Local marketing is essential for small businesses that want to increase their visibility and reach new potential customers. By investing in local marketing initiatives, small businesses can expand their reach, attract new customers, and grow their business.
What is local marketing?
Local marketing is targeting an audience near your business. The goal of a local marketing strategy is to increase conversions by targeting potential customers who are in close proximity. Local marketing can also help you to be more efficient with your marketing budget by focusing your efforts on a specific group of people.
What types of businesses benefit from local marketing?
Local marketing can be beneficial for various types of businesses that rely on attracting customers from a specific geographical area including, restaurants, retail stores, brick-and-mortar stores, professional services, home services, and local events. Just because you're not focused on local doesn't mean you can't benefit from a wider audience in your town or region. You never know how many potential customers or clients are just outside of your usual reach.
Local Marketing Strategies
Google My Business
Claiming your business on Google My Business is a great way to improve your SEO and increase your visibility in local search results. It is a free service that allows you to manage your business’s online presence across Google, including search and maps.
Social Media Marketing
Social Media Marketing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be used to engage with local customers and promote your business. You can create a business profile, share updates, and run targeted ads to reach potential customers in your area.
Local Sponsorships
Sponsoring local events or charities is a great way to get noticed your business in the community. It shows that you are invested in the area and can generate positive word-of-mouth and brand awareness.
Customer reviews
Encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews on Google or other review platforms. These reviews can help improve your local SEO and build trust with potential customers.
Direct Mail Marketing
Sending postcards or flyers to homes or businesses in your area can be an effective way to promote your business and reach potential customers who may not be actively searching online.
Local Partnerships
Partnering with other local businesses can help you expand your reach and cross-promote each of your services. For example, a restaurant might partner with a nearby theatre to offer a dinner-and-a-movie promotion.
Community Involvement
Participating in community events or sponsoring local sports teams can help you build a positive reputation in the community and generate goodwill towards your business.
Google Ads
Running targeted Google Ads can help you reach your potential customers in your area who are very actively searching for your products or services.
Geofencing
Geofencing is a digital advertising technique that allows you target customers within a specific geographic area. It can be used to send targeted ads or promotions to people who are near your business location.
Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Optimising your website for local search can help you rank higher and drive more foot traffic to your business. This can include optimising your website for local keywords, creating location-specific content, and building local citations and backlinks.
At Unilakes, we offer a comprehensive suite of strategic and operational consulting services to help you drive tangible business benefits from your local marketing efforts. We work with businesses of all sizes to help them grow in their local markets by providing the aforementioned strategic services and thought leadership needed to compete effectively. Our services address the technology needs of small, medium, and large enterprises alike and complement their existing and future digital transformation efforts, no matter where they are in their journey.
