Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1491557
4 4 G R A P H I C S P R O • J U N E 2 0 2 3 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M S T A R T H E R E S ocial media and the world of influ- encer marketing has been explosive over the last 10 years. But it has been even more pronounced during and even after the global pandemic. Large companies have taken their marketing budgets and pivoted to focus on influencer marketing and social media. So why is this important information for small businesses and those just start- ing out in business? Social media integra- tion in small businesses helps build brand awareness, connect with customers, and drive sales. Building a network When I started my handmade business in 2019, I mainly focused on networking opportunities to make sales, like popups. at was where the bulk of my income was generated. While I experienced a mar- ginal level of success at in-person events, I knew there was a better and more efficient use of my time. Take advantage of the explosive growth of small businesses on social media Angelica began her entrepreneurship journey in 2019 with the launch of Angel B. Designs, which now has over 65,000 subscribers on YouTube, 25,000 followers on TikTok, 2,000 Etsy sales, and over 5 million views across six platforms in just four years of business. She is a featured speaker at START HERE Academy at GRAPHICS PRO EXPO on June 14 in Indianapolis, where she will present Build Your Brand: How to Make Sales and Influence People. LEVERAGING B Y A N G E L I C A B R O A D N A X I use YouTube for long-form videos and TikTok for shorter videos, and use each to complement the other and drive more interest and traffic to both. Potential customers like to get a behind-the-scenes view of your work; it makes you more approachable and establishes credibility.