Every local business owner I talk to asks some version of the same question:

“Do we really need to be active on social media?”

In 2026, the honest answer is simple:

If your business isn’t active on social media, it is invisible to customers, search engines, and now AI.

Here are the facts.

FACT #1: Social media is now a discovery engine

More than 75% of consumers say they discover local businesses through social platforms before visiting a website. Google now indexes social content, YouTube is the second-largest search engine in the world, and platforms like TikTok and Instagram rank directly in search results.

If your business isn’t posting, engaging, and showing up consistently, you’re not even entering the race.

CASE STUDY: Local businesses outperform competitors with social

• Restaurants that post consistently see higher foot traffic and faster review growth

• Local service businesses with active video content generate more inbound calls than those relying on websites alone

• Auto dealers, realtors, and contractors using social video routinely outsell competitors with bigger ad budgets but weaker presence

Why? Because people trust businesses they can see, hear, and engage with.

FACT #2: AI now checks your social presence before recommending you

AI tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, and voice search assistants don’t just look at your website.

They look for:

• Active social profiles

• Consistent brand mentions

• Fresh content

• Real engagement

No activity = no trust

No trust = no recommendation

This is the new SEO.

FACT #3: Social media turns attention into revenue

This isn’t theory for me.

I’m Rico Glover—known by many as the Social Media Superman. I’ve sold millions of dollars in products and services using social media, not by chasing trends, but by building consistent, engaging content strategies that actually convert.

I’m also the co-founder of SocialMediaMarketing.ai, where we help businesses turn social media into a revenue-driving asset instead of a guessing game.

The mistake most local businesses make

They post randomly.

They stop and start.

They don’t know what content AI, Google, or customers actually respond to.

That’s not a posting problem.

That’s a strategy problem.

My solution for 2026

I’m offering a $47 Social Media Marketing Audit that gives you:

• A clear view of how visible your business is right now

• What platforms actually matter for your industry

• What content AI and search engines are rewarding

• A simple, realistic plan for social media in 2026

No fluff. No pressure. Just clarity.

If you want customers—and AI—to find your business next year, you need an active, engaging social presence starting now.

👉 Grab your $47 audit and build your 2026 plan before your competitors do.

See you on the feed,

Text Social to 910-257-3017 and connect with Rico Glover for a Social Media audit and custom strategy plan built specifically for your business.

Rico Glover

Youtube certified

CoFounder

SocialMediaMarketing.ai