It is no secret that businesses with a solid social media strategy and consistent online presence get noticed. But which online channels best fit your local business and why? Our Orlando ad agency can help you pinpoint these platforms and develop an action plan to slow the scroll and spotlight your local business.

How do you know which social media platforms to invest time and money towards to reap the benefits? Let’s unpack this query. Then, we’ll explore how to work smarter and not harder when leveraging social media for your local business. 

Strategic Social Media Platforms From An Orlando Ad Agency

First, let’s analyze 5 of the best social media platforms for extending the reach of your local business. While fancy features and the growing number of users alone don’t determine the best social media network for your local business, it does shed light on platform popularity. 

#1. Facebook

Adaptability is a defining feature of business success, and Facebook has continued to do this throughout the decades. Founded in 2004, Facebook is still strong, with over 3 billion monthly users. This platform now operates under an umbrella of related apps called Meta Inc., which owns multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, Threads, Oculus VR, and Reality Labs.

This platform has transformed into a multifaceted tool that generates conversation and commerce. Through features like Facebook Groups, live video, and Messenger chat, businesses can interact with their audience in real-time and maintain an ongoing conversation. Investing in Facebook ads is another way companies can benefit from this platform, mainly because business posting on News Feeds is becoming highly regulated.      

#2. Instagram

A picture is worth a thousand words, especially in a society with an ever-decreasing attention span. Instagram is a two billion-user platform launched in 2010. It has developed into a social forum where influencers and business owners can connect with their audience through image-based marketing.

Instagram has added features such as vertical video Reels, ephemeral visual content, and shoppable posts to facilitate audience connection and seamlessly connect advertising to sales. Instagram Insights also helps business owners analyze user traffic from behind the scenes and learn new ways to drive future sales.

#3. TikTok

TikTok was founded in 2016 and currently has 1.2 billion online users. This social media outlet caters primarily to Millenials and Gen Z users. This visual platform creates short-form videos that keep marketing relevant and engaging for consumers. Surprisingly, TikTok exceeds YouTube in audience engagement, with users spending an average of almost one hour daily on this social media platform.

#4. YouTube

Even with TikTok fresh on its heels, YouTube still remains the behemoth of video marketing, with 2.5 billion monthly users. A staggering 81% of adults in the United States utilize this social platform, making it a marketing goldmine. YouTube, like TikTok, provides the space for the ever-growing use of visual storytelling and branding.

#5. Google Business Profile

Founded in 2014 as an online hub for local businesses, Google Business Profile is a media outlet every company should use. While it is not a social media platform by most traditional definitions, it is one of the most essential online presences local businesses can have. 

Google Business Profile allows business owners to manage their information and services online and appear in local Google searches in various ways, including on Google Maps and organic searches. Recently, Google has also automated and integrated social media postings into Google Business Profile. This way, businesses can promote their services and connect with audiences via social media from one convenient location. 

Other Notable Social Media Outlets

• Twitter
• Pinterest
• LinkedIn
• Snapchat
• Threads
• Reddit
• WhatsApp
• Quora
• Tumblr
• Yelp   

How Our Orlando Ad Agency Determines The Best Platforms For Your Business

One significant component of finding the best social media platform for your local business is knowing your target market and discovering which platform aligns best with your audience and business goals. Considering each social media platform’s demographics, best practices and even trending marketing ideas is a valuable place to start. Here are some factors to consider:

• Demographics – The demographics of your local market will determine which social media platform benefits your business most. Social media networks cater to and naturally attract specific groups of people based on age, gender, interest, and more.
• Video and Visual Marketing – Curating appealing and clear visuals for your local business is critical. While specific platforms specialize in visual and video content like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, there is still a need for quick, to-the-point, and informative visuals across all social media networks and on your website. Here is a fantastic resource for jumpstarting your business’s Instagram Stories.
• Conversational and Short-Form Content – Regularly engaging with your audience keeps your customers connected to your business. Maintaining an ongoing dialogue is another way your social media presence can up your game in the local market. Some social media forums, like Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook, are the most intuitive arenas for communication and connection.
• Knowledge-Based Content – Modern consumers itch for information. Maintaining an informative blog on your website and promoting it through social media can set your business apart in providing education and knowledge for your customers. Pinterest and LinkedIn can be secret weapons in your social media arsenal for information and knowledge sharing.
• Networking – Whether you’re a B2B (business-to-business) or B2C (business-to-consumer) company, you can benefit from all types of networking because you never know when a relationship or connection will make all the difference. Facebook and LinkedIn can help streamline your local business networking.  

Curating Your Social Media Platforms With An Orlando Ad Agency

When it comes to utilizing social media platforms in business, the secret sauce is discovering which platforms your target audience uses and tailoring your content to meet their needs. It is as simple as that, but performing backend market research and implementing proven methods makes your social media outlets really shine. 

Our experienced Orlando ad agency helps local businesses stand out in the noisy online world. The South Street & Co. team knows what works in social media marketing and how to engage with and appeal to the local Central Florida market. Contact us today and schedule a complimentary consultation to experience how a strategic social media presence can boost your business and extend your local reach.