In Los Angeles, there’s a coffee shop on every block with a full-fledged TikTok action plan, and each boutique aims to become the next great Instagram Reels sensation. Online marketing has become a matter of survival. It’s no longer a choice. At Tower 25, we see too many local businesses planning based on outdated assumptions that sound good but deliver nothing.
From believing that SEO is irrelevant to thinking that having more followers means more revenue, these myths blow budgets, halt growth, and allow competitors to grab market share. Forming strategies based on these outdated beliefs will cost you customers fast.
It’s time to debunk the five most common digital marketing myths that LA businesses still believe and replace them with strategies that actually work.
Myth 1—SEO is Dead
You might be wondering, with TikTok trends and paid campaigns everywhere, why even bother with SEO? Here’s the truth: SEO isn’t dead. It just changed.
What Businesses Assume
Many LA businesses think search is outdated. They believe social media and ads alone can handle their marketing.
Why That’s a Dangerous Assumption
Local intent searches like “coffee near me” or “best Pilates studio in Silver Lake” are increasing each year. Google isn’t slowing down. In fact, if you’re not optimized for search, you’re basically invisible to customers. And your competitors who are appearing in search results are gaining an edge.
How to Do It Right
Modern SEO is about being relevant, not trying to trick the system. This means creating content that answers real questions, optimizing for mobile, and building credibility through reviews are crucial.
Proof in Action
A local consumer survey (2023) found that 98% of consumers used the internet to find information about local businesses. It means that if your pilates studio doesn’t show up when someone searches “best pilates studio”, you’re losing tons of customers to competitors.
Myth 2—More Followers Means More Sales
In Los Angeles, it is common for local businesses to get caught up chasing big follower counts on social media.
What Businesses Assume
Many businesses assume that the more followers they have, the more money they will generate. But having thousands of followers doesn’t lead to sales, not directly. What actually matters is real engagement.
Why That’s a Dangerous Assumption
Although a large follower base can enhance brand visibility, it doesn’t guarantee sales. The key lies in the quality of engagement and attention to audience interests. Businesses may find their efforts useless if they fail to engage with the audience strategically.
How to Do It Right
Rather than just increasing follower numbers, businesses need to focus on improving the value of their content, engaging with the audience, and using analytics to figure out what works best.
Proof in Action
A study by Oregon SBDC shows that 78% of local businesses use social media to boost brand awareness, and 90% include it in their marketing strategy. This shows that success through social media depends on meaningful engagement and connecting with your audience, not just increasing followers.
Myth 3—Set it and Forget it Marketing Works
Many businesses think that once a marketing campaign is launched, it will run smoothly and doesn’t require any more attention. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. A mindset like this is what leads to missed opportunities.
What Businesses Assume
The main assumption is that after setting up a campaign, minimal intervention is needed, and it will continue to bring results.
Why That’s a Dangerous Assumption
Market trends and consumer behaviors shift every day. A campaign can become outdated if left unchecked, leading to decreased performance and inefficient budget use.
How to Do It Right
Instead of adopting a set-it-and-forget-it approach, businesses should regularly monitor campaigns and constantly adapt to changes in the dynamic market.
Proof in Action
A study by Logical Media Group states that the “set it and forget it” approach is one of the worst things marketers do to their campaigns. Even though AI-powered tools make the job easier, human evaluation is still crucial. Regular adjustment is necessary for sustained growth.