Short-form video isn’t just a trend—it’s a powerful tool for local businesses that want to connect with their communities, stand out online, and attract new customers. Instagram Reels and TikTok make it easier than ever to showcase your brand’s personality, share behind-the-scenes content, and promote products or services in a fun, authentic way.
If you’ve been hesitant to dive in, this guide will show you how to create Reels and TikToks that actually work for your local business.
Why Short-Form Video Works for Local Businesses
- Community connection: Short videos make it easy to highlight local culture, events, and people.
- High visibility: Both Instagram Reels and TikTok prioritize discoverability, meaning your content can reach beyond your existing followers.
- Relatable content: Authentic, low-production videos often perform better than polished ads.
- Boost sales: Many platforms now allow direct shopping or link-outs to products and services.
Steps to Create Reels and TikToks That Convert
1. Know Your Audience
Before filming, think about what your local audience cares about. Do they want tips, laughs, or insider access? Use that as a foundation for your content.
2. Keep It Short and Engaging
Hook your viewers within the first three seconds. Use text overlays, bold visuals, or a question to grab attention right away.
3. Lean Into Local Trends
Feature your city, landmarks, or community events. This builds trust and makes your content more relatable to local customers.
4. Showcase Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Show how your products are made, introduce your team, or highlight a day in the life at your business. This humanizes your brand.
5. Use Trending Sounds and Hashtags
TikTok and Instagram’s algorithms reward trending sounds and local hashtags. Pairing them with your content can dramatically increase reach.
6. Include a Clear Call-to-Action
Always tell viewers what to do next—visit your store, follow your page, or book an appointment.
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
- Post consistently (at least 2–3 times per week).
- Use captions and subtitles – many viewers watch without sound.
- Cross-post your content from TikTok to Instagram and vice versa.
- Don’t stress about perfection – authenticity beats polish.
Real-World Examples
- A local coffee shop posts TikToks of their baristas making latte art with trending sounds.
- A boutique fitness studio shares short workout tips on Reels to showcase their trainers’ expertise.
- A restaurant highlights daily specials with a fun behind-the-scenes look in the kitchen.
Bringing It All Together
Reels and TikToks give local businesses a cost-effective, authentic way to engage with their audience and drive real results. By keeping content short, local-focused, and engaging, you’ll stand out in your community while building trust with customers.
Want to take your local business’s social media game to the next level? At Brand Butter, we help businesses create Reels and TikToks that actually drive engagement, build community, and boost sales. Let’s turn your scroll-stopping ideas into content that works.
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Book a free strategy call today and let’s make your brand stick.
