If You’re Not on Social Media, You’re Invisible.

Let’s be honest—if your local business isn’t active on social media, you’re leaving money on the table. Social media isn’t just for selfies and food pics—it’s where your customers are spending their time, forming opinions, and making purchasing decisions.

And if you’re not showing up where they are? You’re not even in the running.

At M808 Marketing, we specialize in helping service-based small businesses stand out in a crowded market. That starts with getting visible—strategically—on the right platforms. Here’s why social media matters more than ever and why Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn deserve your attention.

Why Social Media is a Local Business Power Tool

Whether you're a plumber in Lincoln Park, a dog groomer in the West Loop, or a mobile notary in the suburbs, your audience is online, and they’re checking you out before they call. Here’s what social media can do for your local business:

• Builds Trust Through Visibility – People do business with brands they recognize and trust. A consistent, engaging social media presence builds both.

• Drives Word-of-Mouth Referrals – Social sharing and reviews amplify your reputation faster than old-school referrals ever could.

• Connects You With Local Audiences – Through geo-targeting and hashtags, social media connects you with people right in your neighborhood.

• Increases Website Traffic & Leads – Every post is a new opportunity to guide someone toward your services, your booking page, or your inbox.

• Levels the Playing Field – Social media gives small businesses the power to show up and stand out without needing a massive advertising budget.

Word of Mouth Isn’t Enough Anymore.

Yes, referrals are gold—but relying only on word of mouth is a slow, risky way to grow your business. Here's the hard truth: today's customers don’t just take someone’s word for it—they Google, they scroll, they check reviews, and they compare.

If you’re not showing up online when they look you up—even after a glowing referral—you lose credibility. Worse, you lose the lead altogether.

📉 Here’s why word of mouth alone can’t sustain your business anymore:

• It’s inconsistent – You can’t control when referrals come or how often.

• It’s invisible to the curious – People still research before they buy. No online presence? No sale.

• It has a ceiling – Eventually, you’ll max out the number of referrals you get from your current network.

• It doesn’t scale – You can’t build a long-term, sustainable growth engine off of luck and hope.

Reminder: Even referrals want proof. Social media is where you validate that buzz and turn it into consistent business.

The Top 3 Social Platforms Local Businesses Should Be On.

According to HubSpot and Social Media Examiner’s 2025 marketing data, the three most used social platforms by marketers are:

1. Facebook – Still the King of Local Marketing

✅ Used by 89% of marketers
Facebook remains the go-to platform for local businesses because of its hyper-local targeting, robust ad platform, and community-driven features like Groups, Events, and Reviews.

📌 Use It To:

• Run low-cost, high-converting local ads

• Post testimonials, job site photos, and before/afters

• Host community events or promos

• Engage in local groups where your customers hang out

Pro Tip: Make sure your Facebook Page is optimized with accurate info, booking links, and updated hours. It’s often the first place a potential customer will find you.

2. Instagram – Your Visual Storytelling Engine

✅ Used by 78% of marketers
Instagram is where you showcase your vibe, your work, and your behind-the-scenes magic. It’s the ideal platform for service-based businesses with visual results—think plumbers, stylists, landscapers, contractors.

📌 Use It To:

• Share Stories and Reels of your daily work

• Highlight customer reviews, staff intros, or process walkthroughs

• Use location tags and hashtags to reach nearby customers

• Show up in your customers’ DMs (hello, lead nurturing)

Pro Tip: Use Highlights to organize your services, testimonials, FAQs, and promotions. Think of them like mini landing pages—right on your profile.

3. LinkedIn – The Underrated Goldmine for Local Authority

✅ Used by 63% of marketers
LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers—it’s a powerful tool for establishing your authority, networking with other business owners, and earning B2B leads.

📌 Use It To:

• Share expert insights, wins, and case studies

• Network with real estate agents, property managers, and B2B partners

• Post thought leadership that builds your credibility

• Attract commercial contracts or vendor partnerships

Pro Tip: Position your business owner profile and your company page to reflect your brand story, values, and services. LinkedIn is where deals are made behind the scenes.

Not Sure Where to Start? That’s Where We Come In.

At M808 Marketing, we know the local service game inside and out. We don’t just post—we plan, create, schedule, and optimize content that speaks your language and connects with your people.

We’ll help you:
✅ Identify the right platform mix
✅ Build a real strategy that drives visibility and engagement
✅ Create content that reflects your values, services, and results
✅ Manage and grow your community while you focus on running your business

Bottom Line?

If your business isn’t on social media, you’re invisible to the people who need you most. Let’s fix that.

📲 Book a free consult and let’s build your social media presence from the ground up. You don’t need to go viral—you just need to show up where it counts.