Why Being Local is Your Biggest Strength on Social Media
If you run a local business, you have something big brands can’t buy: a real connection to your community. People want to support businesses they know and trust, and social media is the perfect place to show them why you’re the best choice in town. Here’s how to make your local roots work for you.
1. Talk About What Makes Your Area Special
People love seeing their town or neighborhood represented. Share things like:
- Local events you’re attending or sponsoring
- Favorite spots near your business (coffee shops, parks, etc.)
- Changes in the community (new buildings, seasonal happenings)
- Shoutouts to other local businesses you appreciate
This shows you’re invested in the area, not just selling to it. A hardware store might post “The Main Street bridge construction starts Monday – here’s how to avoid traffic near our shop!” This kind of post helps people while reminding them you’re part of daily life here.
2. Let Customers See Your Face (and Your Team’s)
People buy from people they like. Share simple behind-the-scenes moments:
- A quick video introducing team members
- Photos of you preparing for the day
- Your workspace or preparation process
These don’t need to be fancy. A bakery could post “Linda’s rolling out pie dough at 5am so you get fresh cinnamon rolls by 7!” This builds familiarity faster than any ad.
3. Solve Local Problems
Think about small frustrations people in your area deal with, then position your business as the solution. For example:
- A pet groomer: “Tired of driving 30 minutes for dog baths? We’re now offering weekday express grooms at our downtown location.”
- An accountant: “Florida’s new tax law confused? Join our free workshop at the community center next Thursday.”
This approach works because it’s specific to your neighbors’ needs.
4. Celebrate Local Wins
Did a customer achieve something cool? Is there a town anniversary coming up? Share it! People remember businesses that cheer for the community. Try:
- Customer spotlights (with permission)
- Throwback photos of your business through the years
- Congratulations posts for local sports teams or school events
A bike shop might post “Congrats to the Riverside High cycling team for placing 2nd in states! We’re proud to tune up your bikes.” This builds goodwill without feeling salesy.
5. Make It Easy for Locals to Find You
Simple things many businesses forget:
- Always include your city name in posts (“Our Tampa location now has…” instead of just “We now have…”)
- Use location tags on Instagram/Facebook posts
- Reply to comments with local references (“Yes! Right near the post office on Oak Street!”)
This helps when people search for services in your area.
Putting It All Together
The key is balancing these local-focused posts with your regular content. Try this mix:
- 2 local connection posts (community news, behind-the-scenes)
- 1 problem-solving post (how you help locals)
- 1 direct offer (special deal or service reminder)
You don’t need to be everywhere online – just consistently present where your customers already are. Start small, stay genuine, and watch how being proudly local attracts the right customers.
Your community already wants to support you. Now you’re just giving them more reasons to choose you first.
