Des Moines-based content creation business Hummingbirds raises $3M seed round

• The company's goal is to launch in more than 30 cities nationwide.

How it works: Businesses can hire "Hummingbirds" to promote their products or services on social media.

• Unlike many major influencers, "Hummingbirds" are based in a local community who may post about things like a nearby concert or a deal at the grocery store.
• Anyone can sign up to become a hummingbird and get access to products and events that businesses are trying to promote.

The bottom line: We may glaze over big Instagram ads and influencer videos, so when it comes to making local choices, audiences are most receptive to what their neighbors are saying, CEO Emily Steele notes.