Small businesses do not need fancy, national campaigns. Instead, they require a strong dose of local marketing. Here are a few ways you can effectively promote your services within the immediate area.
Create Partnerships
Connect with other independent, nearby operators, and agree on a mutual promotional campaign. Find complementary services and create limited-time bargains for customers who patronize both establishments. Restaurant owners might want to connect with adjacent movie theaters and offer savings for diners who produce stubs. A wine shop could hand out free samples of cheese from the specialty foods store across the street. Use local connections to your advantage.
Get Involved
Endear yourself to the community by demonstrating that you identify as part of it. Participate in charity events. Organize a litter removal campaign. Raise awareness concerning neighborhood issues and provide guidance as to how patrons can make a difference. There are infinite ways of planting roots into your community and gaining people’s trust.
Organize Networking Meet-Ups
On your store’s bulletin board, hang a notice calling for close-by storeowners to gather at a particular restaurant or bar. Vendors will appreciate the opportunity to retell war stories and share advice within a relaxed atmosphere. If the event goes smoothly, lasting associations are likely to develop, for others as well as you.
Offer Deals on Groupon
Groupon is ideal for local marketing, as users are immediately pointed toward services that are relevant to their immediate area. It’s extremely affordable and a great tool for generating customer traffic.
Join Online Groups
Jump onto Facebook or Google your location and see what business-related forums surface. There are likely to be several that make sense for you. Be friendly and take the time to get to know your entrepreneurial peers. The knowledge, connections and wisdom you uncover will grant you an operational edge.
Secure Endorsements From Local Celebrities
You probably cannot afford to have Tom Cruise appear in your commercial, but rising comedians, magicians and community television stars may mention you for free in exchange for exposure. Offer to advertise their appearance schedules if they talk you up on social media or while performing. This mutually beneficial arrangement carries little downside. Just be careful that the personality you associate yourself with comes free of controversy.
Marketing yourself locally does not need to cost a ton or be complicated. Simply act creatively and focus on what is within reach. With a bit of networking and out-of-the-box thinking, you can elevate your business into the talk of the town.