Level Up Your Local Brand: Social Media & Google Business Profile Essentials

📍DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Hotel Lancaster – Pennsylvania Ballroom A

⏱️7:30am-9:00am | Announcements begin at 7:40am

☕ Drip Coffee will be provided by Joe on the Go Coffee Co. sponsored by Cool Creek Financial

Summary: We’ll explore the current social media landscape and debunk common myths about its “declining importance.” Learn how in 2026 to leverage social media to connect with your community, build trust, and drive sales. In addition, we will unlock the power of your Google Business Profile, often the first place new customers find you. Discover strategies to optimize your profile to dominate local search results, including AI search results. We’ll also delve into practical techniques for incorporating AI to enhance your digital presence and achieve measurable results.

Key Takeaways:

The State of Social Media in 2026:

• Understand the evolving role of social media for small local businesses.
• Explore how consumer behavior on social platforms influences purchasing decisions.
• The Rise of Local “Micro-Influencers”: Learn why partnering with local voices (with loyal followings) is now more effective and affordable than chasing viral fame.

Google Business Profile: Your Digital Front Door:

• Get Found Locally: Learn why an active Google Business Profile is critical for showing up in local searches, including AI search recommendations, and on Google Maps.
• Optimization Best Practices: Discover how to properly claim, verify, and optimize your profile to attract more foot traffic and website clicks.
• Updates & Reputation: Understand the importance of regular “Google Updates” and managing reviews to build instant credibility.

Debunking Digital Myths:

• Address misconceptions about the diminishing importance of social media.
• Learn why your Google Business Profile is NOT a set it and forget it and why it’s now critical to be active on the profile.

Why Engagement Matters:

• Discover how customers use social platforms to find, research, and validate small local businesses.
• See real-world examples and statistics demonstrating the impact of effective digital marketing.

Leveraging AI for Marketing Success:

• Learn how to use AI to develop foundational social media strategies.
• Generate unique content ideas and improve post copy and ad performance.
• Practical tips for small local businesses to implement AI into their workflow.

About Kris Bradley, Owner – NameSpark

Kris is passionate about helping empower small local businesses and nonprofits to market themselves successfully online. Starting his own business has always been a dream, so Kris started NameSpark in 2016. Kris has been working in business development and digital marketing since 2007 and sent his first tweet on behalf of a small business in 2008. He returned to school in 2012 and earned his M.S. in Internet Marketing from Full Sail University.

Kris is also involved in the community and volunteers his time with several organizations including the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, Lancaster City Alliance, Lancaster & Lebanon Habitat for Humanity, AMA of Central PA, and the One World Festival Planning Committee. He is also on both the Marketing Committee and Conference Committee for the Southern Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce.

Kris enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, attending concerts, spending time outdoors soaking up the sun, traveling, and watching sports.