media platforms for local business growth You Need to Try

local business social media sites That Maximize Engagement

Did you know over 70% of local businesses report a surge in on-site foot traffic directly stemming from their strategic use of local business social media sites? As waves of digital innovation sweep through every high street and neighbourhood shopfront, online visibility is not just a bonus—it's a survival strategy. Today, video-driven content is reshaping how consumers discover, connect, and shop with their local favourites. Dive into our expertly curated list of the essential social media platforms for local businesses, and find out which strategies launch brands beyond their doorstep and onto every customer’s screen. A Surprising Statistic: Why Local Business Social Media Sites Matter More Than Ever "Over 70% of local businesses report increased foot traffic from strategic use of social media platforms." In today’s digital-first economy, local business social media sites are pivotal for advancing business goals and ensuring long-term viability. The blend of community interaction, targeted advertising, and—crucially—video content makes these platforms an indispensable tool for small businesses seeking to extend their influence. From bustling Facebook groups to quick-fire TikTok trends, the right channel can amplify your message and foster loyal advocacy in your local area. With billion monthly active users on major networks, the power of these platforms lies in their ability to engage highly specific audiences via features like video posts, live sessions, and customer reviews. This connectivity translates into actionable insights, improved customer service, and real-world sales. Small and medium-sized businesses have never been better placed to grow their presence by leveraging accessible video and social media marketing tools. What You'll Learn About Local Business Social Media Sites Which local business social media sites drive the most engagement How social media platforms cater to small businesses Effective video marketing strategies for local businesses How to assess active users and target audience on different platforms Comparing the Top Local Business Social Media Sites: Data at a Glance Platform Monthly Active Users Best For Video Marketing Features Engagement Tools Target Audience Example Use Case Facebook 2.98B Widest local reach Live, Stories, Video Ads Groups, Pages, Messenger All ages, local communities Livestreaming neighborhood events Instagram 2B Visual branding Reels, IGTV, Stories Hashtags, DMs, Shopping Millennials, Gen Z, visual shoppers Product demo via Stories & Reels YouTube 2.5B Video dominance Shorts, Live, Playlists Comments, Subscriptions All ages, learners, shoppers How-to video series on local services TikTok 1.2B Going viral Short-form video Duets, Challenges, Livestream Gen Z, younger audiences Viral challenges about local deals LinkedIn 900M B2B, networking Native video, Live Groups, Messaging Professionals, entrepreneurs B2B service spotlight Pinterest 445M Idea discovery Video Pins, Stories Boards, Messaging DIY, crafters, style-seekers Showcasing products through pins Google Business Millions daily Search visibility Posts, Photos, Video Messaging, Reviews All local shoppers Latest video update on profile 1. Facebook: The Cornerstone of Local Business Social Media Sites Facebook for Local Businesses: Leveraging Video and Community Overview of active users and engagement statistics Best practices for video content and media marketing Case study: local business success using Facebook Live With nearly 3 billion monthly active users, Facebook stands as the cornerstone social media platform for local businesses aiming to cultivate strong community bonds. Its multimedia capabilities—particularly live and pre-recorded video—offer unrivaled windows for real-time customer engagement. Facebook’s Groups and Marketplace functions are magnets for hyperlocal audiences, while Business Pages provide a central hub to showcase your offerings, gather reviews, and address customer service queries. Videos, especially Facebook Live sessions, can skyrocket engagement, humanise your brand, and put a relatable face in front of your target audience. Pro tip: Use Facebook's built-in analytics to assess when your audience is most active and tailor your video content accordingly. Leverage features like Stories, short-form videos, and customer testimonials to keep your feed dynamic and your followers invested. As a case in point, a local coffee shop in Bristol grew its afternoon traffic by 30% by hosting behind-the-scenes café tours via Facebook Live, showing just how media marketing with videos can directly translate into local business success. 2. Instagram: Visual Storytelling and Local Business Engagement Instagram Reels and Stories for Small Business Growth Instagram as a leading social media platform for small businesses Harnessing video-first features to target your audience Tips for social media marketing success on Instagram Instagram is an essential platform for small businesses and local entrepreneurs focused on visual branding and direct customer connection. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram’s suite of video tools—like Reels, Stories, and IGTV—puts dynamic storytelling at the heart of your marketing. Local businesses can showcase new products, share customer spotlights, or provide quick tips through visually compelling and trend-driven content designed to grab attention within seconds. To attract and engage your target audience, post consistently, leverage relevant location hashtags, and collaborate with local influencers. Utilising Stories and Reels for timely offers or “a day in the life” videos builds trust and authenticity, especially for Gen Z and millennials who flock to platforms like Instagram for inspiration and recommendations. For best results, provide value through tutorials, behind-the-scenes peeks, or community highlights rather than overt product pushes. 