Small businesses have faced numerous challenges in recent years, from supply chain disruptions and labor shortages to inflation and decreased foot traffic. To survive, small businesses are turning to digital platforms to reach new customers and promote their products and services. As a small business owner, I know these struggles firsthand, and Facebook and Instagram have emerged as critical tools behind my small business’s growth and global reach.
Unfortunately, as Congress considers tech regulation, I fear that small business owners’ voices and the impact on our businesses will be overlooked. Lawmakers need to understand that small businesses are finding ways to compete and succeed through digital tools, especially through targeted advertising on social media platforms. As the founder of fashion label ZYEM NYC, I’ve witnessed the transformative impact of targeted ads and other social media tools.
I started my business as a community-based enterprise, serving local audiences with passion and purpose. However, by utilizing targeted ads on social media that rely on third-party data, I have expanded our brand’s global appeal and connected with diverse audiences worldwide. Today, my fashion label has surpassed local boundaries thanks to the power of digital platforms to amplify my mission of promoting positivity, empowerment, and self-expression.
As a small but impactful intergenerational apparel brand, my success in expanding my businesses’ online presence is largely .
