Fort Lauderdale has changed a lot over the past decade. The city has always been a tourist hotspot, but today it’s also full of growing restaurants, real estate firms, law practices, medical offices, retail shops, and more. With all of this growth comes one big challenge: how do you stand out in such a competitive market?
The answer more often than not For a Fort Lauderdale business is SEO and (SMM) social media marketing. Whether you’re trying to attract locals, bring in visitors, or build your reputation, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube are now essential tools for business visibility in 2025.
At Market That, we’ve seen firsthand how the right social media presence can drive new business for companies across Fort Lauderdale. Below, we’ll look at different industries, why social media matters for each, and which platforms make the biggest impact.
Why social media is non-negotiable
People in Fort Lauderdale are already online scrolling, searching, and comparing. When someone is looking for a dinner spot, a real estate agent, or even a new dentist, they’re checking social platforms just as much as Google.
Social media has replaced old-fashioned word of mouth. A single post from a customer can influence hundreds of others. The businesses that show up consistently online are the ones that get noticed, remembered, and trusted. You have to be invested in social media now! If not you are making harder for your business!
Restaurants and nightlife
Fort Lauderdale is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafés, especially around Las Olas and the beachside districts. The competition is fierce, and social media is often the deciding factor when someone chooses where to eat or drink.
Photos of dishes, short videos of cocktails being made, and customer-generated content can all create buzz. Instagram and TikTok are especially important here since people want to see food and atmosphere before making a reservation.
What’s most important is creating a steady flow of content that keeps your spot top of mind. That’s where professional guidance comes in, because the strategy behind the scenes matters as much as the content itself.
Real estate
The Fort Lauderdale real estate market is competitive and fast-moving. Buyers and renters are constantly checking their phones for new listings. That’s why agents who use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are often the ones who get the most attention.
Video tours, neighborhood highlights, and even short updates on market conditions build credibility and attract leads. You have to build a brand that people trust before they ever pick up the phone.
Agents who invest in a solid social strategy position themselves as experts in the community. Those who don’t risk being invisible in an industry where visibility is everything.
Tourism and hospitality
Tourism is still the backbone of Fort Lauderdale. Hotels, resorts, attractions, and event spaces all rely on keeping a steady flow of visitors throughout the year. Social media is one of the most effective ways to reach both locals and tourists.
Travelers now plan their trips on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. They want to see the rooms, the amenities, and the experiences before they book. Hotels and attractions that showcase their story online tend to fill more rooms and sell more tickets.
At the same time, hospitality businesses can’t rely only on glossy content. They need campaigns that target the right audience at the right time. That’s where a strong agency partner makes a difference.
Healthcare and wellness
From dentists to med spas to gyms, Fort Lauderdale has a wide range of health and wellness businesses. Trust is everything in this space, and social media plays a huge role in building that trust.
People want to see who they’ll be working with, what the environment looks like, and how others feel about the service. Short video explainers, patient testimonials, and lifestyle content are powerful tools for this industry.
The challenge is finding the right way to share information without overwhelming people or violating platform guidelines. This is where having a professional team guide your content strategy can protect your reputation and maximize results.
Professional services
Law firms, accounting offices, insurance brokers, and marketing agencies may not seem like natural fits for social media. But in Fort Lauderdale, where competition is tight, even professional services benefit from showing up online.
LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook are key platforms for this sector. Sharing insights, community involvement, and success stories helps build credibility. Clients want to know who they’re trusting with their money or their case, and social media is often the first impression.
The catch is that professional services require a different tone than restaurants or retail. Messaging needs to be consistent, polished, and appropriate for the industry. That balance is something an experienced marketing partner can handle.
Retail and eCommerce
Fort Lauderdale’s boutiques, shops, and eCommerce brands thrive on discovery. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest create that discovery by putting products in front of people who didn’t even know they were looking.
Shoppers want to see new arrivals, styling ideas, and customer reviews in action. When done well, social content can drive both in-store traffic and online sales.
The key is to combine creative content with targeted campaigns. Otherwise, posts can get lost in the noise. That’s why many retailers turn to professionals who understand how to pair content with the right ads.
Events and venues
From concerts and food festivals to local fundraisers, Fort Lauderdale is a city that thrives on events. Social media is critical for building hype, selling tickets, and generating buzz afterward.
The right mix of teaser posts, live updates, and recap videos can turn a single event into months of content. The challenge is doing it in a way that feels natural and keeps engagement high. That’s where experience with strategy and timing makes the difference.
The platforms that matter most
Different industries need different approaches, but the main platforms that dominate Fort Lauderdale’s business landscape are:
- Instagram: Great for visual storytelling, lifestyle branding, and connecting with locals.
- TikTok: Perfect for short, engaging content that reaches younger audiences and tourists.
- Facebook: Still powerful for community events, older demographics, and ad targeting.
- LinkedIn: Essential for B2B and professional credibility.
- YouTube: Ideal for long-form content, tutorials, and property or product showcases.
The real trick isn’t is knowing how to use them in a way that creates consistent leads and growth. That’s not something most business owners have time for, which is why partnering with a skilled team such as Market That pays off.
Staying competitive in 2025
Social media is no longer optional. In Fort Lauderdale, it’s the difference between being part of the conversation or being forgotten. Businesses that invest in a clear, consistent social media strategy will continue to grow. Those that don’t will watch competitors take their place.
At Market That, we specialize in helping Fort Lauderdale businesses turn social media into a tool that drives real results—whether that’s more customers, more bookings, or more recognition. If your business is ready to take the next step, we’re here to make it happen.
