What Works Best for Local Businesses: A Simple Plan or Chasing Trends?
Running a local business means wearing many hats. You might feel pressure to try every new social media trend to stay relevant. But is that really the best way to grow? Let’s look at two approaches: following viral trends or sticking with a simple, repeatable plan like the OBA framework.
The Appeal of Viral Trends
Trends can be fun and exciting. A viral dance or challenge might get you a lot of views quickly. But here’s the catch—those views don’t always turn into customers. People might watch your video, laugh, and move on without ever thinking about buying from you.
Another issue is that trends fade fast. What’s popular today might be forgotten next week. If you spend time learning a trend only for it to disappear, you’re back to square one.
Why a Framework Like OBA Works Better
The OBA framework (Offer, Behind-the-Scenes, Authority) is built for steady, reliable growth. Here’s how it helps:
- Offers tell people what you sell in a clear way. No guessing—just simple, helpful posts about how your business solves a problem.
- Behind-the-Scenes content lets customers connect with the real people behind your business. This builds trust, which is key for local customers.
- Authority posts show your expertise. When people see you know your stuff, they’re more likely to choose you over competitors.
Unlike trends, this plan doesn’t change every week. You can reuse ideas, save time, and still see results.
When Trends Can Help (A Little)
This doesn’t mean you should ignore trends completely. If a trend fits naturally with your business, go for it! For example, a bakery might jump on a trending dessert challenge. But the key is to tie it back to what you do—maybe end the video with, “Try our version in-store today!”
Think of trends like seasoning—a little can enhance your main dish (your OBA plan), but they shouldn’t be the whole meal.
What Really Brings in Local Customers?
People in your community want to know three things:
- What you sell (Offer)
- Who you are (Behind-the-Scenes)
- Why they should trust you (Authority)
Viral content might get attention, but it rarely answers these questions. A steady mix of OBA posts does. Over time, this builds real relationships with customers who keep coming back.
Keeping It Simple for Busy Owners
The best part? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. With OBA, you can:
- Batch-create posts ahead of time
- Reuse formats that work
- Focus on what actually brings customers in
No stressing over the latest trend—just consistent, effective posts that grow your business.
A Final Thought
Social media doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick with what works—sharing your offers, your story, and your knowledge. The right customers will notice, and your business will grow. You’ve got this!
