BURLINGTON, N.C. — A well-known local photographer credits not just her work behind the lens for her success, but also how savvy she is with social media.

Sara-Anne Caudle owns Sara-Anne’s Photography in downtown Burlington.

“I thought, no way could I grow my business in a small town, but Burlington really welcomed me and it has been the best thing that could have ever been,” says Caudle. “I still get a rush every time I put my flash drive in my computer. It’s like, ahhh, I can’t wait to see them.”

Caudle uses her blog, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram to create and keep interest in her product. “I do a lot of reading, of scoping and I’m not afraid to fail. If something doesn’t work, that’s OK. It’s not enough to have a status update; you have to include images and quotes. Have to stay on top of it almost daily.”

Because of her efforts with social media, Caudle has clients from as far away as New Zealand and Alaska.

Chisa Pennix-Brown teaches small business classes at GTCC’s Nussbaum Center for Entrepreneurship. She says 80 percent of the students are women who want to open their own small business.

“A lot of people have a skill; they’ve been waiting to do it for a long time. They see it as a viable business because of social media. We show them how all the social media platforms work together to best market their business.”

New classes start Oct. 24. For more information, call 336-334-4822, extension 62001 or go to their website, gtcc.edu/sbc.