Walk down any main street in Statesville, Mooresville, or Troutman, and you’ll see the lifeblood of our community: local businesses. But the customers walking through those doors are changing. Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, now holds significant purchasing power, and they communicate, discover, and shop in ways that are fundamentally different from previous generations. Their native language? Video. For a local business to thrive in the coming decade, understanding this shift isn’t just an option; it’s essential.
If you believe that creating video content is a complex, expensive game reserved for national chains, it’s time to look at it from a new perspective. The landscape has been completely reshaped.
Why Video Isn’t Just for Big Brands Anymore
The era of needing a professional film crew and a massive budget to create a compelling ad is over. The rise of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts has democratized video. Today, authenticity trumps high production value. A shaky, behind-the-scenes video from a local coffee shop showing how they make their morning brew can generate more genuine engagement than a polished, impersonal commercial.
This shift is a massive opportunity for small businesses in Iredell County. You have something the big box stores don’t: a genuine, local story. Video is the most powerful tool you have to tell it. It allows potential customers to see the faces behind the counter, understand the care that goes into your product or service, and feel a real connection to your brand before they even step inside. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses that effectively use digital tools like video are better positioned to reach new markets and build lasting customer loyalty.
And there is another benefit that is often overlooked. Consistent video content can help your channel accumulate valuable YouTube watch hours, which strengthens your online presence and increases your chances of being discovered by new customers. Even simple, authentic videos can steadily build watch time and push your brand in front of a wider local audience.
So, what exactly does this new generation of local shoppers want to see from you? It is probably simpler than you think.
Understanding the Gen Z Consumer in Iredell County
Gen Z doesn’t just buy products; they buy into brands and the values they represent. They are digitally native, meaning they’ve never known a world without the internet. Research from the Pew Research Center highlights that YouTube is a near-universal platform for this demographic, and they use it for everything from entertainment to learning new skills and researching products.
What does this mean for your business?
- They Crave Authenticity: They can spot a sales pitch from a mile away. Instead of a hard sell, show them the process. If you run a local farm, create short videos about your sustainable practices. If you own a boutique, show how you style a new arrival.
- They Value Community: They want to support businesses that are part of the local fabric. Use video to highlight your involvement in community events, collaborations with other local businesses, or simply to share what you love about living and working in Iredell County.
- They Want to Be Engaged: Video is a two-way street. They want to comment, ask questions, and see you respond. This interaction builds a sense of belonging and turns a passive viewer into an active supporter.
Getting started with video might feel like a huge leap, but it’s more accessible than ever. You don’t need a fancy studio, just a plan.
Practical First Steps into Video for Your Local Business
The key is to start small and be consistent. You already have the most important tool right in your pocket.
Start with Your Smartphone
Modern smartphones have incredible cameras. Don’t let a perceived lack of equipment hold you back. Good lighting (natural light from a window is best) and clear audio are more important than cinematic quality. Focus on creating content that is clear, helpful, and genuine. Your customers will appreciate the realness.
Showcase What Makes You Unique
What questions do your customers ask most often? What part of your business are you most proud of? These are perfect starting points for video content.
- How-To’s and Tutorials: A hardware store in Mooresville could create a 60-second video on how to properly plant seasonal flowers. A local mechanic could show how to check your tire pressure.
- Behind-the-Scenes: Take viewers into your workshop, kitchen, or stockroom. Show them how the sausage is made, literally or figuratively. This builds trust and transparency.
- Meet the Team: Introduce the people who make your business run. Putting a face to the name makes your business more human and relatable.
Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast
Once you post a video, the work isn’t over. Monitor the comments and reply to questions. Ask your audience what they want to see next. For platforms like YouTube, where viewers find new content through the platform’s recommendations, building a channel that holds viewer attention is crucial. There are many effective YouTube growth strategies that focus on establishing this initial credibility and engagement. The goal is to build a community, not just an audience.
Creating content is the first step, but how can you be sure it’s actually making a difference for your bottom line?
FAQs
How much time do I really need to spend on video marketing?
Start with just a few hours a week. You can batch-create several short videos in one session. Consistency is more important than volume. One or two valuable videos per week are far better than seven rushed ones.
Do I need to be on every platform like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram?
No. It’s better to do one platform well than to be on all of them poorly. Find out where your target customers are. For reaching a broad local audience, Instagram Reels and Facebook are great starting points.
What if I get negative comments on my videos?
It can happen, but don’t let it discourage you. Respond professionally and politely to legitimate criticism, as it shows you value customer feedback. For baseless negativity or spam, simply ignore or delete the comment.