Comparing OBA and Content Pillars for Local Business Strategies

Two Simple Ways to Plan Your Social Media Content

If you run a local business, you know social media can help bring in customers. But figuring out what to post can feel confusing. Two popular approaches are OBA (Offers, Behind-the-Scenes, Authority) and content pillars. Let’s look at how they compare so you can choose what works best for you.

What Are Content Pillars?

Content pillars are like categories for your posts. Most businesses pick 3-5 main topics they’ll talk about regularly. For example, a bakery might choose:

  • New products (like seasonal cupcakes)
  • Baking tips
  • Staff stories
  • Customer photos

This method helps keep your content varied but focused. The downside? It doesn’t always guide you on what will actually help your business grow.

How OBA Works

OBA is simpler and more direct. It focuses on three types of posts that actually help local businesses:

  1. Offers – Posts about what you sell
  2. Behind-the-Scenes – Showing how your business works
  3. Authority – Sharing your knowledge

Unlike content pillars, OBA keeps the focus on what moves your business forward. Every post type has a clear purpose.

Key Differences

Here’s how the two approaches compare:

  • Purpose: OBA is designed to get results. Content pillars organize topics but don’t always drive action.
  • Flexibility: OBA gives you clear categories that work for any local business. Content pillars need more customizing.
  • Simplicity: With just three post types, OBA is easier to plan and stick with.

Content pillars can work, but they often lead to posting just for posting’s sake. OBA keeps your social media working for your business.

Which Should You Choose?

If you want a simple system that gets results, start with OBA. It’s especially good if:

  • You’re short on time
  • You want more customers from social media
  • You’ve felt stuck with what to post

Content pillars might work if you have more time and want to explore different topics. But for most local businesses, OBA is the better choice.

Making OBA Work for You

Here’s how to use OBA in your business:

  1. Plan 1-2 posts per week about what you sell (Offers)
  2. Share 1-2 behind-the-scenes moments weekly
  3. Post 1-2 times weekly showing your expertise

This balance keeps your social media interesting while helping your business grow.

Remember, social media works best when it’s simple and consistent. Pick the approach that feels easiest for you to stick with. You’ve got this!

For more information, check out our guide on affordable social media management or view our pricing. You can also learn more about social media trends on Forbes.

For more information, check out our guide on affordable social media management or view our pricing. You can also learn more about social media trends on Forbes.

For more information, check out our guide on affordable social media management or view our pricing. You can also learn more about social media trends on Forbes.

For more information, check out our guide on affordable social media management or view our pricing. You can also learn more about social media trends on Forbes.

For more information, check out our guide on affordable social media management or view our pricing. You can also learn more about social media trends on Forbes.

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