Give your business a boost and get your community talking about who you are and what you do with our local marketing tips to try in person and online.
Get out and about…
Start with the obvious and ask everyone you know: Do you know anyone who might need my services? Ask if it’s ok to contact them or better yet, ask for a recommendation.
Any new local businesses popped up lately? Go and introduce yourself in person! Ask if you can leave some flyers with them.
Chat with everyone you meet while doing what you do. Be THAT local, chatty business owner who gets along with anyone.
Be on brand EVERYWHERE you go. Wear your brand on the school run, at your haircut, on your next takeaway run etc.
Set up a pop-up at a high footfall venue (e.g. shopping mall) or local event. Focus on giving information and advice rather than direct selling, especially if you can make this a regular occurrence.
Host a coffee morning or drop in offering free advice in your place of business. Invite people to watch what you do in action.
Join local business networks and go to their meetings – be an upstanding community figure. Work on some mutually beneficial partnerships with established businesses in the area.
Sponsor a local sports team or charity event (always check the media exposure package to make sure you’re getting a good ROI).
Does your leaflet need a refresh? Think about tailoring your message to the situation in which your leaflet will be discovered e.g. Nervous about seeing the dentist? Looking for more things to do with the kids?
Grab all your leaflets / flyers / posters / business cards and go to:
- New housing estates. Knock on doors and say hello!
- Cafes, car garages, post offices, hairdressers, fish and chip shops
- Doctors, vets, opticians, dentist waiting rooms
- Village halls, community centres, public notice boards
- Supermarket and local shop notice boards#Gyms, swimming pools, sports clubs, libraries
Engage online…
Re-visit who you follow on Facebook and add any new local businesses, services and spaces that make sense for your business.
Post about your favourite local hidden gems to show you are knowledgeable and care about your area. Better still, show it on a video!
Share related, interesting content to your social media followers and ask them what they think. You could get some valuable insights into your customers’ mindset.
Tried doing a Facebook or Instagram story yet? Give it a go!
When did you last post on Google My Business? Any new reviews to share? If not, ask for some.
Check for local directories offering free listings – monitor which directories work and which don’t by looking at referral traffic to your website.
Advertise…
Advertising is expensive and isn’t always very targeted, but if you have budget, look into prices for advertising in:
- Local billboards
- Local newspapers and supplements
- Local magazines
- Local classified newspapers
- Local pamphlets
ALWAYS ask for circulation and demographic numbers. Ask yourself whether they get the reach you’re looking for.
Top tip: Ask if they can throw in any free editorial either in print or online.
