How to grow your business locally

There is no single marketing effort that will win over local consumers. Connecting with potential customers requires a combination of digital marketing strategies and in-person marketing initiatives. In this post you will learn How to grow your business locally?

1. Write a blog

Blogging is a free and effective marketing tool to drive traffic to your site. It can bring in visitors from all over the world, and more importantly, you can use it to promote your business locally, whether you’re selling products through e-commerce or just in-store.

Effective blogging is more than just writing about topics you think people are searching for. To see measurable results from your blog you must have a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy supported by a thoroughly researched keyword strategy.

For example, a law firm in Austin, Texas, may wonder how it can get more clients who have suffered workplace injuries. By researching the terms searched locally, it determined that many people in Austin have questions about “work injury laws in Austin.” This becomes a blog topic and, along with SEO optimization, helps the business website see an increase in local SEO performance.

Use free keyword research tools to plan your strategy and choose the most relevant and popular search terms in your area. Knowing what your audience is looking for is the first step to creating content that will drive traffic and results.

2. Master social media marketing

Social media marketing channels such as Facebook and LinkedIn are popular ways to communicate with customers and other local business owners.

Consumers often use social media platforms to research and interact with local businesses. Thus, you should be active on your channels and ready to respond to any comments or questions they may have.

You can use your Facebook page to promote sales events, seasonal offers, or contests. Knowing how to promote your business locally means keeping your posts relevant to your local market — tap into what makes your community unique and use messaging that resonates with your audience. Be relevant to local audiences.

LinkedIn is a platform you can use to network with other small business owners and entrepreneurs. Doing so can open doors to potential partnerships, collaborations, or events with other local businesses.

3. Sign up for a local directory or local listings

You can submit your business profile and contact details to local industry-specific directories—usually run by professional organizations—or to your local chamber of commerce. Review sites and local directories like Yelp put your business on the radar of local consumers and let potential customers research your company before making a purchase decision.

For example, your Yelp business page is a one-stop shop where you can upload photos of your business, write a business description, add your address and phone number, respond to online reviews, and more. Can, etc. Adding or claiming your Yelp business page is free and only takes a few moments.

4. Use locally targeted ads

Incorporating native digital advertising into your marketing campaign gives you access to an audience you might not otherwise be able to reach. The power of online advertising lies in its ability to target specific local audiences.

Your first option is Search Engine Marketing (SEM). These are the ads that are displayed above local search engine results. You can choose a target audience and specific terms for your ads so that your business appears at the top of the list when local people search for your goods or services.

Let’s say you run a salon in Detroit, Michigan. You may want to pay for the ads that appear every time someone searches for the “best salon in Detroit.” This way, you appear at the top of the page before all your competitors.

You can also consider cost-per-click (CPC) or pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on popular platforms like Yelp. For example, Yelp ads work to promote your business in key areas of the Yelp site and mobile app — including the above search results and on competitors’ business pages. You control your budget and can stop your ads at any time. Additionally, you’ll only pay when someone clicks on your ad, ensuring that your investment is going to customers who are most likely to spend.

5. Set up a direct mail campaign

When you’re considering promoting your business locally, don’t dismiss traditional marketing strategies. Direct mail campaigns have been around for a while but are still extremely effective, especially if your target market includes people who don’t use email or social media often.

Most internet users see countless advertisements in a day. Sending a physical brochure can help you stand out from the crowd. Research shows that direct mail has influenced 87% of recipients to make online purchases.

When designing your brochures, include your business name and contact details as well as a coupon or discount voucher. Also, issue a call to action to let potential customers know what steps to take next. For example, perhaps they need to present a brochure at your business by a certain date to receive a discount.

You can also invest in local advertising by placing an ad in a local newspaper in the classified ads section, depending on your target market.

6. Grow your email list

Email marketing isn’t a new idea, but it’s still a powerful way to convert leads into customers, increase brand awareness, and help with customer acquisition and retention. In fact, 91% of companies report that email marketing is critical to their business success.

Email marketing is also more effective when you segment your email list by demographics such as age, location or interests. But how can you get people to give you their contact information and sign up for your email list?

One way is to add signup forms and calls-to-action to your website, blog content, or onsite at your business. You can also incentivize customers in your store with a discount on their next purchase if they sign up.

7. Get involved in the community

Looking for an organic way to promote your business locally? Showing that you are a contributing member of your local community and genuinely care can go a long way with potential customers. Look for opportunities such as fundraisers, volunteering, or local events that your business can participate in to give back to the community while spreading brand awareness.

You can even partner with a local charity and hold a fundraising event at your business. You can get foot traffic to your door as well as donate money to a good cause.

8. Promote a loyalty program

Loyalty programs can help you secure repeat business and increase customer loyalty. Existing customers will be more inclined to your business if they know they are receiving a perk on every purchase (or after a certain number of purchases).

Consider giving members a discount on purchases or incentivizing them with complimentary products or free upgrades.

For example, if you own a cafe, you can provide loyalty cards and give members a stamp for each coffee. Once they put in a certain number of stamps, they can get a free coffee of their choice. Or, if they spend a certain amount at your store, they can get a free gift with the purchase.

9. Partner with local influencers

A social media influencer is someone who engages in an online following and can influence the purchasing decisions of other consumers. Partnering with local influencers is an increasingly common marketing strategy.

You can either pay them a fee or offer free products in exchange for them posting about your business on their social channels. This can be a relatively inexpensive marketing tactic with a high engagement rate in your community.

Because these social media influencers have spent time building trust within their following, their recommendation to visit your website or buy your goods or services can carry a lot of weight. . Think of it as a recommendation from a friend and word of mouth.

10. Start a referral program

A referral program can provide you with high-quality leads while strengthening your relationships with existing customers. Since 61% of consumers are likely to trust a recommendation from a friend, family member, or influencer on social platforms, this type of marketing strategy is an effective way to build awareness through word of mouth. It is the best way.

Encourage your existing customers to refer their friends and family. For example, a lawn care provider might start a referral program that offers customers free bush trimming or lawn mowing for every customer. New customers who were referred can also get free weed after their first purchase.

Use the power of a local marketing strategy

If you’re thinking about promoting your business locally, apply some of the promotion strategies in this guide. Many of the ideas are easy to implement and cost nothing.

Start with simple tips first, like volunteering in your community, starting a referral program, or claiming your business page on Yelp. You can then move on to more labor-intensive ideas, such as writing a blog, partnering with influencers, or running digital ads. Soon you’ll be expanding your reach in your community and expanding your customer base.