iBusiness

Social media also has become an essential marketing tool for many local businesses.

Porsha Thomas provides social media content for several neighborhood businesses, including the Gypsy Wagon, through her business, Zora Ellison Writing Co. Thomas holds a journalism degree, but when she graduated a few years ago, she couldn’t find a job in the news business. The 25-year-old instead found her niche as a social media marketer through an internship with an online newsletter that offers tips on shopping and events.

About 80 percent of Thomas’s work involves social media.

“There are people who know they need Facebook, but they don’t understand it,” she says. “My clients are either people who understand it and don’t have time, or people who don’t understand it.”

She often designs event posters that never get printed. They’re used only on Facebook. Posting pictures and interacting with customers in social media is a valuable service, Thomas says.

“Photography really helps,” Thomas says of making effective Facebook posts for her clients. “People want to see what you have. Show, show, show. Put yourself on the page and portray that personality.”

Many businesses in our neighborhood maintain a steady presence on social media. Velvet Taco’s Twitter followers, for example, are the first to know what fusion concoction the trendy taquería is offering as a special. White Rock YMCA can show off the good work they do for the community, post pictures of a recent camping trip and alert the community to an upcoming blood drive. Neighbors can use Foursquare to check in 10 times at Mextopia and receive a free margarita.

When Terilli’s on Lower Greenville closed after a fire destroyed the restau- rant, the owners and employees stayed in contact with their customers through Facebook. When the place reopened, there was no love lost. Regulars felt they were part of the rebuilding process, as they had watched it unfold through Facebook pictures.

My clients are either people who understand it and don’t have time, or people who don’t understand it.

Shortly after the restaurant reopened, one customer posted on Terilli’s Facebook page: “So happy to have you back in the neighborhood.”

Velvet Taco twitter.com/TheVelvetTaco

White Rock YMCA

Facebook.com

Search: White Rock YMCA

Mextopia

Facebook.com

Search: Mextopia

Terilli’s

Facebook.com

Search: Terilli’s

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Spreading the word

Remember when mailing printed newsletters was the most efficient way to update your neighbors, members and customers? Today it’s easier than ever to reach your group fast and free (or at least on the cheap). With all the social media services and online tools now at our fingertips, there’s something that makes sense for every type of communication.

Visit our blog to find out how the Advocate uses social media and to get tips on options that could meet your group’s needs.

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