#SocialMediaDay: The Power of Social Media for Businesses in 2025

June 30th is National Social Media Day, a celebration of the platforms that have transformed how we connect, communicate, and do business. 

The Evolution of Social Media

Social media didn't start with influencers, memes, or TikTok dances, it started as a way to simply stay connected with friends online. Friendster, Myspace, and Facebook being some of the first major platforms that allowed users to share content and build networks. Facebook started as a college-exclusive network that eventually became a global phenomenon setting the standard for all social platforms that came after.

Then came the smartphone era and with it, a whole new way of mobile-first apps. Instagram, Snapchat, and Vine were huge in the early 2010s. These platforms made it all about visual storytelling with photo and video. Vine, especially, kicked off and paved the way for short-form video content that is popular today.

Fast forward to the 2020s, and short-form video is THE THING. TikTok turned short, music-driven videos into a cultural staple causing Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms to follow suit. This allows creators to share bite-sized and engaging content that prioritizes entertainment, trend participation, and discovery which are critical for brand visibility today.

Why Social Media Matters for Businesses

Let's be real, if your business isn't showing up on social media, you are missing out on so many opportunities. With over 5.24 billion people using social media worldwide (over half the planet), it's one of the most powerful tools out there for connecting with your audience.

But why exactly does it matter?

• Brand Awareness on Steroids
• Social media puts your brand in front of people you'd never reach otherwise. Whether you're a local Omaha business or scaling nationwide, consistent posting and smart strategy on which platforms you should be on will keep you top-of-mind
• Traffic + Conversions = $$$$
• A well-placed post or ad can drive serious traffic to your website and can turn casual scrollers into actual paying customers.
• Human Interaction
• People connect with people, not faceless logos. Social media lets your audience see the heart behind your business. Showing your team, values, and story is the authenticity that people want and it builds real trust.
• Engagement in Real Time
• Whether it is responding to a comment, jumping on a trend, or answering DMs, you can connect with your audience right now. Social is about building relationships.

Tips for Brands on Social Media

Your business is on social media, but how do you actually stand out?

People connect with brands that feel human, so be real and show up regularly. Don't be afraid to show your face or share behind-the-scenes moments. Talk about what matters to you and keep it consistent.

Of course, trends are everywhere but not every trending sound or meme will fit your brand and that's okay. You need to hop on trends but strategically. Pick the ones that feel natural and then find creative ways to make them your own.

Video content is where attention lives right now. It is not optional anymore on social platforms. Your videos don't have to be fancy but they need to be genuine.

Lastly, remember that social media is a two-way street. Reply to comments, react to stories, and DM your followers back. The more you engage the more the audience will stick around.

Looking Ahead

Social media moves fast. What worked last year might not work today and what is trending now could be old news by next month. Whether you're a small local business or a national brand, your online presence matters more than ever. We are here to help you make the most of it.