Imagine you are buying a new car.
Do you go straight to the manufacturer’s website and trust everything they say? Probably not. You likely go to YouTube to watch a review. You check Reddit to see if real owners are complaining about the transmission. You scroll through TikTok to see the interior features in action.
Visibility does not start on your website anymore. It begins in the wild, unfiltered places where people trade opinions. Capturing the attention of consumers can be a daunting task in the fast-paced world of advertising, making it more important than ever to meet your audience where they are.
If you are a business owner relying solely on your website to drive traffic, you are fighting a losing battle. The way people discover brands has changed faster than most marketing teams realize. We are living in a Social First world.
I’m Linda Donnelly, owner of Business Solutions Marketing Group.
For over a decade, I’ve helped small businesses navigate the digital landscape. I’ve seen the rise of mobile. I’ve seen the fall of the phone book. But what we are witnessing in 2026 is a fundamental shift in human behavior. People don’t just “Google it” anymore; they “verify it” across 11 different platforms before they ever click “buy.” Today’s consumers are not only researching across multiple channels, but 92% of consumers are likely to share video content with others, giving engaging video a powerful viral potential.
If your brand isn’t part of those conversations—on Reddit threads, TikTok videos, and YouTube reviews—you are handing your visibility to someone else.
In this guide, I’m going to break down exactly what a “Social First” ranking strategy looks like, why short-form video is your secret weapon, and how to make SEO, PR, and Social Media work together to dominate your market.
The “11 Touchpoint” Reality: Why One Platform Isn’t Enough
Here is a statistic that keeps marketers up at night: The average consumer moves across 11 or more platforms while researching, comparing, and validating a decision.
Eleven!
They might see an ad on Instagram. Then they search for reviews on Google. Then they watch a deep-dive on YouTube. Then they ask a question in a Facebook Group. Finally, they might visit your website.
Each of these platforms presents unique opportunities to engage consumers and strategically influence their decision-making process.
If your brand is only present on one or two of those touchpoints, you are invisible for 80% of the journey. Visitors are 64% more likely to make a purchase after seeing a video, making it crucial to seize these opportunities across multiple channels.
The “Trust Gap”
Why are people doing this? Because trust in traditional advertising is at an all-time low. People don’t trust what brands say about themselves. They trust what other people say about brands. For brands to build real trust, an understanding of what their audience values in authentic content is essential.
- Reddit threads are seen as authentic because they are unfiltered.
- TikTok creator breakdowns feel real because you can see the person’s face.
- YouTube reviews provide depth that a sales page cannot match.
In fact, 80% of people prefer video content over written content, making video a crucial tool for building trust and credibility.
These platforms are the new “signals” that AI tools and search engines rely on. Google knows that if people are talking about you on Reddit, you are relevant. If creators are making videos about you on TikTok, you are trending. These social signals are now powerful ranking factors.
Short-Form Video: The New “Page One” Powerhouse
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Short-Form Video.
For years, businesses treated video as an “extra.” Something nice to have if you had the budget. Today, it is the single most high-impact discovery surface on the internet. Creativity and talent are essential in producing short-form videos that transform your idea into compelling content, keeping viewers interested and engaged from start to finish.
Why? Because it dominates both social platforms and Google Page One. Video is a shortcut to visibility. Videos can increase conversion rates by providing a better understanding of products, and they are more engaging than written content, leading to higher viewer retention.
Action Item: If you’re not using video, start now.
Videos improve conversions by 86%, and creating videos can keep people on your page longer, which decreases your bounce rate.
Explainer videos are a popular type of video production that helps clarify a product or service for your audience. Music video production services are also available to showcase an artist’s talent and creativity.
The “Double Dip” Strategy
When you create a high-quality YouTube Short or TikTok video answering a specific question (e.g., “How to fix a leaky faucet”), you get two chances to win:
- In-App Discovery: The algorithm shows your video to users scrolling on the platform.
- Google SERP (Search Engine Results Page): Google now indexes TikTok and YouTube Shorts videos directly on the main search page.
I have seen clients rank a YouTube Short on Page 1 of Google in hours, while their blog post on the same topic took months to climb the rankings. When you use a video on your website, that page is 53 times more likely to end up on the first page of Google results. Video is a shortcut to visibility.
Action Item: Stop writing 2,000-word articles for every single question. Turn that article into a 60-second video script. Post it on YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and Instagram Reels. You just tripled your footprint with one piece of content, and you can optimize your video content for both social and search visibility to maximize your reach.
