SuperLogicFor a local business, the places that matter most are Instagram (Reels, Stories and a pinned post), your Google Business Profile, your website, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, paid ads aimed at people nearby, your email list, and the screens in your own space. Post one video everywhere in the right format, instead of making something new for each platform.
Here's each place, what to post and the format to use.
First: have both formats
- Vertical (9:16): Instagram Reels and Stories, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels, paid social ads
- Widescreen (16:9): your website, YouTube, email, TVs and screens in your space
A widescreen video posted to Reels shows up small with empty space around it, and a vertical video on your website looks like a phone clip. Get both.
1. Instagram: Reels, Stories and a pinned post
Instagram is where people check out a gym, bar, brewery or venue before they go. Post your ad as a Reel, then pin it to the top of your profile so it's the first thing every new visitor sees. Share it to your Stories and save it to a Highlight like "Start here" or "New? Watch this."
2. Your Google Business Profile
BrightLocal's 2026 survey found 71% of US consumers use Google to read reviews of local businesses, and your Business Profile is often the first thing they see. You can add videos alongside your photos from Google Search or Maps (search your business, then Photos → Add photos).
Google's rules: videos can be up to 30 seconds, up to 75 MB, and 720p or higher. Every upload is reviewed, which can take 24–48 hours, and videos only show once your profile is verified. Google's photo guidelines reject stock and promotional images (logos, overlays, calls to action), and polished video ads may get the same treatment, so if yours isn't approved, upload a short phone clip of your space instead and keep the ad for your website and social.
3. Your website, above the fold
Put the widescreen version at the top of your homepage: muted, looping, with a play button for sound. Someone who clicked from Google decides in seconds whether you're their kind of place. Keep the file compressed so your site stays fast on phones.
4. TikTok
More people now use TikTok to find places to go. Post the vertical version with a caption that includes your neighbourhood and city ("Boxing classes in Somerville", "Tasting room in Sonoma"). Location words can help people nearby find it.
5. YouTube and YouTube Shorts
Upload the vertical version as a Short (Shorts can now run up to 3 minutes, so a 30–40 second ad fits easily) and the widescreen version as a regular video. Title both with what you are and where: "Boxing Gym in Somerville, MA | Free First Class." YouTube videos can also appear in Google search results.
6. Facebook
Plenty of customers and local community groups are still active on Facebook. Post the vertical version as a Reel and the widescreen version to your Page, and pin it.
7. Paid ads aimed at people nearby
A short vertical video is the standard creative for Instagram and Facebook ads. Target a few miles around your location and use a clear call to action ("Book a free class", "Reserve a lane"). Make sure the music in your video is licensed for ads; original music avoids the problem entirely.
8. Your email list and texts
Put a thumbnail of the video in your next email, linked to where it's hosted (most email apps don't play video inline). Announcements with a video thumbnail give people a reason to click.
9. The screens in your own space
Loop the widescreen version on the TVs at your bar, front desk or lanes. The people in your space already like you. Tell them what else you offer: memberships, events, private parties, gift cards.
Getting found by AI assistants in 2027
A growing share of people ask ChatGPT and other assistants for recommendations. BrightLocal found 45% of consumers now use AI tools to find local businesses, up from 6% a year earlier. These tools draw on what's written about you across the web, so keep your name, address, hours and description consistent on Google, your website and social profiles, and describe what you offer in plain words on your site. A video on your site and profiles gives people a reason to choose you once they find you.
A simple posting plan for one video
- Day 1: Post the Reel, pin it, share it to Stories and a Highlight. Try a 30-second cut on your Google Business Profile. Put the widescreen version on your homepage.
- Week 1: Post to TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Facebook. Send it to your email list.
- Ongoing: Run it as a local ad and loop it on your screens. Re-share it whenever your offer changes.
Need the video first?
We make custom 30–40 second animated ads for local businesses, in both vertical and widescreen, with original music you can use in ads. $899, first draft within 3 business days.