by Mallory Taylor

Have you seen Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube? If you have not then you are missing out on some great photographs, videos and information. Over the past year FSEDI’s staff has been ramping up our social campaign to have a stronger public presence. Amanda Jarratt, president and CEO of FSEDI, sees great potential for area businesses to follow suit and also utilize social media outlets for marketing and promotion.

FSEDI is currently active on three social media sites: Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Each of these platforms has a different specialty, but they all have the same purpose — to connect people with one another. FESDI’s Facebook page boasts just over 1,300 “Likes” and continues to serve as a great resource for promoting community events, announcements and workshops. We see Facebook as an extension of the FSEDI office and website as we attempt to network and communicate with those in the Franklin-Southampton area and beyond.

Most recently, FSEDI established an Instagram account, an online mobile photo sharing social media site, to connect with our current and future technology-driven generations. FSEDI uses this social media platform to showcase a gallery of pictures highlighting the Franklin-Southampton area. From pictures of local scenery to tasty treats at local restaurants, Instagram does indeed show that a picture is worth a thousand words.

Lastly, FSEDI’s YouTube Channel is a great tool to promote the Franklin-Southampton area to those outside of our community through the use of videos. YouTube, a video sharing website, has aided efforts to increase visibility about our area, our history and our culture. FSEDI’s YouTube Channel also provides a virtual tour of the Franklin Business Incubator for potential clients to see what the Incubator has to offer startup businesses. These mixed multimedia methods have helped FSEDI market its services and the Franklin Southampton area to a new generation of investors, business people and community leaders.

FSEDI is currently offering free one-on-one online media consultations focusing on social media marketing. If you are interested in ramping up your business’ social media presence, please contact me via email at mtaylor@franklinsouthamptonva.com or call our office at 562-1958 to schedule a consultation appointment.

Also, if you haven’t already, look for Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. on Facebook and YouTube and see what photos are posted of Franklin-Southampton on the franklinsouthamptonva Instagram page. Please use the hashtag #morethanpeanutsandpinetrees for a chance to have your Instagram photograph reposted on our FSEDI Instagram account.

MALLORY B. TAYLOR is the marketing and research assistant for Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. She can be reached at mtaylor@franklinsouthamptonva.com