A Survival Guide to Social Media for the Cornish Business Owner
You’ve Got This.
Let’s be honest. The phrase “social media strategy” has likely, at some point, made you want to throw your phone into the nearest hedgerow. I know I have. Three times.
There you are, an absolute champion at making pasties/guiding hikes/creating beautiful things, and yet you’re expected to also be a digital soothsayer, divining what on earth to post that won’t be met with the resounding silence of a foggy day on Bodmin Moor.
You are not failing. The system is just… odd.
But like figuring out how to park in St Ives during August, there are ways to navigate the madness. Here are ten terribly British/Cornish, slightly cynical, but ultimately effective ideas to fill that dreadful blank box.
1. The “Behind-the-Scenes” Illusion (Or, Look, We’re Real!)
People are nosey. Delightfully so. They love a peek behind the curtain, especially if the curtain has a slightly damp view of the sea.
For a café: A photo of the morning’s bake, flour everywhere, captioned: “The precise moment we remember why we didn’t become accountants. Also, pasties.”
For a maker: A shot of your workshop, with a cup of tea gone cold. “The three stages of creation: inspiration, desperation, and a strong brew.”
Why it works: It proves you’re a human, not a faceless corporation. A shocking concept.
Be You. You’re Customers Will Love it!
2. A Blatant Bribe (The Weather Report)
Your location is your greatest asset. Use it mercilessly.
A breathtaking photo of the harbour, captioned: “Sun’s out. We’ve got coffee/ice cream/shade from the Sun. You know where we are.”
A video of the rain lashing the window. “Hellish out there? Pop in. We’re warm, dry, and our scones are a mood-improver approved by… well, us.”
3. The Hyperlocal Public Service Announcement
Become the source of critical intelligence for the community.
“A30 at a standstill. More at 10. In the meantime, we have cake and WiFi.”
“It’s bin day. You’re welcome. (Don’t forget, like Geoff did last week.)”
This isn’t just engagement; it’s a civic duty. You’re basically the local paper now.
4. The Cream Tea Debacle (Manufactured Outrage)
Nothing gets a Cornish person typing faster than a gentle stir of the pot.
Run a poll: “Jam first or cream first? This is not a drill. Results will be sent to the relevant authorities.”
Post a picture of a perfectly assembled cream tea with the caption: “Fight me.”
Engagement guaranteed. It’s like ringing a dinner bell.
Fight Me.
5. The Humblebrag (Customer Love)
Got a nice review? Screenshot it and share it. This is not the time for British modesty.
Caption it: “Well, this made our week. Chuffed to bits. Thanks, Karen! (And yes, we’re blushing).”
It’s social proof. It’s other people doing the boasting for you. It’s brilliant and free PR!
6. Introduce the Motley Crew
People buy from people, especially people who look like they know a good pasty from a bad one.
“This is Dave. He makes the best coffee in a five-mile radius and knows more about the weather than the Met Office. Say hello.”
A little humanity goes a long way in a digital world obsessed with perfection. Promise.
7. The “Oh, Blow This” Flash Sale
Reward your followers for putting up with your nonsense.
“Right. It’s Tuesday. We’re bored. Show this post in store for 10% off today. Because why not?”
It creates urgency, makes people feel clever, and actually drives sales. Fancy that.
Give Something Back to Your Audience.
8. The “Why on Earth We Do This” Story
Remind people (and yourself) of the passion behind the business.
“Five years ago, we traded spreadsheets for scones. Some days it’s gale-force winds and a leaking roof, but then the sun comes out… and it’s all worth it.”
Real. Human. Connective. The antidote to bland corporate messaging.
9. The Utterly Relatable Complaint
A shared grievance is the fastest way to the Cornish heart.
A photo of your near-empty car park in November. “Well, it’s quiet. Anyone fancy a pasty? We’re lonely.”
A photo of a jammed-packed street in August. “Right. Which one of you lot left the ‘gate’ open? It’s heaving out there. #A30 #CornwallInAugust”
It says, “We’re in this together,” which is a powerful message.
10. The “We’re All Doomed” Post
And finally, it’s okay to admit defeat sometimes.
“Tried to make a Reel. Spent an hour on it. Looked like a startled squid. Deleted it. Here’s a picture of a pasty instead. You’re welcome.”
Authenticity is king. And sometimes, the king just wants a pasty and a sit-down.
Sometimes You’ve Just Got to Face the Music.
Still Feeling Overwhelmed? Perfectly Normal.
If all this sounds like a bit of a palaver, I don’t blame you. You started a business to make things/guide people/bake, not to become a full-time content creator in the digital circus.
This is where I come in. I run Tide & Ink, a Cornwall-based content company that specialises in taking this particular form of madness off your plate.
I write the posts. I manufacture the outrage over cream teas. I make the slightly witty observations about the weather. So you don't have to. I actually quite enjoy it.
👉 Simply email me the word “HELP” and I’ll send you my free, no-nonsense Content Calendar Template. It’s got ideas pre-populated, so you’ll never stare at a blank box again.
Or, if you’ve had quite enough, ask me about taking the whole thing over. Social Media Management that sounds like a human, not a robot.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go and check on the A30 situation. It’s a full-time job.