The Importance of Video Production in Social Media
In today’s fast-paced digital marketing world, video content is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for any business, non-profit, or creative looking to stand out online. Whether you’re a local business in Harrisburg, PA, a non-profit with a powerful mission, or an artist aiming to break through with music videos, professional video production is the key to capturing your audience’s attention and driving real engagement.
A professional video production company brings your brand’s vision to life with expertise in creating compelling, high-quality video content that resonates with viewers. From concept to final edit, these companies specialize in services that go beyond just filming—they offer photography, editing, and even social media management to ensure your message reaches the right people, on the right platforms, at the right time.
For businesses and non-profits in Harrisburg, PA, investing in video production means more than just having a great-looking video. It’s about optimizing your marketing strategy to increase website traffic, boost conversions, and ultimately drive sales and profits. Music videos, for example, are a powerful tool for artists to connect with fans and grow their presence in the music industry, while documentary-style videos can help non-profits share their story and inspire action.
By partnering with a video production company, you gain access to a team of professionals who understand how to create content that not only looks great but also aligns with your brand’s goals and audience. Their expertise ensures your project is designed to captivate, inform, and motivate viewers to take action—whether that’s making a purchase, supporting a cause, or sharing your message.
Many Harrisburg-based video production companies offer a full suite of services, including managing your social media presence to maximize the reach and impact of your video content. This holistic approach helps you build a stronger brand, engage your audience, and achieve measurable success in today’s competitive digital landscape.
Ready to bring your story to life and see the difference professional video production can make? Contact a video production company in Harrisburg, PA, to learn more about their services and discover how they can help you create compelling video content that drives results for your business or organization.
The “Digital PR” Connection: SEO + Social + Community
SEO used to be about keywords and backlinks. Now, it’s about Narrative.
SEO becomes infinitely more powerful when PR, social content, and community insights work together. Managing communications across SEO, PR, and social channels is essential for building a cohesive brand presence and amplifying outreach. This is the “Social First” flywheel.
How it Works:
- Listen to the Community: Go to Reddit or Quora. Find the questions people are asking about your industry. (e.g., “Is solar power actually worth it in Pennsylvania?”)
- Create the Content: Don’t just write a blog. Film a video answering that specific Reddit thread. Quote the thread! “User SolarGuy88 asked…”
- Distribute via Social: Post that video on TikTok and LinkedIn. Tag the relevant communities. As a video marketing agency Harrisburg businesses trust, we partner with clients and influencers to amplify reach and ensure your message resonates with the right audience. Creative professionals excel in crafting visually striking and emotionally resonant commercials that drive engagement.
- Earn the PR: When your content gains traction, pitch it to local news or industry blogs. “Local Expert Debunks Solar Myths Viral on TikTok.”
- Reap the SEO: Google sees the social buzz, the news links, and the user engagement. It rewards your website with higher authority.
This is how modern brands win. They don’t just “do SEO.” They create a conversation that Google simply cannot ignore.
Why “Creator” Content Beats “Brand” Content
Here is a hard truth: People connect with people, not logos.
If your social media feed is just polished graphics of your logo and sales flyers, you are wasting your time. The “Creator Economy” has trained our brains to look for faces. Every person involved in the storytelling process, from the production assistant to the director of photography, plays a vital role in creating authentic and engaging video content.
- The Founder’s Face: As the business owner, you are the expert. Get on camera. Be messy. Be real. Explain a complex topic in simple terms.
- Employee Advocacy: Let your staff create content. A video of your technician explaining a repair is 10x more trustworthy than a stock photo of a wrench. The director guides the creative vision and ensures the final video meets high-quality standards.
- Influencer Partnerships: You don’t need Kim Kardashian. You need the “Micro-Influencer” in your niche. A local mom blogger reviewing your restaurant carries more weight than a billboard.
Promotional videos are also a common type of video production service offered by various companies.
Google’s AI (and users) can smell “corporate speak” a mile away. Authenticity is the new optimization.
Key Takeaways
If you are ready to pivot to a Social First strategy, here is your checklist:
- Map the Journey: Accept that your customers are on 11+ platforms. Ensure your brand has a pulse on the big ones (YouTube, Reddit, TikTok).
- Video is Mandatory: Short-form video is the fastest way to rank on Google Page One. It is not optional.
- Community Listening: Use Reddit and forums to find content ideas. Answer the questions real people are asking.
- Face Forward: Put a human face on your brand. Creator-style content outperforms polished corporate ads every time.
