I've worked with dozens of local businesses — restaurants, gyms, clinics, salons — and the same problem keeps showing up.

They know they should be posting. They even try for a while. But it never sticks, because they're busy actually running their business.

Here's what I've learned works for local businesses specifically:

1. Stop posting stock photos. Your customers want to see YOUR space, YOUR team, YOUR food/service. Authenticity beats polish every time for local.

2. Reels > everything else. A 15-second walkthrough of your space or a quick behind-the-scenes clip will outperform any graphic. The algorithm rewards movement and faces.

3. Consistency matters more than virality. 3 solid posts per week will do more for your business than 1 viral video. Your locals need to see you repeatedly before they walk in.

4. Google Maps is social media too. Post your best content to your Google Business Profile. Most local businesses ignore this entirely — it's free real estate.

5. Respond to every comment and DM. For local businesses, engagement = foot traffic. Treat every interaction like someone walking into your store.

If you're a local business owner who's tired of trying to figure this out alone, that's exactly what STRVT handles. We shoot, edit, post, and report — you focus on running your business.