Importance of Local Search

Before diving into how to leverage social media for local businesses, it’s crucial to understand the importance of local search. Local searches are done through search engines when potential customers or leads are searching for your business in a general area. When searching on Google, typically a user will type the name of the business or a type of service and look at the top results. For example, if the search keyword was “landscapers”, then Google will use its tools to find landscapers near that user’s location. This is also a local search in action and is very important for businesses to be able to be seen by potential customers. Local and small businesses are increasingly prioritizing this because more and more people are using mobile devices to look up products and services while on the go. A study by Google indicates that 46% of all searches on Google are local searches.

A strong online presence is crucial to be discovered through local search. This includes optimizing the website for search engines, being listed in online directories, and having a significant presence on social media platforms. In the following sections, we will discuss how social media can be utilized effectively for local businesses to boost their rankings in searches.

Utilizing Social Media for Local Businesses

Social media platforms can be an incredibly powerful tool for local and small businesses of all sorts. They offer a way to connect with potential customers and increase brand awareness. Nowadays, it is easier than ever to share something a person sees on social media so it makes it that much easier for your brand to be seen or shared. Here are some tips for using social media to your advantage for local or small businesses:

• Create a business profile on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Optimize the Google Business Profile, such as by including keywords in the profile description, updating your profile with Google Updates, marking service areas and/or business location(s), using a clear and concise profile picture, and linking to the website.
• Share content regularly on social media, such as promotions/sales, discounts, new product announcements, and behind-the-scenes looks at the business, to keep followers engaged and attract new ones. 
• Interact with followers by responding to comments and messages in a timely manner to build a relationship with them and establish trust in your business or brand

Short-Form Video Content – TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels

Today, attention spans run shorter than ever before. Short-form content is increasingly popular on social media platforms by the day. Platforms like TikTok,  YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Reels, provide businesses with an opportunity to create short, engaging videos that can attract new followers and customers. Here are some tips for creating short-form content:

• Keep it short and sweet, aiming for videos under a minute long.
• Use engaging visuals, such as animations, text overlays, and quick cuts, since you have limited time to grab the audience’s attention.
• Be creative and experiment with different types of videos to showcase your creativity and your business.

Other Great Tips for Businesses on Social Media

In addition to the tips discussed above, there are several other great tips for businesses or brands looking to improve their social media strategy. Here are a few more:

• Know your audience and tailor the content to their interests and needs to attract new followers while keeping existing ones engaged.
• Use visual elements consistently, such as branding, color schemes, and filters, to establish a strong brand identity across all social media platforms.
• Monitor the performance of social media platforms using analytics tools, such as Facebook Insights or Google Analytics, to understand what works and what doesn’t work, and adjust the strategy accordingly.

In conclusion, social media can be a very powerful and effective tool for local and small businesses to attract customers and generate revenue. By creating a robust online presence, producing engaging short-form video content, and following some excellent tips, businesses can leverage social media to connect with their audience and grow their business. If you are interested in more marketing tips or more information about how your business should utilize social media platforms, reach out to our team!