- Connect the Dots: Use your social content to drive PR, and use your PR to drive SEO. It’s an ecosystem, not a silo.
Successful video marketing efforts are driven by passion and a proud commitment to creativity, innovation, and quality. For example, Sojourn Media specializes in high-impact video marketing campaigns designed to drive revenue growth for small businesses in Harrisburg, demonstrating the value of local expertise.
10 Common Questions About Social First Ranking
1. Do I really need to be on TikTok if I sell B2B services?
Answer: Yes. TikTok is a search engine, not just a dance app. “BookTok” sells millions of books. “LawyerTok” drives massive leads. Your clients are there, even if they are in suits.
2. How often should I post short-form videos?
Answer: Consistency is key. Aim for 3-5 times a week. It sounds like a lot, but these can be unpolished, 60-second clips recorded on your phone.
3. Does social media directly help my Google ranking?
Answer: Indirectly, yes. Social profiles often rank on Page 1 for your brand name. Plus, viral social content drives traffic (“brand search”), which is a massive ranking signal to Google.
4. What if I am camera shy?
Answer: You don’t have to be the star. Use voiceovers, show your hands working, or hire a charismatic employee to be the face of the brand. Or, use AI avatars (though real humans are better).
5. Is Reddit safe for brands?
Answer: Reddit hates overt marketing. Do not spam. Go there to listen and answer genuinely. If you provide value without a sales pitch, the community will reward you.
6. Can I repost the same video on all platforms?
Answer: Generally, yes, but remove the watermarks! Instagram hates the TikTok logo. Use tools to download “clean” versions of your videos for cross-posting.
7. How do I track ROI on social video?
Answer: Look at “Brand Search Volume.” Are more people searching for your company name on Google? That is the clearest sign your social strategy is working.
8. What is “User Generated Content” (UGC)?
Answer: This is content your customers make about you. Encourage it! A customer posting a video of your product is the ultimate social proof.
9. Is YouTube Shorts better than TikTok?
Answer: For SEO, yes. YouTube videos are indexed by Google much faster. But for viral reach, TikTok is often king. You should be doing both.
10. Do I need expensive equipment?
Answer: No. Your iPhone is better than the cameras used to film movies 10 years ago. Good lighting (a window) and clear audio (a cheap mic) are all you need.
11. What is required for video production?
Answer: At a minimum, you are required to provide details like your goals, target audience, and any brand guidelines. Some agencies may also require an email address or specific information to get started.
12. Who is involved in the video production process?
Answer: A typical team includes videographers, directors, and editors. Editors play a crucial role in post-production, ensuring your video is polished and high-quality.
13. What types of video production companies are there?
Answer: There are boutique agencies, freelancers, and full-service production houses. A production house can handle everything from concept to final edit under one roof.
14. What types of videos can agencies produce?
Answer: Agencies can create commercials, explainer videos, social media content, and documentaries. Documentaries are a popular genre for telling in-depth, compelling stories.
15. What types of video services are available?
Answer: Services include scripting, filming, editing, animation, and drone videography. Drone videography is offered by some companies to capture stunning aerial footage.
16. Are there specialized video marketing agencies in Harrisburg?
Answer: Yes. WebFX offers video marketing services to help create engaging, professional videos for businesses in Harrisburg. Blare Media provides commercial video production to help brands stand out. Creativity Films offers promotional, social media, and explainer video services. GK Visual specializes in social media content creation and management for Harrisburg clients.
Look, I know this feels like a lot. You built a business, not a media company.
But in 2026, every business is a media company. The brands that refuse to pick up the camera, refuse to engage on Reddit, and refuse to be “real” are fading away.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be present.
At Business Solutions Marketing Group, we help businesses make this transition every day. We turn “boring” industries into social powerhouses.
Are you ready to stop hiding on your website and start meeting your customers where they actually live? Let’s talk.
Sources:
- Search Engine Journal. “The Rise of Social Search: 2026 Trends.” Search Engine Journal, 2026. Link to Source
- HubSpot. “The State of Consumer Trends: The 11-Touchpoint Journey.” HubSpot Research, 2025. Link to Source
Google. “Perspectives and Short Video in Search.” Google Search Central Blog, 2025.Link to Source
GBP LInk – https://g.co/kgs/GR8yH4a
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-solutions-marketing-group-llc/?viewAsMember=true
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/business_solutions_mg/
Twitter – https://x.com/BSMGLLC
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BusinessSolutionsMarketingGroup
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bussolutions.bsky.social
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@linda_donnelly
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4w357-txvxOaHff2hTfSSg
