I know I belong to a generation that has always used a computer, received their first email account in high school, and have whole heartedly embraced social media even if there are privacy concerns. However, I don’t think I am being overly optimistic about the impact that these tools can have on local retail businesses. We have seen the impact on my wife’s online babysitter placement business so I know it works. So why haven’t more Fort Thomas businesses embraced these technologies?
I know there are a few examples of Fort Thomas businesses who have a Facebook account (I am listing the ones I know of below) but I have talked with business owners who have never visited the Twitter website or installed a mobile application. These tools are virtually free – doesn’t require a major marketing budget – and chances are most Fort Thomas residents under the age of 50 are using them.
I also know that I am being a bit selfish in trying to encourage our local businesses to use these tools. Who wouldn’t want a free cup of coffee from Cake Towne when they buy a donut and ‘check-in’ on Yelp or Facebook with your mobile phone? These are the kinds of not so innovative marketing strategies that are working all around Cincinnati and the US – but not in Fort Thomas. Heck, why not use the mobile check-in during 2011’s Holiday Walk instead of the usual stamp card?
Here are the known business uses of Social Media in Fort Thomas:
The Midway Cafe (Facebook)
The Pub (Facebook)
Cake Towne (Facebook)
Sarelli’s (Twitter)
Fort Thomas Pizza (Facebook)
Cobblestone Cafe (Facebook)
DEP’s Fine Wine & Spirits (Facebook) and Twitter – DEP is quite possibly the only retailer that fully utilizes social media.  I would still like a benefit for check-in though.
Be sure to visit their pages and become a “fan” or “follow”.
UPDATE: Â I have added additional sites based on the comments left by readers:
Fort Thomas Education Foundation (Facebook)
Fort Thomas Education Foundation (Twitter – @FTEF)
Shari’s on the Avenue (Facebook)
Concrete Concepts (Facebook)
