Dreaming Big: Putting Small Towns Back On the Map Using Social Media Marketing

I see it all around me.

So many small towns seem to be losing ground. Instead of the once vibrant downtowns that were hubs for residents and business, streets are now lined with empty store fronts and businesses that are languishing as larger communities just an hour away thrive.

I live in a very small community in Kentucky that is probably one of the most charming places I know. It is rich with Civil War history and sits on the quiet, picturesque Chaplin River with one of the oldest remaining merchant’s row in America.

My new home in Perryville is a treasure.

Small communities need to harness the power of social media.

There are communities just like Perryville across the United States. They have much to offer but are overlooked for the draw of the big city.

Are we seeing the end of small towns? No, I don’t believe so.

I have this dream of encouraging small business owners in my community and others to use the power of social media to put these wonderful places back on the map, bringing tourism dollars back into the mix and a thriving economy along with it.

I get online and look at the social media presence of small businesses in the area and other rural communities around me and I see that any type of social media presence is practically non-existent. Why is that?

It will take a village.

It doesn’t take much. It takes a little education, a little know-how and some collaboration. I’ve seen it happen before. In the research I’ve been conducting of late on this very topic, I’ve come across many success stories. There are others who have made incredible strides in turning their businesses and their towns into desirable destinations on a minimal budget.

Be seen. Be heard. Be noticed.

So yeah, I have a dream of encouraging small business owners to harness the power of social media because it can go so far in increasing the visibility of all these gems have to offer! The big city isn’t far and I’m willing to bet those big-city slickers are longing to enjoy some small-town charm. They just need a little encouragement through social media to know where to go.

With a collective effort and some savvy social media marketing, I believe small towns have a future — one that thrives.

Am I dreaming too big? I don’t know, but I’m willing to give it a try.

Join me as I chronicle this new endeavor.