Lesson 1

Understanding the Social Media Landscape in 2024

Imagine walking through Hastings’ historic downtown, where every storefront has its unique charm, each telling its own story. That's the social media world in 2024 – diverse, dynamic, and rich with opportunities waiting to be discovered.

The Digital Main Street: Today, platforms like Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube are the main streets of the internet. They're where people gather, share stories, and discover new favorites. But just like in any town, knowing the best spots and understanding the local customs is key to fitting in and standing out.

The Rise of the Authentic Voice: Gone are the days when polished, picture-perfect posts ruled the roost. In 2024, authenticity is the name of the game. It’s about showing the real, unfiltered side of your business – think of it as letting your social media followers walk through your backdoor to see the behind-the-scenes magic.

Navigating the Algorithm Maze: Imagine if Hastings had secret passageways that only a few knew about, which could get you from A to B in no time. Social media algorithms are just that – mysterious, but with a bit of local knowledge, you can navigate them to ensure your content reaches the heart of your community.

Action Steps

Take a Social Stroll: Spend a week exploring different platforms as if you were a tourist in your own town. Note what catches your eye and why.

Local Legends: Identify local businesses that are killing it on social media. What can you learn from them?