3. YouTube: Dominating Video Marketing Among Local Business Social Media Sites How Local Businesses Benefit from YouTube’s Monthly Active Users Keys to engaging your target audience with video content Building brand authority through media platforms Example: Small businesses thriving with YouTube Shorts YouTube boasts over 2.5 billion monthly active users—an unrivaled audience for any local business looking to share valuable content and build long-term loyalty. As the world’s leading platform for video content, YouTube allows local businesses to upload tutorials, customer testimonials, and live streams—all while fostering two-way conversations through comments and community posts. YouTube Shorts take advantage of the short-form content trend, making it easy to reach busy viewers on the go. Local businesses thrive on YouTube by providing consistent value—think how-to videos, customer case studies, or “meet the maker” stories. One popular bakery chain, for example, shares quick dessert recipes and staff interviews, which not only fuels engagement but brings their friendly neighbourhood brand personality to viewers worldwide. Building playlists on specific topics cements your authority as a go-to local resource, while embedding YouTube videos on your website boosts SEO and time on site. 4. TikTok: Viral Reach for Local Businesses on Social Media Platforms Creative Video Strategies to Engage Your Local Community Understanding TikTok’s monthly active user base Media marketing trends unique to TikTok Successful local business campaigns and viral potential TikTok’s 1.2 billion monthly active users represent a goldmine for local business social media sites—especially those with a creative edge. TikTok is built for discovery, with a hyper-personalised For You Page allowing small business content to go viral overnight. The platform’s native short-form video format makes it the ideal stage for showcasing behind-the-scenes fun, limited-time offers, and community shoutouts. Embracing trending sounds, challenges, and hashtags can help your brand break through algorithm barriers and reach both existing and new local audiences. A recent campaign from a London-based pizza shop went viral after sharing a comical series about daily life in the kitchen—resulting in a surge in orders and a newfound digital identity. For best results, ensure your video content is authentic, fast-paced, and features team members or customers interacting with your products or services. 5. LinkedIn: Professional Networking for Small Businesses Optimizing Your Company Page and Video Content LinkedIn’s effectiveness for business-to-business connections Best media platform features for targeting professionals Video marketing for thought leadership and authority For B2B-focused local businesses, LinkedIn is more than just a networking platform—it’s a hub for authority-building content and professional engagements. With more than 900 million active users, LinkedIn supports company pages, targeted ads, and a range of video publishing tools. Post educational videos, short case studies, or event highlights to establish your expertise, reinforce brand trust, and attract partnerships in your local area. Businesses can optimise their LinkedIn presence by sharing valuable insights, participating in industry groups, and engaging with community discussions. Live video events and Q&A sessions position your business as a thought leader while inviting direct dialogue with your target audience. For business goals that include attracting new clients or partners, investing in quality video content and consistent engagement on LinkedIn can be a game-changer. 6. Twitter (now X): Real-Time Community Engagement Effective Use of Twitter Video and Spaces for Local Business Reaching your target audience through short-form video Media platforms and tools that enhance engagement Integrating Twitter into your media marketing strategies Twitter, recently rebranded as X, excels in real-time community engagement and is an excellent channel for local business updates, customer interactions, and viral buzz. With hundreds of million monthly active users, it’s especially effective for events, urgent promotions, or quick Q&A sessions using video tweets and Twitter Spaces (audio rooms). Short-form video content boosts shareability, and integrating relevant hashtags can get your news in front of the right eyes fast. Building an active Twitter presence means sharing quick video tips, customer stories, or mini-updates throughout the day. Participate in trending discussions linked to your town or industry— platforms like Twitter/X reward regular, relevant posting. Align your content with events or local happenings to amplify reach, and use Spaces for live discussions that help humanise your small business and introduce your team to the community. 7. Pinterest: Visual Discovery and Niche Engagement Pinning Video Content for Local Businesses Understanding Pinterest's active user demographics Optimizing boards for local engagement Best video strategies for small businesses Pinterest’s 445 million monthly active users are predominantly looking for inspiration, ideas, and actionable content. For local businesses in visually driven industries like fashion, home décor, or food, Pinterest is the perfect platform for sharing shoppable product images, branded story pins, and—now—video pins that stand out among static content. These visual stories are not only shareable but drive long-term link clicks and in-store conversions. To tap into Pinterest’s potential, establish several boards focused on your local market or niche expertise (e.g. “Best Vegan Bakes in Brighton” or “London Local Craft Finds”). Use video pins to demonstrate how products are made, styled, or used, and encourage user-created pins to build authentic community engagement. Pinterest’s search features and recommendation engine make it an underrated driver of sustained organic traffic. 