Leila Bedoian, owner of The Local St. Augustine, a retro-style motel on Anastasia Island, is expressing her concerns about the possibility of a nationwide TikTok ban following President Joe Biden signing a bill. As a business owner who has transformed her motel from a rundown roadside accommodation to a vibrant and shareable destination in 2021, Bedoian believes that TikTok is crucial for her business as it allows her to share information not only about her hotel but also about the local community and attractions in St. Augustine.
The motel was recently voted the number one roadside hotel in the country by USA Today, thanks in part to Bedoian’s active presence on TikTok. Her video went viral, leading to an increase in website traffic and brand awareness for her business. Research from Oxford Economics shows that small businesses in Florida used TikTok to support thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue in 2021.
As a business owner who relies on organic marketing and social media presence to reach customers, Bedoian worries about the challenges she would face if TikTok were banned in the U.S. She believes that Congress needs to consider the impact on local businesses before making decisions that could significantly affect their ability to thrive and grow.
Bedoian emphasizes that TikTok has played an essential role in promoting her motel and increasing its popularity among tourists. She believes that without this platform, it will be challenging to connect with potential customers or showcase what St. Augustine has to offer.
Furthermore, she highlights how small businesses like hers have been able to create jobs and contribute to economic growth through social media platforms like TikTok.
In conclusion, Bedoian urges Congress to reconsider its decision on banning TikTok as it could have severe consequences for small businesses like hers. She emphasizes that social media platforms like TikTok play an essential role not only in promoting businesses but also creating job opportunities and generating tax revenue for local economies.
Leila Bedoian’s experience serves as a reminder of how crucial social media platforms are for small businesses, especially during these challenging times when many people are turning towards online platforms for information and entertainment purposes.
