Local Business Marketing Tips
Marketing is all about getting the word out there and letting people know that you’re a business with products or services to offer. It can be done in many ways, but one way may work better than others for certain types of businesses – like restaurants who want their Yelp reviews picked up by more potential customers on social media!
Below is an ever-growing list of tips your local business can take advantage of to help increase growth.
1. Get Active On Social Media
If you’re not already on social media, now is the time to start! Create profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (at the very least) and start posting content that will interest your target audience. Use hashtags, post photos and videos, run contests, and promote your special offers. The more active you are, the more likely people are to notice you.
2. Optimize Your Website For Seo
Make sure your website is optimized for search engine optimization (SEO) so that when people search for businesses like yours online, yours comes up first. Use relevant keywords in your titles and throughout your content, and make sure your site is easy to navigate so that search engines can index it properly.
3. Claim Your Google My Business Listing
If you haven’t already, claim your Google My Business listing and fill out all the relevant information about your business. This will help you show up in both Google Maps and Google Search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you. To setup or claim your business profile, go to https://www.google.com/business/
4. Get Listed In Online Directories
In addition to claiming your Google My Business listing, get listed in other online directories as well so that people can find you in multiple places. Some popular directories include Yelp, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau. There are quite a few options available to you that can help with this.
There is always the manual effort of finding and creating your business profile for all of these directories. This can be quite time-consuming. If you want to go this route, you can start with this article by Hubspot that lists 50 business directories. There are also companies that can help with business directory listings and monitoring. Search Engine Journal has an excellent article on this.
5. Write Blog Posts (Content Marketing)
If you have a website, start writing blog posts that are relevant to your business and target audience. This is a great way to show your expertise and attract people to your site. Blog posts (more broadly speaking, content marketing) should be apart of a sound SEO strategy.
You can also do keyword research and write blog posts around specific keyword phrases people search for. Additionally, you can leverage this content by sharing it on your social media accounts and other online platforms for maximum exposure. Learn more about the benefits of content marketing at https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/benefits-high-quality-content-consistency-brand
6. Use Google Ads
Google Ads allows you to place ads on Google.com and millions of other websites across the web. You can choose what keywords you want your ad to show up for, and you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This is a great way to advertise to prospective customers who are searching for products and services your business offers. Learn more about Google Ads management.
Google is still the big behemoth in the room when it comes to marketing your local business online. For more insight into marketing on Google, check out How To Get Your Business On Google.
7. Use Retargeting Ads
Retargeting ads are a type of online advertising that allows you to show ads to people who have already visited your website. This is a great way to stay top-of-mind with potential customers and increase the likelihood of them returning to your site and making a purchase. Common platforms use for retargeting are Google Ads, Facebook/Instagram and LinkedIn.
8. Host An Event
Hosting an event is a great way to get people interested in your business and generate some buzz. You can host a grand opening, a workshop, or even just a casual meetup. In addition to going the pre-digital route and hosting events in your local community, there are also virtual event hosting options you can take advantage of. Check out this article on virtual event platforms for more ideas and options. Make sure to promote your event online and through social media so that people know about it.
9. Give Away Freebies
People love free stuff! Offer a freebie on your website or social media channels and watch as people flock to get their hands on it. This is a great way to get people interested in your business and what you have to offer.
10. Partner With Other Businesses
Partnering with other businesses is a great way to reach a new audience and promote your business. You can partner with businesses in a similar industry or ones that complement your products or services. For example, if you’re a local bakery, you could partner with a nearby coffee shop. Make sure to promote the partnership online and through social media.
11. Sponsor A Local Event Or Team
Sponsoring a local event or team is a great way to get your business name out there and show your support for the community. This is also a great opportunity to promote any special offers or discounts you may be running. Here is a great article that goes more in-depth on event sponsorships.
12. Get Involved With Your Chamber Of Commerce
If you’re not already involved, consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce. This is a great way to network with other businesses and get your business name out there. You can also participate in Chamber-sponsored events and programs, which can be a great marketing opportunity.
13. Join Relevant Online Communities
There are likely online communities relevant to your industry where you can connect with others in your field. This is a great way to network, learn about new trends, and get your business name out there. Make sure to participate in discussions and offer helpful advice when you can.
14. Create Informative Videos
Videos are a great way to promote your business and show your expertise. You can create how-to videos, product demonstrations, or even just short clips that highlight what you do. Post your videos on social media and your website, and don’t forget to include a call to action so people know what you want them to do next.
15. Give Presentations Or Talks
Giving presentations or talks is a great way to show your expertise and get people interested in your business. You can give talks at local events, online webinars, or even just to your employees. Make sure to promote your talks online and through social media so that people know about them.
16. Write Informative Articles
Writing informative articles is a great way to show your expertise and attract people to your site. Make sure to share your articles on social media and other online platforms for maximum exposure.
17. Speak At Relevant Conferences
If you’re an expert in your field, consider speaking at relevant conferences. This is a great way to network with others in your industry and get your business name out there. You can also promote any special offers or discounts you may be running.
18. Give Interviews
Giving interviews is a great branding opportunity for your local business and show your expertise. You can give interviews to local newspapers, online publications, or even just on social media. Make sure to promote your interviews so that people know about them.
19. Hold A Contest Or Giveaway
People love contests and giveaways! Hold a contest or giveaway on your website or social media channels and watch as people flock to enter. This is a great way to get people interested in your business and what you have to offer.
20. Get Involved With Charities
Getting involved with charities is a great way to give back to the community and promote your business at the same time. You can sponsor a charity event, donate products or services, or even just volunteer your time. Make sure to promote your involvement online and through social media.
There are endless marketing opportunities available to small businesses. By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can reach new customers, increase brand awareness, and boost sales. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start marketing!
To learn more about how your local business can market online, check out the article, best places to advertise online.
