What's working right now? We break down the trends that matter most for local business owners.
The Social Media Landscape in 2024
The platforms haven't changed dramatically, but the content formats and algorithms have. Here's what's working right now for local businesses.
Trend 1: Short-Form Video Dominates
Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts are getting more organic reach than any other content format. If you're not creating short-form video, you're leaving visibility on the table.
The good news: you don't need professional equipment. Authentic, phone-shot videos outperform polished studio content for local businesses. People want to see the real you.
Trend 2: Hyper-Local Content Wins
The algorithm increasingly rewards content that's relevant to a specific geographic area. Mentioning your city, neighborhood, or local landmarks in your captions and hashtags helps you get shown to local audiences.
Tag your location in every post. Use local hashtags (#YourCityEats, #YourCitySmallBusiness). Collaborate with other local businesses for cross-promotion.
Trend 3: Community Over Broadcasting
The brands winning on social media in 2024 are the ones building genuine community — not just broadcasting promotions. This means:
Trend 4: AI-Assisted Content Creation
AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva's AI features are making content creation faster and more accessible. Use them to:
But always add your authentic voice. AI-generated content that sounds robotic will hurt your brand.
Trend 5: Reviews and Social Proof
User-generated content (UGC) — photos and videos from real customers — is more trusted than any branded content. Actively encourage customers to tag you, then repost their content (with credit).
What to Focus On in 2024
If you're just getting started or need to simplify: focus on Instagram Reels + Google Business Profile. These two channels, done consistently, will drive more results than spreading yourself thin across every platform.
Ready to build a 2024 social media strategy? Get a free audit from our team.
