Most
small businesses‘ main customer base comes from the local community. Finding ways to reach out to the neighborhood is crucial to your success. You have many ways to learn about your area’s customers and create tailored marketing. Try some of the strategies in this guide.
Join Local Directories and the Chamber of Commerce
The internet gives you the opportunity to target people in your community looking for your goods or services. Google lets you
create a profile for free. When someone searches for your business or specialty, your company will appear as a result. Creating a Google My Business profile also adds your business location to Google Maps so your customers can find you.
Your town or neighborhood probably has a chamber of commerce to join as well. These organizations let businesses sign up as members and get benefits like networking events and promotions. They can also give you advice on your community’s market and provide advertising ideas. There is usually a fee for joining the chamber of commerce.
Use Traditional Marketing Methods
People still use classic marketing tactics because they work. Flyers and newspaper ads can get the word out to customers in your area. The local TV news always needs events to report, so reach out to them about the kinds of happenings they want to cover. Their answer can help you make an event that the community finds interesting. Keep your business cards in your wallet so you can share them with anyone who shows interest in your business.
Partner With Other Community Businesses
Small businesses become stronger in the competition against big chain businesses when they work together. Promoting your goods and services at a second place increases the community’s awareness of your business. Consider working with an established local business to receive advice about your community’s market. They can work with you to create a partnership strategy that appeals to your
target audience.
To get the best results out of a partnership, try working with a business that has a similar audience and different products or services. For example, if you sell flowers, you can team up with a jewelry store. This way, you’ll get to raise awareness about your offerings without encouraging customers to go to one business over the other.
Participate in Local Events
Farmers’ markets, festivals and school events often let local businesses participate. An event booth will give you the opportunity to promote your goods or services and learn about your audience. Local sports teams and events get sponsorships from local businesses like yours as well.
You can also find opportunities at trade shows and exhibits for your industry. Some of these events have a small business focus, while others target big names in the industry. Local organizations like your chamber of commerce can help you find relevant trade shows nearby. A simple search on the internet can also generate results for local trade shows in your industry. These networking opportunities help you understand the local market by teaching you about all of the different stakeholders in your industry.
Encourage Word-of-Mouth Marketing
People trust their friends’ and families’ recommendations for services and products. Giving your customers reasons to spread the word about your business will bring in new visitors who are excited to see your offerings. Since most people share an experience when it impresses them, you need to have excellent customer service. Make working with your business simple, pleasant and convenient. The results will speak for themselves!
If you prefer a direct approach, you also have the option of starting a referral program. Ask customers where they found out about you using registration forms or cards on your checkout counter. Reward people who recommend you for your goods or services with
discounts and promotions.
Communicate Your Values
Customers count on small businesses to do a better job at personalizing their experience than bigger companies. This trust puts you in a prime position to establish your values with your clients. Think about the reasons you run your business. Maybe you want to make a person’s day brighter or raise awareness about a cause. Feel free to ask your loyal customers what values they associate with your business. Learning this information will help you tailor your message to the people who care the most.
Use Simple Social Media Marketing Strategies
Social media offers many tools for marketing to individuals and businesses. Try making a page for your business and posting updates about your inventory, discounts and events.
If you don’t feel comfortable with your skills, see if you can ask a tech-savvy friend or relative. They can make a post or event and share it with people they know. Business owners with the budget to spare can also hire someone to take charge of their social media. Many social media specialists understand how to use statistics to see what your audience likes.
Celebrate the Holidays
If you have an important holiday in your community, you can do something special to celebrate it. Plenty of options are suited for small and large budgets. Some lower-cost ideas include offering free samples and sending cards to clients. Small businesses that work with other companies can hold a get-together with clients to express their gratitude. Get feedback from customers you trust when you don’t know if you should market for a holiday.
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