Leila Bedoian, the owner of The Local St. Augustine, a retro-style motel on Anastasia Island, is speaking out against the possibility of a nationwide TikTok ban following President Joe Biden signing a bill. She believes that TikTok is crucial for her business as it allows her to share information not only about her hotel but also about the local community and attractions in St. Augustine, a city with plenty to offer.
Bedoian transformed the motel from a rundown roadside accommodation to a vibrant and shareable destination in 2021, thanks in part to her active presence on TikTok. One of her videos went viral, leading to a significant increase in website traffic and brand awareness for her business.
Research from Oxford Economics shows that small businesses in Florida used TikTok to support thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue in 2021. Bedoian emphasizes the importance of TikTok for reaching new customers and creating brand awareness, expressing concern about the potential consequences of a ban on small business owners like herself.
As a business owner who relies on organic marketing and social media presence to reach customers, Bedoian worries about the challenges of finding alternative ways to connect with her audience if TikTok were to be banned in the U.S. She believes that Congress needs to consider the impact on local businesses before making decisions that could significantly affect their ability to thrive and grow.
In conclusion, Leila Bedoian’s experience showcases how crucial social media platforms like TikTok can be for small businesses looking to reach new customers and grow their brand awareness. The potential consequences of banning such platforms could have devastating effects on these businesses’ ability to succeed and contribute positively to their communities. As policymakers consider this issue, they should take into account the impact it could have on small businesses like The Local St. Augustine.