Do 'Likes' Bring Patrons to Local Businesses?

This weekend I was trolling facebook—trying to force myself away from the computer, out of cyber-world and into the sunshine—when I saw a post from promoting bacon chocolate.

Bacon chocolate? At the Hastings farmer's market?...Now there's a reason to get out of the house!

"Chocolate-covered bacon has always sold well on its own, but social media helps raise awareness for all exotic treats," Fastiggi said. "Social media outlets like facebook, twitter, instagram and Fresh Nation help me grow my business in ways advertising cannot."

Jeff Jee, of agrees.

"The pics that we post of new dawgs and cupcakes get a big reaction, and when people post pics of the dawgs with the not-so-common toppings that usually gets a huge response from their friends and other people who have yet to try some of the different combinations," Jee said.

If you were on facebook at lunchtime, stomach grumbling, wondering what to run out for before your next meeting, might a chocolate-peanut-banana "dessert dawg" entice you to get out of your chair?

That's the whole idea.

"It makes for a more up-to-date and interactive experience between us and our customers," Fastiggi said. "Also in this tough economic time, these social media features are free!"  

For a new business owner, buying advertising can be tough—but by using facebook and other social media outlets, many business owners are finding that they're reaching more people for less money and effort.

But Jeff Wooddy of isn't as confident in its effectiveness.

"Recently somebody did walk into the store and say, 'I want a bottle of that red wine you posted on facebook,'" he said. (He admitted that his business partner had made the post and he had to look it up on his page.)

But that's a rare occurrance, Wooddy continued.

"Generally facebook is better for raising awareness of events, like wine tastings and bigger events like the Hudson Valley Ciders and Spirits Week we'll be participating in this October."

New restaurants like MP Taverna in Irvington already have 118 likes; and Dobbs Dawg House has over 500 in les than a year.

Dobbs Ferry's often posts photographs of their specials, enticing customers to come for dinner. 

The Cedar Street Grill's page features posts informing those who've liked the page about Happy Hour times and when they'll have live music.

Although a good number of locals have "liked" Rochambeau's page, Wooddy isn't necessarily touting that number as their greatest business accomplishment.

"I don't think anybody likes us on facebook that doesn't already actually like us—in person," he said. "That's why I'm not sure it does a whole lot for sales."

What's been your experience?  Has social media helped your business grow?

We're of the mindset that it's good to be liked.  Please 'like' Rivertowns Patch on facebook.