You can find just about any type of restaurant or quick stop eatery in the Columbia area.

You have to look high and low for some places. But for some, you just have to scroll on your phone. 

Social media is big and influential. It’s no surprise that many small businesses use it to promote their new and growing businesses. 

The Lazy Daisy Coffee Co. opened up this summer on Forest Drive in Forest Acres and quickly became a hotspot. With lines out the door and every seat full, it makes you wonder how everyone found this hole-in-the-wall spot.

“Social media has definitely played a big role in helping Lazy Daisy grow,” said Lazy Daisy owner Julia Tourville. “It’s been a great way for us to connect with the community, share our story, and show the personality behind the shop.”

The Lazy Daisy is managed through a marketing agency called City Social Co. It manages local businesses by specializing in social media marketing.

The coffee shop also happens to be in a “college town.” So it’s is no question that social media can boost business, with most college students being on multiple platforms.

“I love coffee and trying different coffee shops all the time,” said local student Ramona Davis. “So when I saw the video on TikTok, I would have to say the aesthetic definitely drew me in  along with some of their flavor options.” 

The power of the social media influencer is another major factor in marketing. Parker Reese, a Columbia social media influencer, has almost 70,000 TikTok followers. 

“Social media is huge for small businesses,” Reese said.  “It gives them visibility they wouldn’t normally have, and a single post can reach thousands of people in a way that traditional advertising can’t.”

Is social media the new way to advertise? 

The Lazy Daisy might think so: It has reached more than 8,000 followers on Instagram and is continually growing.