Social Media is incerdibly local

Social Media is incredibly local because it provides a platform for local companies to connect with their consumers in a way they have never been able to before. Simple searches allow for companies to seek out their target market and show those customers the opportunities they can provide. It also allows for consumers to be more informed about local establishments and share their experiences. It is believed that most people trust the opinions of other consumers more than the information given to them by the company itself.

To demonstrate the permeation of companies to their target market I will share my own personal recent experience. I signed up for twitter last week. As a result, within hours of joining I was already being followed by a local company despite the fact that I have yet to actually send out one tweet. Based on the preferences and people I chose to follow, this local company, Fred Astaire Dance Company, was able to find me and can now see what it is I am interested in by following me. They will be able to track what I chat about and will be able to better target their marketing to someone like me based on that knowledge.

As cited above, not only can companies find out information about their consumers but consumers can now compare notes with each other about companies easier than ever before. Yelp is a nationally known cite that helps consumers find out about local restaurants, hotels, and attractions. This delves down in to each individual market and is a great resource when looking for something new or venturing in to a new part of town.

On a more local level companies like OnMilwaukee have taken the yelp format to give consumers a local reviewers perspective about the local fare. Additionally, it provides a forum for people to voice their opinions not only about the information shared in the articles but more so about their opinions. It empowers the consumer and builds trust in the establishments being highlighted. In a post from September OnMilwaukee highlighted the best brunch spots around Milwaukee. The author of the post shares their take on some of the best brunch spots in town and then toward the bottom of the article consumers and local companies together can share their insight as well. From doing a simple google search of best brunch in Milwaukee the OnMilwaukee article is the first to appear and shows the impact a local opinion can have over a more nationalized product as yelp is only the 5th option to appear.

Image courtesy of google

Local companies have a lot to learn and their best resource is the consumer itself. The easiest way to do this is to have a Social Media presence and to stay connected. Social Media is incredibly local.