Promoting a small business in the local area is the best way to get set up. People are more likely to come to you if you’re only a couple miles away, and having local branding gives you a hub to operate out of. More customers, more word of mouth, more chances to go global – it all starts in your neighborhood!
But how do you promote locally? It’s easy to do so online with social media and a website, but how can you be your own brand ambassador in person? Here are some methods to keep in mind.
Post Online in Local Circles
Posting online about your business is the norm. However, if you’re not targeting local groups, circles, and hashtags, you may just be shouting into the wind. Instead of tagging your posts with every single potentially relevant thing you can think of, focus on local tags that may have more traction for you.
For example, if you’re a tattoo artist and want to attract more customers down to your shop, tag your shop in your location as well. This will then be passed around people who have their location settings turned on, or have surfed these tags before. Do this over the next couple weeks and you can curate a local customer base in just a few simple posts.
Attend a Trade Show
A trade show is a good way to market towards local customers, as well as get to know other little businesses in your area. It’s a networking opportunity as well as a money-making one! So why not look up trade shows and business events near you in the next 6 months? And if there is one, see if you can apply to be a vendor or set up a booth.
If you get accepted, design and build your stand, invest in a smart POS system, and make sure you post frequently about where you’re going and when. Get the word out by even offering exclusive discounts to people who come and shop with you on the day – that’ll certainly get a few local customers excited!
Host or Sponsor Events in Your Area
Hosting events, like club nights or evening classes, is an amazing way to get your name out there amongst people who want to be involved in their community. A.k.a., the kind of people who would love to be your customers! Or if you’re not able to host, say you run a home business, you can sponsor events elsewhere, such as pub nights, school trips, or community sports days.
If you’ve got the funding and/or the relevant equipment for events like these, such as money for kits or a karaoke machine, you can get your name on the flyer and above the door as people come in. The more you do this, the more you’ll be recognised.
Promoting locally is a surefire way to success. Talk to those who can shop with you and you’ll make more profit!
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