How to Use Short-Form Video to Boost Your Business This Summer

With Social Media Day coming up on June 30th, it’s a timely reminder of how much digital platforms have evolved and how essential they’ve become for small businesses. In Monmouth County, where summer brings both locals and tourists to towns like Belmar, Asbury Park, and Red Bank, having a strong social media presence is more important than ever.

As summer picks up and more people turn to social media for quick ideas, entertainment, and local recommendations, now is the perfect time to start using short-form video to your advantage. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube offer a powerful way to connect through quick, engaging video. Short-form videos are fun, flexible, and highly effective when paired with timely, local messaging. To help you get the most out of this season, we’re sharing a few smart ways to incorporate short-form video into your summer marketing strategy.

What Is Short-Form Video?

Short-form videos are quick, attention-grabbing clips that typically run between 15 and 90 seconds. They are designed to be easy to watch, fun to engage with, and shareable. The most popular social media platforms for this type of video include Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

• Instagram Reels are short videos shown on your profile and in user feeds, making them a great way to get discovered on the platform.
• TikTok is known for trending sounds, challenges, and creative edits, and it’s often where viral content starts.
• YouTube Shorts are YouTube’s version of short videos, ideal for reaching new viewers quickly.

These platforms prioritize video that is entertaining, helpful, or visually interesting, making them especially effective for reaching new customers during peak seasons like summer.

Join Trends Without Losing Your Voice

Summer trends are constantly changing. From viral audio clips to seasonal challenges, there are plenty of opportunities to join the conversation and boost your reach. The key is to participate in ways that still reflect your brand’s personality and values.

To stay relevant, align with trends in a way that feels authentic to your business. Even simple, candid clips can make a strong impression when the timing and tone are right. What matters most is showing up in a way that feels consistent and approachable to your audience.

Keep It Local and Timely

Summer is a peak season for many local businesses, especially along the Jersey Shore. Social media users are more active, and visitors to towns like Belmar, Asbury Park, and Red Bank are already looking for places to shop, eat, and explore. Reels are a perfect way to tap into that interest and showcase what makes your business worth checking out.

Highlight your summer products, show what a busy weekend looks like, or share clips from a local event or festival. Tagging your location and using relevant hashtags can help increase your reach. When people see your business as part of their seasonal experience, they are more likely to stop in, follow you, and share your content.

Teach Something Quick and Valuable

Short-form videos are a great format for educating your audience without overwhelming them. Instead of lengthy explanations, break down your message into simple, useful tips that apply to the season or your industry.

A contractor might show a quick before-and-after from a recent job. A local hair salon could share a summer hair care tip. A café might film a quick how-to for their seasonal cold brew. The goal is to offer value, even if it’s something small. People remember and engage with content that is helpful, especially when it comes from a business they trust.

Add Visual Cues and Clear Calls to Action

Visuals are extremely important on social media. Adding simple labels, instructions, or short phrases can help viewers understand what you are offering right away. Whether you want viewers to call, visit, or message, make that next step clear and easy to follow. Reels that are visually clear and direct often outperform those that are vague or overly complicated.

Be sure to include on-screen text and captions. This not only supports your visual message but also helps make your videos more accessible to all users.

Make Short-Form Video Part of Your Summer Marketing Plan

Short-form videos work best when they are part of a larger strategy. If you are already running summer specials, attending events, or launching promotions, video can help amplify those efforts. Posting consistently throughout the season keeps your brand top of mind with both locals and visitors.

Use Reels to promote weekly offers, share team updates, or highlight customer testimonials. If someone tags your business or creates a video at your location, reshare it and show your appreciation.

Why Short-Form Video Should Be Part of Your Summer Strategy

Social media continues to evolve, but short-form video is still one of the best ways to connect with your audience. During the summer, when customers are more active online and looking for timely recommendations, short-form videos help your business stay visible and relevant.

Our team supports local businesses by offering everything from filming and editing to posting and scheduling. If you’re ready to bring short-form video into your summer marketing mix, now is the time to start creating social media posts that get seen and drive results.