If you’re trying to reach Gen Z and Millennials, here’s a hard truth: they’re not watching cable TV, flipping through radio stations, or even Googling like their parents. They’re on their phones, scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for hours a day. This is where they discover brands, make buying decisions, and share what they love.
Why This Matters for Your Business
If you’re still pouring money into traditional advertising, you’re missing the biggest shift in consumer behavior in decades. Short-form video is where the attention is, and if you’re not showing up there, you’re invisible to the next generation of customers.
Why Short-Form Video Just Works:
- Real Connection: People want to see the humans behind the business. They want to know the story, not just the product.
- Fast Impact: You’ve only got a few seconds to grab attention, and short-form video is built for this.
- Local Advantage: You can speak directly to your community, using local culture, inside jokes, or neighborhood shoutouts that big brands just can’t match.
- High Shareability: One great clip can reach thousands or even millions, creating a ripple effect that no radio ad can match.
How Local Businesses Can Stand Out:
- Restaurants: Show the sizzle of a fresh burger hitting the grill, the chaos of a busy Friday night, or the art of a perfect cocktail.
- Boutiques: Share a mini styling session, a quick unboxing, or the behind-the-scenes of a new collection.
- Gyms: Post high-energy class clips, quick workout tips, or member shoutouts.
- Coffee Shops: Capture the morning rush, the slow pour of a perfect latte, or the vibe of a packed Saturday.
Why You Have the Edge:
Big brands might have ad budgets, but you have something better – real, personal connections with your community. You know your customers by name. You know what they care about. You have stories to tell. That’s your superpower in the world of short-form video.
How to Get Started:
- Be Real: Authenticity beats polished production every time. Just grab your phone and hit record.
- Show Your People: Introduce your team, share behind-the-scenes moments, or spotlight a loyal customer.
- Make It Personal: Speak directly to your community. Use local slang, shout out your regulars, or share local events.
- Be Consistent: The algorithm rewards regular content. Make short videos a regular part of your marketing.
- Engage with Your Audience: Ask questions, respond to comments, and build a community.
Bottom Line:
Your next customer is on their phone right now, scrolling through short videos for hours a day. If you’re not there, you’re invisible.
Stop playing yesterday’s game. Show up where your customers are.