8. Nextdoor: Hyperlocal Social Media for Local Businesses Building Community Through Video and Posts Directly targeting local users and neighborhoods Success stories: local businesses on Nextdoor Media marketing tailored for communities Nextdoor is a fast-growing, neighbourhood-focused social network designed for hyperlocal news, recommendations, and business promotions. Local businesses can directly reach verified users in their area, share video updates about new services or upcoming events, and build reputation through members’ endorsements and reviews. Its audience, though smaller than global platforms, is highly engaged and responsive to local offers. Sharing authentic behind-the-scenes videos, team introductions, or time-limited deals tailored to specific community groups fosters a sense of trust and belonging. Many small businesses have cultivated loyal followings and significantly increased local footfall by using Nextdoor to announce events, specials, or community partnerships. For marketing that resonates on the street where you actually work, Nextdoor is tough to beat. 9. Snapchat: Reaching Young Audiences for Small Business Growth Snapchat Stories, Ads, and Spotlight Video Features Monthly active users and engagement opportunities Best media platform tools for businesses Effective campaigns for local businesses Snapchat’s appeal lies in its core demographic—teens and young adults, whose loyalty to favourite neighbourhood haunts often hinges on what they see online. With hundreds of million monthly active users, Snapchat Stories, geo-filters, and Spotlight enable creative, time-limited campaigns perfect for flash sales or product launches. Quick, playful video content fits naturally on the platform, while paid ads can be targeted by geography, interests, and behaviours. For local businesses, creating daily Stories that highlight quirky team antics, real-time product launches, or collaborations with local influencers encourages repeat engagement with the Gen Z audience. Use playful filters and creative video edits to showcase your unique brand personality, and don’t hesitate to ask customers to share their experiences for a chance to be featured. 10. WhatsApp Business: Direct Communication with Local Customers Status Updates and Video Messaging for Engagement Leveraging WhatsApp for personal media marketing Building loyalty with active users Insights into business goals and communication WhatsApp Business is a crucial messaging app for local businesses seeking personalised, direct communication at scale. With over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide, you can send video messages, share daily Status updates with your list, and provide instant customer service. Customers are more likely to respond to offers received via WhatsApp than through traditional channels, making it essential for loyalty programmes and appointment reminders. To maximise impact, create engaging video updates about special events, share business news via Status, and encourage happy customers to leave quick video testimonials. WhatsApp’s secure and personal environment translates into higher open rates and more meaningful relationships. Many small businesses rely on WhatsApp to streamline ordering, booking, and day-to-day communications. 11. Yelp: Review-Driven Social Media for Local Businesses Attracting New Customers with Media and Video Importance of video and photos on Yelp profiles Leveraging reviews for social media marketing impact Yelp is more than a review site—it’s a destination with millions of monthly active users searching for trustworthy recommendations for local businesses. High-quality visual content—especially photos and short video snippets—boosts profile visibility and establishes credibility with new visitors. Encouraging customers to share photos or leave video reviews humanises your brand and drives word-of-mouth recommendations. Yelp’s “Request a Quote” and messaging features make it seamless to interact directly with interested users, and positive reviews can be repurposed on other local business social media sites as part of your overall media marketing strategy. For best results, respond promptly to feedback and update your listing regularly with new video content to stay top-of-mind in competitive markets. 12. Google Business Profile: Expanding Your Social Reach Using Video Posts and Messaging Features Monthly active users interacting with business listings Engagement tools for local businesses Media platforms features overview Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a must-use social media platform for local businesses, given its integration with Google Search and Maps. Millions of potential customers find local businesses through Google daily, making it essential to complete your profile with high-impact video, images, and rich descriptions. Using video posts, you can showcase your services, answer common questions, or introduce your team in a format that quickly captures attention. Features like direct messaging, customer review responses, FAQs, and one-click navigation options provide a media platform that seamlessly bridges online and offline engagement. Connecting your Google Business Profile to your website and other social channels drives omnichannel traffic—crucial for maximising local engagement and securing your position in search results. 13. Reddit: Community-Driven Discussions for Local Businesses Utilizing Subreddits and Video AMAs How to tap into niche target audiences Video content strategies for maximum engagement Examples from thriving local businesses Reddit’s powerful, niche-based communities (subreddits) offer vibrant opportunities for local businesses to reach highly engaged audiences. By contributing authentic value in relevant local subreddits or hosting video AMAs (Ask Me Anything), businesses can share knowledge, answer questions, and spotlight their offerings in a conversational, non-intrusive manner. Sharing short, helpful video tutorials—as well as real stories about your business journey—can earn trust and foster word-of-mouth recommendations among Reddit’s discerning user base. Examples abound of local businesses generating buzz by participating in city-specific threads or responding openly to feedback, making Reddit a unique social media platform for target audience engagement. 