Every business could use the support of the locals. However, not all companies know how to appeal and connect with the community around them. Sounds familiar? Follow these marketing moves to finally get a thumbs up from the customers in your immediate area:
Be Seen in the Local Scene
One networking strategy that never gets old is getting involved with events, whether you’re the host, an attendee, or a sponsor. If you want to get your name known quickly by local customers, you have to be present where they are. Check out the community bulletin for upcoming events or celebrations.
If there’s a trade fair, consider setting up a booth. Sponsoring a cause or event related to your service or product goes a long way too. For example, if you sell eco-friendly items, look for a cleanup drive in your area and sponsor it. This way, you build a positive image for your business while also getting your name out there.
Planning to host your own event? You’re on the right track. Organizing an activity for the community lets you engage with your prospects and fellow business owners. To make your event a success, make sure you get people excited about it. Release some ads to inform the locals of what’s about to happen.
Think Local Even in Your Online Strategies
The thing with the internet is that it allows you to reach prospects from across the globe. It doesn’t mean, however, that online marketing won’t be as useful and effective when your target is the local community.
Start your marketing efforts with social media. It’s free for most parts. You get to create accounts on various platforms, interact with your customers, and share content without shelling out a cent. Once you get the hang of it and know how the platforms work, the next thing to do is to explore and release ads. Google Ads and Facebook Ads can come handy in this level of marketing.
These platforms help you target local customers, thanks to their enormous amount of data. From social media, you can level up your online marketing through SEO, especially if you already have a business website. Optimize your site by incorporating specific keywords related to your service plus your location or target area.
If, for example, you own a digital marketing company offering PPC management services in Denver or other cities, you’d want to include the city in your website copy and other online content. That way, your prospects will find your website on the first page of results when they search for a digital marketing company in the area.
Fall in Love With Reviews
Nothing is as influential as word of mouth when it comes to local marketing. Treat your customers right, and they’ll recommend you to other people. On the flipside, give them a negative experience, and they’ll warn everyone of your business. Your reputation is on the line.
Don’t fear reviews, though. Instead, love them. Ask for them. Even if you receive negative ones, it’s still possible to turn things around. If you made a customer unhappy, be curious about their experience with your business and ask how you can make up to them. This is your chance to improve your service and show the local community that you care. A word about your display of sincerity, such as good reviews, spreads like wildfire.
What do you think about the marketing strategies above? If you haven’t already, give them a try and see for yourself how effective they are in building a solid local customer base.
