When it comes to marketing, there are a huge choice of strategies, from branding to blogging. However, when it comes to locally based businesses and targeting potential customers in a specific area, there are often more effective methods.
From digital strategies to print marketing, here are some ways to market your local business in order to establish your company’s reputation and reach a wider audience.
Focus on SEO
While SEO is a major focus for the majority of ventures, for local business, it requires a slightly different strategy. This is because ranking for local searches is paramount in attracting new customers and clients. As such, focus on local SEO, from registering your business with search engines to utilising local keywords in your online content.
Seek Reviews
When you’re trying to decide which local restaurant to visit, how do you choose? While you probably browse menus and assess prices, chances are you look at reviews, too. For a small local business, the important of reviews cannot be overstated. These play a pivotal role in helping a potential customer decide whether to choose your business, make sure to ask for reviews and showcase these as part of your local marketing strategy.
Traditional Tactics
Social media and SEO can be powerful tools for any business. However, targeted print marketing can also be influential, helping to build your brand with local people. An affordable and effective method, print marketing allows you to target a specific demographic or area, make a more personal connection and deliver a lasting impression.
Get Out There
Want to be known locally? One of the cheapest and result-driven methods could be to get involved in your community. Depending on the type of business venture you own, this could mean attending events, visiting schools or sponsoring a local team. Sometimes, marketing your local business is as simple as providing opportunities to engage with local people and build connections.
Use Social Media
Social media can be a great and free – unless you choose to use paid advertising – way of connecting with potential customers. The ability to create conversations, get involved with local events and instantly share your news can be invaluable. It can also be a fantastic way of building your brand, by hosting competitions or offering discounts through post sharing and tagging.
For local businesses, standing out from the competition and making sure your business is visible are essential. By employing local marketing techniques, like those above, you could help to promote your business and increase its standing within the local area.
