google, Facebook, Yelp, or another industry-specific platform, your review helps potential customers feel confident about choosing that business. A thoughtful review boosts visibility and adds trust.
​
2. Make a referral
Word-of-mouth marketing still reigns supreme, and it’s absolutely free. Tell your friends, coworkers, and family members about the businesses you love. Recommend your favorite photographer when someone needs headshots, or suggest that fantastic taco truck for a corporate lunch. Every referral extends the business’s reach beyond its own audience, and that matters more than you know.
Bonus points: Tag them when someone asks for recommendations on social media.

3. Follow them on social media
Effortless and effective – follow their page or profile on social media. Businesses use social media to connect with their audiences, announce new products, share behind-the-scenes content, and celebrate wins. When you follow, like, comment, or share their posts, you’re helping them reach more people organically. Algorithms love engagement, which means your one click can lead to dozens of new views.

4. Share their content
If you love what a business posts, don’t just like it – share it. Sharing their content on your feed, stories, or groups exposes the business to an entirely new audience. Think of it as giving them free advertising with little effort to you.

5. Engage with their posts
Comments, likes, tags, and reactions tell platforms that a business’s content matters. The more engagement they get, the more people the algorithm will show it to. Your quick “LOVE this!” or heart emoji goes further than you may realize.

6. Post about them
Take a photo of a product you love, a meal you enjoyed, or a service you received and post it with a tag. That user-generated content not only provides credibility, it tells the world you believe in that business.

7. Attend their events
Whether it’s a ribbon-cutting, pop-up, workshop, or grand opening, showing up matters. A crowd helps build buzz, and your presence means the world to an owner who’s poured their heart into that moment.

8. Join their email list
Staying connected through newsletters helps them communicate directly with people who care. You might not buy today, but being on that list means you’re part of their community, and that alone has value. Plus, being on the list makes it easy for you to forward sales, promotions, and other info to your social circle.

Every single one of these actions (reviews, engagement, referrals, and kindness) creates marketing momentum for businesses. When small businesses grow, our communities grow with them. They hire locally, invest locally, and give back locally.
And the best part is, you can make this BIG impact without spending a dime.
If you’re a small business looking for more support than what a few reviews or referrals can generate, BIG DEAL Company is here to help you grow – without weighing you down. We’re a connected collective of creative experts with deep experience in marketing, event production, and community building; we treat every client as a priority and tailor our services to fit businesses of any size.

Bottom Line

• SEO isn’t dead - but it’s evolving.
• You can still win, but the game has changed. Traditional SEO gets you on the page. AI Overviews decide if you get seen.
• The goal? Stop optimizing just for keywords. Start optimizing for helpfulness, relevance, and context.
  

Ready to fight back? Start now - before your traffic disappears for good. Contact BIG DEAL Company to get started!

Social media isn’t one-size-fits-all. Selecting the right platform starts with knowing your audience, defining your goals, and understanding what each channel offers.
BIG DEAL Company has compiled a guide that can help you navigate social media platform basics.

Download the free guide below.

I​n today’s fast-evolving marketing landscape, reaching your audience wherethey are - across email, social media, and owned media - is crucial. Multi-channel engagement means delivering a cohesive message through everyplatform, building brand trust and driving conversions.

Download our FREE guide below.

​Supporting Non-Profits: Over 20 Fundraising Events
In 2024, Big Deal Company continued to strengthen its commitment to philanthropy by designing and executing over 20 non-profit fundraising events. From galas to golf tournaments, these initiatives were instrumental in helping local organizations achieve their fundraising goals while inspiring hope and unity.
 
Additionally, we launched and supported four end-of-year fundraising campaigns, maximizing impact during the holiday season, providing crucial support to our non-profit partners. These campaigns underscored our belief that businesses can drive meaningful change.

​Business and Community Collaboration
Big Deal Company provided planning and logistics support for nine large-scale Northern Colorado business events for BizWest. Our team ensured seamless execution and memorable experiences for all attendees.
We supported countless grand opening events, company retreats, ribbon cuttings, and rebrands!

​Expanding Our Digital Footprint
This year, we authored over 50 blogs for just our own company website and countless others for our clients. These blogs covered a wide array of topics, showcasing our versatility and deep understanding of industry trends. By consistently delivering high-quality content, we were able to expand our digital presence and we have been able to provide valuable resources for businesses and individuals alike.
 
