Most local businesses monitor messages closely because their public response rate affects how customers see them.
We recommend focusing on Facebook and Instagram rather than other channels like LinkedIn (fewer than 10% of local businesses are there) because that’s where business owners are most active and attentive to customer messages.
That means your outreach through Messenger or DMs gets attention fast. Think of social media as your shortcut to the owner’s phone.
To message a business, you can go to the Communication Center, select a business and then clicking in Business Details.
Or go to your Lists, select one, then select a business and scroll down until you find the section Online Presence in the Business Details.
If you click on any of the channels, a new browser tab will open to that business’s DM page.
While Resquared doesn’t log the actual message, once you click the hyperlink, the platform automatically marks the business as contacted via social media.
Facebook Prospecting Best Practices
Send messages manually from your personal profile.
Limit yourself to 10-20 messages in the morning, and another batch in the afternoon.
Personalize every message. Use the business name and location so they know it’s for them (you can copy your email content).
Keep messages short (1–2 sentences max), plain-text, and without links or attachments to avoid spam filters.
“Hey, I sent you an email earlier about a space that could be perfect for [Business Name]. Would love your thoughts!”
Instagram Prospecting Best Practices
Before sending DMs, make sure your Instagram profile looks professional. Use a clear photo and a short, relevant bio.
Keep your recent posts clean and professional. You’re representing your brand. 😉
- Engage first. Like or comment on a few posts before sending a DM. It shows genuine interest.
- Send a thoughtful DM. Keep it short and personal. Reference something specific about their business or location.
- Highlight your value. Mention how your space could benefit them (visibility, traffic, nearby anchors, etc.).
- Follow up once. If they don’t reply, send one polite nudge a few days later — not more than twice total.
“Hey [Name], I saw your post about your shop in [Area] — looks great! I’m working with a nearby space that could be perfect if you ever think about expanding. Would you be open to a quick chat?”
To keep your account in good standing:
- Don’t automate DMs, always send manually.
- Start small, especially if your account is new.
- Limit yourself to 10-20 messages in the morning, and another batch in the afternoon.
- Follow Meta’s community and spam rules to avoid temporary restrictions.
When to use social media for prospecting
Social media prospecting works best when it complements your email outreach. Start the conversation in their inbox, keep it alive in their DMs, and always make it about their business.
Persistence wins, but personalization keeps you out of spam.
Have questions or running into technical issues? Our best email is human@re2.ai
For guidance on campaign strategy, reach out to our Resquared Coach: resquaredcoach@re2.ai