Did you know that there are 4.8 billion social media users globally? That is 92.7% of all internet users. In a place like Galveston, social media can be a great tool for global outreach and a powerful way to connect with the community, especially local businesses. Today, social media isn't just for chatting with friends or checking in on family members. Many local businesses use platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to reach their audiences in their own cities, towns and local markets—and believe it or not, every local business has a unique, loyal audience already on social media.
Think of social media like an International marketplace accessible to just about anyone with an internet connection. Brands can interact directly with their audiences through their phones or computers. Because of its reach social media is so much more powerful than many think. For local businesses, this means that from the comfort of their home or business, they can engage with potential customers in their community who are looking for unique services or products. Whether it's locals or people around the world planning a trip to Galveston, local business can go from a casual online interaction to becoming a favorite with customers who love coming back.
Real-time Communication with Your Local Community
Social media is an excellent tool for businesses to communicate with their local clients—especially when it is urgent–every single second counts, am I right? Real time communication is essential for small businesses. Those real-time replies and engagement make the audience feel more connected and involved with a company, making it easier for them to communicate their thoughts and grow their trust in that business.
For example, Galveston has wonderful locally owned shops and restaurants looking to interact with a wide audience and draw in tourists. By using Instagram or Facebook to directly communicate with their customers these businesses can create a more personal experience. They can respond to those that interact with posts promptly, announce new goods or services, share exciting news about the business as well as any upcoming events. Customers who feel heard will be more motivated to engage with and support said business.
Reaching Your Local Audience
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting you with an international audience; however, it’s an even better way for local businesses to reach out to the community. Local businesses can use TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and even LinkedIn to connect with customers just around the corner by hosting fun live events and answering people’s questions and concerns.
Whether promoting a local event, a new product launch, or any other exciting news, social media can help a business get their word out in their community. Businesses can even highlight local traditions and cultural events to connect more closely with the community's identity.
User-Generated Content from Local Customers
User-generated content (UGC) is compelling for local businesses. When locals go online and share their honest experiences with a business, it comes across as genuine and authentic. Whether it’s a picture of their favorite dish or a review of a local shop, these little things help that business grow because they increase awareness and boost curiosity. People visiting Galveston trust locals when finding activities or recommendations, so to build a trusted clientele a business might want to encourage UGC from each patron, especially the regulars!
Social Media Trends for Local Engagement
People tend to underestimate social media trends and how positively impactful they can be for a business. TikTok and Instagram reels are excellent ways to keep up with these trends. Short videos are very engaging and time-effective. These videos capture people’s attention quickly and are not long enough to be boring to a wide audience.
Younger audiences, such as Gen Z, also use these platforms regularly, giving businesses unique opportunities to connect with their younger audience. A 15-year-old may come across a local business’s TikTok and convince their parents to take them to that shop, and just like that, a loyal customer is created. The integration of e-commerce is an excellent example of how to reach a younger audience. Instagram has a feature that allows users to link items to their website, making it much easier for viewers to find certain items and increase sales! Even integrating hashtags into a post could help spread the word.
Social media is only going to get more powerful as time evolves from building connections with people who live around you to real-time communication. Participating in social media trends and integrating UGC is also amazing for building new opportunities. Social media offers local businesses endless possibilities, whether locally or globally. Businesses that adapt to the constantly changing wave of technology can stand out amongst their competitors. Take advantage of social media and elevate!
Social media consumption is on the rise and users are looking for the newest and most fresh content to engage with. It is important for all businesses, both big and small, to create campaigns that grab and hold the consumers’ attention. Creating visually appealing content, interacting with your followers, and trying new content mediums are only a few of the best ways to keep your content fresh and engaging. Using these best practices in your own business’ social media content will help to get your page noticed and receive more engagement. We here at JanMar Agency want to help you get your social media campaign to its highest potential. If you’re looking for some help with marketing your business, give us a call today for a FREE one-hour consultation!
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