Record-Breaking Events
Among the hundreds of events we managed this year, one stood out for its sheer scale. The Grand Opening of the new FNL Airport Terminal brought over 1500 guests together! The success of such a large-scale event highlighted our ability to adapt, innovate, and execute with precision, even under the most demanding circumstances.

​Across the US
While our major footprint is in Colorado and Wyoming, in 2024 we supported clients in Las Vegas, Michigan, California, and Georgia. We travel for events and our marketing expertise can support businesses in any area! We already have out of state projects booked for 2025!

Our Core Focus: Communications, Experiences, and Community
At Big Deal Company, our mission revolves around these three core areas:

• Communications: Crafting clear, impactful messaging that resonates with audiences.
• Experiences: Designing events and initiatives that leave lasting impressions and memories.
• Community: Building bridges and fostering connections that strengthen the fabric of Northern Colorado.

By combining these pillars with our creative problem-solving skills, we delivered unparalleled value to our clients in 2024.
 
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we prepare for 2025, Big Deal Company is excited to build on this year’s success. We are eager to:

• Host even additional signature events that bring people together.
• Deepen our relationships with non-profits, businesses, and community organizations.
• Expand our client base and explore new business opportunities.
• Continue leveraging our expertise in communications, experiences, and community-building to make a difference.

Our team is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the new year, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence.
 
2024 was a year of growth, impact, and unforgettable moments for Big Deal Company. From our signature events to record-breaking community gatherings, our efforts have touched countless lives and strengthened our community ties. We are grateful for our clients, partners, and the Northern Colorado community for making this year so remarkable. Here’s to more events, more connections, and more success in 2025!
 
Stay Connected with Big Deal Company
We invite you to be part of our journey as we step into an exciting 2025. Reach out to our team to learn more about our services or discuss your next BIG idea. Don’t miss out on the latest updates - sign up for our newsletter and stay informed about our events, tips, and success stories.
 
Follow us on social media to join the conversation and connect with a growing community that values impactful experiences and strong community ties.
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​The holiday season is here, and for our small business clients, it's a prime time to connect with customers, boost sales, and create memorable brand experiences. As we approach the end of 2024, new trends are shaping how businesses engage with consumers. Here's a look at five holiday marketing trends we’re leveraging to help our BIG DEAL Company small businesses stand out this year.
 
Hyper-Personalized Marketing
 
Consumers now expect more than just generic messages. Personalization is key to catching their attention. Leverage demographic data and customer interactions to send tailored holiday greetings, product or service recommendations, or special discounts based on purchase history.
 
Email campaigns allow you to address potential customers by name; carefully managed email lists mean you can send various emails targeting different customer groups to ensure you’re offering personalized solutions to meet your audience’s needs.

Community and Nonprofit Initiatives
 
Consumers appreciate brands with strong values that give back, and the giving spirit is never stronger than during the holiday season. Use social media to show your audience how you’re giving back this season, and invite them to participate.
 
Hosting a toy drive, supporting a local charity, or donating a portion of sales can deepen customer loyalty and spread goodwill. Consider offering a nonprofit donation at checkout, donating in-kind to nonprofit events, or sponsoring a holiday fundraiser and inviting your followers (customers) to join you.
 
Collaborate on Social Media
 
Collaborating with other small businesses or nonprofits in your area can amplify your reach. Joint promotions, pop-up markets, or cross-promotions on social media are great ways to build community spirit and drive traffic.
 
This collaboration goes hand-in-hand with your support of community initiatives; be sure to mention any sponsorship of local charities and partnerships on initiatives that give back, tagging other small businesses and nonprofits along the way for increased visibility.
 

Holiday-Themed Visuals and Messaging
 
Holiday-themed images and posts are powerful tools for boosting small business marketing during the festive season. These visuals instantly capture the joyful spirit of the holidays, creating an emotional connection with your audience.
 
By aligning your brand with the season’s mood, you can enhance engagement, increase visibility, and keep your business top-of-mind during the holidays. Adding festive imagery to your social media, email campaigns, and website creates a cohesive, celebratory experience that resonates with audiences.
 