14. Tumblr: Creative Expression for Local Businesses Video Posts and Community Engagement Tumblr’s role for small business growth in creative industries Reaching younger audiences through social media platforms Tumblr may not command the enormous user base of giants like Facebook, but it’s a vital social platform for creative industries—independently-run shops, designers, and artists. With millions of monthly active users, Tumblr supports video posts, GIFs, and original media marketing, allowing small businesses to express their unique vision and build a devoted following. Younger demographics gravitate towards Tumblr for its creative freedom and less commercialised environment; use this to your advantage by posting behind-the-scenes content, original art, or workshop recaps in both video and image formats. Participating in theme weeks or clever “Ask” features strengthens genuine community engagement and expands your brand beyond just products. 15. Alignable: Networking and Referrals for Small Businesses Sharing Video Testimonials and Business Stories Business goals: building relationships locally Active users and referral marketing Video marketing for authentic engagement Alignable is crafted specifically for small businesses and local entrepreneurs looking to strengthen word-of-mouth referrals and partnerships. Its focus on hyperlocal business networking makes it easy to connect, share video testimonials, and post business updates that resonate with others in your area. The active user base is highly motivated to support, share, and recommend businesses—a boon for reaching business goals rooted in relationship-building. Regularly updating your profile with behind-the-scenes tours, customer testimonials, or “how we helped” stories creates an engaging media marketing rhythm and fosters trust. Off-platform connections (such as co-hosted events or referral partnerships) can be amplified on Alignable, making it indispensable for local business social media strategies. 16. Meetup: Hosting Events for Local Business Social Media Sites Promoting Video Content and Community Events Monthly active users participating in business groups Leverage media platform for event marketing Tips for promoting with video Meetup focuses on real-world connections, making it unique among all local business social media sites. Small businesses can host community events, share video recaps, and build recurring gatherings for customers and local partners. Regular event promotion through live videos or post-event highlights helps foster a vibrant, engaged group—translating directly into returns on in-person and online participation. Proactively promote your events (e.g., classes, seminars, holiday pop-ups) through short video teasers and behind-the-scenes clips, then encourage users to share their own experiences post-event. Meetup’s robust event management tools and integrations with other social channels make cross-promotion simple and highly effective. 17. Vimeo: High-Quality Video Hosting for Local Businesses Showcasing Brand Videos and Tutorials Why use Vimeo over other media platforms Video content strategies for small businesses Real-world examples Vimeo stands out as the premier choice for high-definition video hosting, making it perfect for local businesses invested in professional presentation—such as artists, real estate agencies, or boutique retailers. Unlike ad-packed alternatives, Vimeo ensures your video content remains undistracted and highly polished. Vimeo’s embeddable video player is perfect for adding tutorials, testimonials, or event recaps directly to your website. Develop a content library with company introductions, product explanations, or educational workshops, and distribute these across all your social media platforms to reinforce your brand authority. Many creative small businesses find that Vimeo’s higher quality and privacy controls give them the competitive edge, especially when video is central to their media marketing efforts. 18. BeBee: Social Collaboration and Social Media Marketing Video Sharing and Interest-Based Networking Building a business community Promoting through video content and media platforms BeBee is a social network with a unique twist—it brings together individuals and businesses based on shared interests and professional “hives.” This is ideal for local businesses seeking to connect directly with community-minded consumers and peers. Sharing authentic video stories or interest-specific tutorials can foster genuine relationships, increasing the reach and relevance of your updates. Active participation in BeBee communities (or hives) ensures your video content is seen by people eager to discover and recommend new local favourites. For entrepreneurs and creatives, BeBee can become a powerful platform for social media marketing and word-of-mouth growth. 19. Clubhouse: Audio, Video and Live Interaction for Local Businesses Leveraging Live Conversations and Multimedia How to host live Q&As and business discussions Using audio and video for media marketing Success examples for local business social media sites Clubhouse revolutionises local business social media sites by prioritising live audio and video conversations in themed “rooms.” Businesses can host real-time AMAs, workshops, or industry deep dives, connecting with both a local and global audience. The opportunity to network, share expertise, and answer questions instantly makes Clubhouse a vital media marketing tool for founders and thought leaders. Hosts can build a loyal following by delivering valuable, unscripted insights in their niche—think “Restaurant Owners’ Lunch Hour Q&A” or “Small Business Saturdays.” Several local businesses have reported surges in collaboration invitations and community support after regular Clubhouse sessions, proving the platform’s unique value in the crowded social media landscape. 