Many small businesses have found their local communities more than willing to support them over the course of the pandemic. Keeping that momentum going requires a concentrated marketing effort and the willingness to get out there and become an active community member. Here we take a look at five local marketing tips for small businesses.
Collaborate With Other Businesses
Networking with other local business owners for cross-promotions and even events is a great way to expand your reach beyond your typical customer base. Combining your budgets to host an event will allow you to create a memorable experience without overspending. Simple things like sharing and commenting on each other’s social media posts can significantly enhance the marketing efforts on both sides.
Get Involved In The Community
There are various ways you can get involved in your community, including joining the chamber of commerce and volunteering with local non-profit organizations. Both of these are fantastic ways to grow your network and build relationships with the locals. Your participation can also improve the reputation of your business and help you gain valuable insights into how to market your business in the local area better.
Sponsor Events And Sports Teams
Sponsoring events or local sports teams is a great way to expand your audience and get yourself in front of a large portion of your local community. Getting involved with booster clubs, school events, local charitable events, and holiday celebrations can bring excellent brand awareness to your business. Simply having a banner hanging during a local sporting event can get a significant amount of name recognition.
Use Traditional Marketing Tactics
Traditional marketing tactics like flyers, direct mail, signage, and even billboards can be greatly effective in your local area. While these tactics may not bring you national recognition and are costly on a large scale, targeting your community and the surrounding areas can provide a positive return on investment. These materials should be personalized toward the local community.
Personalize Your Digital Content
Creating blog articles, emails, and social media posts that mention your local area can help build your online following within your community. These posts may contain local-only promotions, support for local sports teams, and advertisements for local charity events. Email campaigns that are sent within your local area should include subject matter that speaks directly to the locals, along with images and videos from around town.
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