Prepare for Increased Customer Care Needs
 
The holiday season often brings a surge in customer inquiries, purchases, and service needs. Think of this as an opportunity. Respond to comments on your social media pages and posts promptly, boosting your credibility and increasing the reach of your content (social platforms put popular posts in front of more people). Each time you respond to a private message on one of your pages, you’re demonstrating your commitment to excellent service; and, every face-to-face interaction can leave a lasting impression.
 
Timely online interactions can turn inquiries into sales opportunities, as many customers use social platforms to seek immediate answers before making purchasing decisions. In a fast-paced digital world, quick responses can set your business apart and help you foster trust and engagement with your audience.
 

The holiday season is a golden opportunity for small businesses to connect with customers in meaningful ways. By staying on top of these trends and tailoring your approach to your audience, you can create a memorable holiday marketing campaign that drives sales and builds loyalty.
Need help bringing your holiday marketing ideas to life? BIG DEAL Company specializes in crafting campaigns that deliver results. Let’s make this holiday season your most successful yet.
​
For business marketing news and tips, choose BIG DEAL Company. Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, and updates on our latest projects.
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​7 Ways to Leverage Cause Marketing For Your Business
In today’s socially conscious marketplace, brand values matter more than ever to your customers and clients. Cause marketing, which ties your brand to a social or environmental cause, not only enhances your corporate image but also promotes customer loyalty and engagement. At BIG DEAL Company, we believe in the power of purpose-driven events and marketing strategies.
 
Here are 7 tips to effectively leverage cause marketing for your business:
 
Choose a Cause That Resonates with Your Brand
 
The first step in successful cause marketing is to choose a cause that aligns with your brand’s mission and values. Ideally, your customers should see a natural connection between your business and the cause you’re supporting. For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, partnering with a health-related nonprofit would be a strong fit, while a mortgage lender might partner with a housing charity.

Partner with Nonprofits
 
Forming a true partnership with a nonprofit (or a few) provides credibility and mutual increased marketing reach, allowing you to tap into the nonprofit’s existing audience while they tap into yours. Nurturing a deeper connection with just a few organizations gives you the opportunity to learn about how you can make the biggest difference for them, and this involvement can also be featured in your marketing to promote your business.
 
Incorporate Your Cause into Events
 
Events offer a powerful platform to highlight your cause marketing efforts. Whether it’s through charity fundraisers, awareness campaigns, or volunteer-driven activities, make the cause a central theme of your event. This not only raises awareness but also engages attendees in a meaningful way, bringing you opportunities for more business.
 
Engage Your Employees
 
Encourage employee participation in your cause marketing initiatives. This could be through volunteer programs, donation matching, or company-sponsored charity events. We’ve seen clients partner with a nonprofit to have their employees volunteer for a full day during work hours, while being paid their usual work salary by the company. Employee engagement strengthens your company culture, demonstrates your commitment to the cause, and provides word-of-mouth marketing.
***HOT TIP: You can download the BizWest GIVING GUIDE to research contact information for non-profits you are interested in supporting.
 

Offer Donation Matching
 
Incentivize your customers to donate by offering to match their contributions. For example, you could match every dollar donated by your customers up to a certain amount. This not only encourages more donations but also shows that your business is committed to making a significant community impact, not just improving your bottom line. (Example: United Way's Workplace Giving)
 
Use Social Media
 
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word about your cause marketing efforts. Share stories, updates, and results across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Tag nonprofits you support to promote their cause and boost engagement for your content. Cross-post the latest news from your nonprofit partners’ page – many will return the favor.
 
Measure and Share Your Success
 
Finally, it’s crucial to measure the success of your cause marketing campaigns and share the results with your audience. Whether it’s the amount of money raised, the number of lives impacted, or the growth in customer engagement, transparency builds trust and encourages continued support. Feature these numbers on your social media, your company website, at company events (both internal and public-facing) and anywhere else you advertise.

***HOT TIP: United Way of Larimer County has a 211 tip service that lists out all non-profits by services they offer: 211 TIPS
 
Cause marketing is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful strategy that can elevate your brand while making a meaningful difference in the world. At BIG DEAL Company, we’re here to help you craft events and marketing strategies that drive both social impact and business success.
 
If you need help planning your next cause-driven event or campaign, contact us to learn how we can support your vision.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.