The target audience for many businesses’ marketing initiatives must be local. For small businesses, local marketing is a component of a larger marketing strategy since it can put your brand in front of a wider local audience likely to use your services soon. But what can you do as a business owner to expand the audience your small business may reach in your community?
What is local marketing?
Local marketing focuses on attracting customers who live or work in the same city or region as the company doing the marketing. People who are within a specified radius of your physical location – typically based on a fair driving distance – and who have the potential to acquire your product or service at any moment are the target audience for this type of marketing.
Businesses benefiting from local marketing
Local marketing can be of use to many firms, but there are certain categories of companies for which it is an absolute must. Restaurants are a fantastic example because they are actual venues that offer various dining options, including dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services. A restaurant cannot move from its current location because of its very nature.
Retail stores are another type of company that is a great example of businesses requiring local shop marketing. Even though even the smallest retail operations typically have an online store in this day and age, increasing the store’s foot traffic and local brand awareness can be accomplished through local marketing. This is of utmost importance for independent, locally-owned retail boutiques that go up against larger corporate businesses.
Here are some local marketing strategies that can help you attract customers from within your local area:
Target Nearby Social Media Users
If you know how to use it in that way, social media can be utilized to target your immediate geographic area. However, there is no requirement for you to market. Make an effort to have your current local clients follow you on social media. If you share fascinating information, those who follow you will be more likely to share your updates with their local friends and family members who also follow them.
Optimize your website (and localize it).
You should Optimize a website to increase customer inflow, but has your website been optimized for consumers in your area? Not only should you adhere to search engine optimization (SEO) best practices, such as using keyword research to guide the creation of content for your website, but you should also make certain that your website provides a mobile experience that is of the highest quality.
Sponsor Local Events
The promotion of your business can be greatly facilitated by sponsoring charitable activities in your immediate neighborhood.
Be sure that the event or cause is one in which you believe and may be of interest to the people who are likely to become your consumers. For instance, a local toy business that sponsors an event at a nightclub might not do as well as they had hoped. A more relevant strategy would be to sponsor a sports team for children.
Follow Up With Customers
After a successful transaction, follow up with a customer through email to express gratitude and request a testimonial. Under no circumstances should you give someone something in return for a positive review. But sending a thank-you email that includes a statement that you appreciate comments and would value a testimonial for your website if the recipient is willing to provide one is becoming increasingly common these days.
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