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Stop Buying Likes: How to Build a Real Facebook Audience
Stop Buying Likes: How to Build a Real Facebook Audience
If you want long-term growth, it starts with real people – not fake numbers.
When you’re trying to build your presence on Facebook, it’s tempting to buy likes. The numbers look good. It feels like progress. But the truth is: if those likes aren’t real people who care about your business, they’re not helping you grow.
At Red Desk, we support ethical and effective marketing strategies that work for the long term. In this article, we share practical ways to grow your Facebook followers without resorting to shortcuts – helping you build an audience that engages, converts and supports your goals.
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Optimise Your Facebook Page
A good first impression matters. Make sure your:
- Profile photo and cover image look professional and relevant
- About section includes keywords (e.g. small business support, virtual helpdesk, UK admin services)
- Contact info is complete
- Call-to-action button links to something meaningful – your website, enquiry form, or newsletter
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Share Content That People Actually Want
Post consistently – even if that means just once a week – and focus on content that:
- Answers common client questions
- Shows how you work behind the scenes
- Highlights testimonials or recent wins
- Links to relevant events or awareness days
Bonus points for using varied formats: images, Reels, graphics, short videos.
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Use Your Existing Network
Don’t overlook the tools you already have:
- Add your Facebook page link to email signatures
- Embed the page or latest posts on your website
- Ask staff, collaborators, and friends to like and share
You could also ask new clients to follow you as part of your onboarding process.
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Collaborate with Others
The easiest way to get in front of a new audience? Work with someone who already has one. Try:
- Co-posting with a local business
- Running a joint giveaway or awareness campaign
- Tagging speakers, suppliers or partners in your posts
This works especially well for charities, course providers, and small businesses with a community focus.
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Use Facebook Ads – the Right Way
Instead of buying followers through shady services, use Facebook’s built-in Page Likes ads. These are affordable and targeted – ideal if you want to reach people who are likely to engage.
You can choose your audience based on location, interest, or profession, and spend as little as £2-3 per day.
Why You Should Avoid Buying Likes
| False Boost | Real Result | |
| Big numbers | Low engagement | |
| Fast wins | Long-term problems | |
| Looks good | Reduces reach, hurts credibility |
Fake followers don’t help your business – they just clutter your metrics.
Final Thought
If you’re going to invest time in Facebook, do it in a way that builds trust, not just traffic. A smaller, engaged audience will always outperform a large, disengaged one.
Need help with planning your content, setting up ads, or refreshing your strategy? Get in touch with Red Desk – we’re here to help small businesses grow the right way.
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2025 Hashtag Tips for Virtual Assistants, Freelancers and Business Owners
2025 Hashtag Tips for Virtual Assistants, Freelancers and Business Owners
If you’re running a small business, offering freelance services, or managing social media as a Virtual Assistant, you’ve likely asked yourself: Do hashtags still matter in 2025?
The short answer is yes, but only if you use them wisely.
Hashtags have shifted from trendy extras to purposeful tools. They now play a supporting role in how your content is discovered on platforms driven by AI and smart algorithms.
If you’re short on time (like most small business owners or VAs), here are the must-know hashtag tips for 2025 – platform by platform.
What Hashtags Still Do in 2025
Hashtags are categorisation tools. They help platforms understand what your content is about and allow users to discover related posts.
Even though AI and keyword recognition have improved, hashtags still boost discoverability, especially when paired with strong captions and relevant content.
Platform-by-Platform Hashtag Tips
Still one of the best platforms for hashtags.
- Use 3–7 well-researched hashtags
- Mix broad (e.g. #VirtualAssistantUK) and niche/local tags (e.g. #MuswellHillFreelancer)
- Keep hashtags in the caption, not the comments
Pro tip: Rotate sets of hashtags depending on your service area or target audience.
Hashtags are searchable and help the algorithm surface your posts.
- Use 1–3 targeted hashtags per post
- Focus on industry terms (e.g. #DigitalMarketingSupport, #SmallBusinessGrowth, #FreelanceLife)
- Avoid generic or vague ones
Hashtags still work – but use them lightly (we personally don’t use them).
- Stick to 1 or 2 max
- Prioritise campaign or event hashtags (e.g. #OpenDay2025)
- Great for groups if you’re building community presence
TikTok
Hashtags help feed your video into the right niche.
- Use a combination of trending / niche tags
- Think discoverability: #BizTok, #ContentPlanning, #SolopreneurTips
Where Hashtags Aren’t Worth It in 2025
- Pinterest: Focus more on keywords and pin descriptions
- Email newsletters: Hashtags don’t belong
- Threads (Meta): Hashtag use is inconsistent and not yet reliable for reach
Hashtag Strategy in 2025: What Really Works
- Fewer, better hashtags beat long strings of random ones
- Use tools like Hashtagify, Later, or Instagram Insights to spot useful tags
- Think like a search engine: combine hashtags with clear, keyword-rich captions
Final Thoughts
If you’re a freelancer, VA or small business owner, hashtags can still play a valuable role in your digital strategy – especially when paired with content that’s intentional and well-optimised.
In 2025, the best approach is simple: use fewer, more focused hashtags that reflect what your audience is looking for.
Whether you’re managing your own social channels or outsourcing to a virtual assistant, a smart hashtag strategy helps your posts get seen by the right people – without wasting time.
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