Local Pizza Shop Increases Business Using Social Media
How many small businesses have you heard say something like “I only operate locally, social media wouldn’t really benefit me”. Having been to many small business networking events I can tell you that this is an attitude you often hear. No matter how you explain to people that social media is a way to start conversations with their customers, where ever they are – which is why they go to networking groups in the first place, afterall – many don’t see social media as relevant to them.
If any require an example of a small, very localized business that is using social media to increase the number of customers coming to their shop it is Pizza Party in Santa Clara, California. I commend you click on the link and watch the video that is on their site – a news item on their local ABC 7 News. (Note: the fact that a local pizza shop is using social media to increase their business is worthy of local TV news!) 26 year old co-owner, Bear Silber, uses Facebook and Twitter to promote specials and offers, and even has a webcam so you can watch your pizza being made! He also has his own iPhone app! How cool is that?
Although his pizza shop has been around a long time, Bear makes it clear that if it is going to remain around in the future then the old methods of advertising, like Yellow Pages and door-hangers, are no longer going to cut it. He uses the internet everyday anyway – utilizing social media is a natural move for someone like him, and it is obviously paying off – his business is increasing because of it. It is a great example to other small businesses with a local market – social media can work for you to. And if you are not as web savvy as Bear, then we are here to help. All you have to do is ask.
Tags: Facebook, iPhone, Small Business, Social Media Marketing, Twitter, Webcam
March 31st, 2009 at 11:29 am
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the mention. I must say that it’s definitely creating buzz and it’s funny how I hear the same naysayers. They always wonder why I waste my time using the internet for a local business…..but you make a great point that it gets the local news to do a blip on it.
Where are you guys located?
March 31st, 2009 at 11:30 am
Sorry, forgot to mention…..beautiful site
March 31st, 2009 at 11:41 am
Thanks for the feedback Bear – and so rapidly spotted as well!
We are based in Phoenix, AZ.
Glad to be able to help in your World Wide (or at least Santa Clara Wide) Rave – it is a great example for others to follow – keep up the good work!
cheers, Jasper
March 31st, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Click my name to go to see how website blog. Traffic increased by 20x after adding a blog and joining Twitter. I posted a chart.
April 1st, 2009 at 2:00 am
That’s it! Someone who finally aggressively integrated technology into their business – and it sound like people love it!
April 1st, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Charles M., I’m trying
To be honest with you, I do it more out of joy and fun than anything else. I haven’t seen too much in way of ROI yet but that’s not the inspiration for me. I want people to be more involved with their locally owned and operated businesses. We’ve got enough faceless corporate joints all over the place. I want to be that special spot that stands out and people enjoy just hanging out there and feel a since of community at.
April 2nd, 2009 at 8:03 am
I think Bear makes a hugely important point – a big part of social media is letting people get to know the person behind the business. People are far more open to doing business with someone they are familiar with and the real power of social media is in connecting real people with each other. How many other pizza places have you been to where there is a sense of community between patrons and with the business owner. It may seem like a small thing, but it isn’t – its a huge thing.
April 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Bravo Bear. I’ll have to stop by there next time I’m in Santa Clara, which is often! Check out the site http://www.tastecasting.com. They are taking a different approach to social media helping local food establishments.
April 2nd, 2009 at 10:11 am
Great catch, I just did a blog entry a couple weeks ago on how restaurants can use Twitter and social media..
http://bit.ly/Iohzp