Your business should appeal to a global audience. In fact, even service providers have begun using the Internet to serve audiences that may be a few states away. That said, the commerce brought to your company by locals is something that you simply cannot neglect. Local marketing services providers have identified a number of tactics that pay off big.
Engage Locals Digitally
Unlike print media, which is frequently tossed out with the day’s newspaper, digital marketing tactics succeed at keeping your company’s name in front of local consumers. By leveraging Facebook, email marketing and similar platforms, your small business’ name quickly becomes a household name. Offer digital coupons for printing out or downloading onto smartphones. Coupons are a great way of bringing in new customers for a first time visit.
Use Location-based Services to Attract Passersby
You don’t have to be a tech wizard to promote your small business using mobile apps that target consumers in the vicinity of your business. Groupon, Living Social, FourSquare and ThinkNear among others let you post information about your latest offers and limited-time deals to consumers within a certain distance of your business. You can also schedule deals to get delivered during key hours, for example, if you’re looking to boost foot traffic during off-peak times.
Become a Presence on Local Marketing Sites
Collaborating with other members of your local business community can be an advantageous endeavor. By being found on the same local marketing websites that your competitors advertise on, you succeed at positioning your brand as a serious contender for consumer attention. In doing so, you also succeed at being visible on the websites that shoppers in your city check out when searching for information on local businesses.
Put on Your Small Business Customer Service Hat
There’s a reason why consumers opt to frequent small businesses over larger chains—personal relationships. A smile, great service, product knowledge and enthusiasm will bring customers through your door and keep them coming back. So as you host new events, sales or workshops, use your small business advantage to the max!
Stay in Touch
Staying top of mind with new and existing customers who you’ve engaged through your new efforts is not just about offering great products and services. It’s also about staying in touch.
If you host an event that brings in new customers, encourage them to sign up for your emails. A little incentive, such as a free giveaway in exchange for an email address, is always effective. Use your automated marketing and CRM platform to stay in touch, set-up an e-newsletter program, send out regular updates about new product lines, company news, and events and start to engage with your customers via social media.
Enlist the Help of Local Marketing Services Professionals
You only get one chance at making a great first impression. If you make a mistake here, you will have to spend a lot of time and energy on undoing any perceptions that consumers formed about your company. Start out with a bang and keep on going with the same energy. Contact us today to discuss the best local marketing for your particular business.
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