20. Telegram: Messaging and Video Channels for Local Businesses Creating Video-Based Broadcasts and Community Engagement Building an active user base Best practices for social media marketing Examples for targeting local audiences Telegram is a feature-rich messaging app and social platform, ideal for businesses who wish to broadcast updates, share video content, and build exclusive customer channels. Telegram’s group chats and broadcast channels support multimedia uploads, so businesses can deliver time-sensitive news, Event reminders, or behind-the-scenes clips instantly to a targeted list of subscribers. Developing your own branded channel helps create a community around your business—think special offers, product launches, and customer tips in video format. Regular engagement and the ability to automate updates or run polls make Telegram a powerful companion to other local business social media sites, enhancing both reach and customer loyalty. Bonus: Choosing the Right Local Business Social Media Sites for Your Goals Clarifying your business goals and objectives Analyzing monthly active users and engagement metrics Social media marketing strategies for small businesses Choosing the right set of local business social media sites requires clear alignment with your business goals, audience preferences, and resources for consistent content—especially video marketing. Carefully review each platform’s active users, features, and local penetration to determine where your target audience is most likely to engage. A blended approach, focusing on 2-5 core platforms, often yields the best results for small businesses building strong, local brand authority. Analyze performance metrics regularly and adapt your social media marketing strategies as trends shift. For highly visual brands, Instagram and Pinterest are essential; businesses prioritizing dialogue and community should explore Facebook, Nextdoor, and Reddit; while those serving B2B audiences thrive on LinkedIn and Alignable. Whatever your focus, compelling video content remains the universal tool for capturing attention. Key Takeaways From the Best Local Business Social Media Sites Active users and engagement matter most for ROI Focus on video content across all major platforms Regular assessment of media platform trends for small business growth To maximise your impact, prioritise platforms with high local engagement and robust video tools, monitor trends, and adjust your video strategy to fit each unique audience. People Also Ask About Local Business Social Media Sites Which social media is best for business to business? Answer: For business-to-business (B2B) connections, LinkedIn is considered the most effective social media platform. Its professional networking environment, robust group features, and built-in tools for video marketing and company updates make it ideal for small business owners and local businesses targeting other professionals or organisations. Platforms like Alignable and Facebook also offer valuable B2B networking opportunities, but LinkedIn’s focus on business content and referrals is unmatched in this space. What is the 5 3 2 rule for social media? Answer: The 5-3-2 rule is a social media content guideline suggesting: for every 10 posts you share, 5 should be relevant content from others, 3 should be your own (non-promotional) value-adding posts, and 2 should be personal or humanising content. This approach helps small businesses maintain authenticity, avoid over-promotion, and build genuine relationships with followers on all local business social media sites. What is the best social media for small businesses? Answer: The best social media for small businesses varies by industry and audience. However, Facebook and Instagram remain top choices for most local businesses due to their vast reach, community focus, and robust video and messaging tools. For businesses focused on B2B or niche professional services, LinkedIn excels. Video-centric enterprises thrive on YouTube and TikTok. Choosing the right mix based on your business goals and active user base is key for lasting success. What is the 5 5 5 rule for social media? Answer: The 5-5-5 rule is a content strategy encouraging businesses to interact with 5 new people each day, engage in 5 conversations, and share 5 pieces of original or curated content. This routine fosters consistent engagement and helps small businesses grow their presence and relationships across multiple local business social media sites. Frequently Asked Questions about Local Business Social Media Sites How should small businesses measure success on social media platforms? Success should be measured by increases in engagement rates (likes, comments, shares), growth in active users/followers, website traffic from social posts, and real-world conversions and inquiries—not just the number of posts or followers. What are affordable content creation strategies for local businesses? Leverage smartphone video, customer testimonials, and behind-the-scenes footage. Collaborate with local influencers or host live sessions to keep costs down while ensuring authenticity and reach. How can local businesses integrate video marketing to attract customers? Create short, engaging videos for announcements, product demos, and testimonials. Film daily stories or quick “tips and tricks” videos and share them across multiple platforms to maximise exposure. Which local business social media sites are most effective for targeting specific audiences? For young, trendy audiences: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat. For community or family-driven customers: Facebook, Nextdoor, Yelp. For B2B or professional services: LinkedIn, Alignable. Tailor your platform use to where your target audience spends their time. Ready to Get More From Local Business Social Media Sites? To learn more about building your online authority, email us at smartmarketing@dylbo.com Embrace video, choose your best-fit social media platforms, and watch your local business engagement soar.