Some of the most memorable places in Hawaii aren't always the businesses with the biggest advertisements. They can be a neighborhood restaurant, an independent coffee shop, a small gift store, or a family-run business that has served the community for years. On the Big Island, communities such as Keaʻau and Hilo offer plenty of opportunities to discover locally owned businesses. For residents and visitors alike, however, finding those businesses often starts online. Before deciding where to eat, shop, have coffee, or find a local service, people may look at reviews, photographs, social networking posts, and business directories to learn more. A Local Restaurant Can Tell Its Story Consider a small restaurant in Keaʻau serving fresh meals to local residents and visitors exploring the island. A photograph of a meal shared online can give someone a much better sense of what the restaurant offers than a simple advertisement. Photos, updates, and customer experiences can show the fo...
Explore how social media and networking shape consumer behavior and drive success for local businesses.