Local company owners wear several hats, and one of them is that of a marketer in many circumstances. Fortunately, there are simple, low-cost (and even free) ways to publicize your company.
This post is full of strategies to get your business’s name out in the community as you reopen, whether you were forced to shutter your doors due to COVID-19 and are looking for new methods to engage your present customers or you’re searching for new methods to attract new consumers.
Identify Your Target Customer Base (Small Business Marketing 101)
Take a minute to establish your company’s target client base before exploring any new advertising ideas.
That is, through your marketing, who are you aiming to reach and serve?
Maybe you’re a realtor who relies on word-of-mouth recommendations from past clients, but you want to make your real estate firm stand out from the crowd.
Perhaps you’re the owner of a brick-and-mortar store looking to increase foot traffic as you prepare to reopen your doors.
Maybe you tutor part-time and want to get your name out in front of your neighbours in your neighbourhood.
Identifying your local customers or future consumers and understanding where they go for information about your organization is the ideal way to start your marketing strategy as a small company owner, regardless of your expertise.
Small businesses have 12 free and low-cost advertising choices.
1. Create a Google My Business account
Are you looking for a free way to promote your company? Google is one of the first places a potential customer would look for your company. While the name may be unfamiliar, Google My Business is the platform that allows you to build a business profile and listing that displays in Google Search or Google Maps. When someone searches for “salons near me,” for example, a list of salons in the area emerges. Your listing will instruct Google to feature your nearby company in its search results.
Claiming or putting up your listing will make your company’s information available in Google’s search results, including contact information (phone number, website, address), and business hours. Google My Business also offers useful statistics, such as how many times your listing has been viewed and how many times it has shown in searches.
2. Search engine optimization (SEM)
Search engine marketing (SEM) is a paid option in which your listings appear in sponsored spots in search engines (i.e., they are highly prominent). Let’s say one of your store’s most popular demographics is women in their 30s. You can create ad campaigns to target that demographic and refine them based on other factors like ZIP code. Try Google Ads (and equivalent services like Bing, AOL, and Yahoo!) for search engine marketing.
3. In your community, in person, and on the internet
Spread the word where your neighbours hang out, both in person and online. Distribute flyers and advertisements through community publications and bulletin boards, as well as local internet forums. You’ll want to make sure your neighbours are aware of your business. Setting up a Business Page, collecting recommendations, and engaging with customers in your area is all free.
4. Use of social media
Consumers can find out where you’re located, when you’re open, and how other customers have rated you on social media networks. It’s free to create business profiles on Facebook and Instagram, just like it is with Google My Business. Paid advertising solutions are also available to reach your target audience (based on demographics, interests, and location).
Consider Twitter, Snapchat, LinkedIn, YouTube, Pinterest, and Reddit, among other social media networks. These platforms are all excellent for informing your clients about reopening timetables, business changes, and safety steps that are being taken to ensure that everyone feels comfortable when visiting your store. Because there are so many tools available, it’s critical to prioritize where your customers spend their online time and what makes the most sense for your company.
5. Business directories, local listings, and local search
Companies can list their business with local advertising alternatives on new digital platforms like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and Nextdoor. Choose the most appropriate company listing service for your specialty or industry.
6. Optimisation for search engines (SEO)
The method of ensuring that your company’s website ranks high in search engine results is known as search engine optimization (SEO).
Understanding how consumers search for your products or services is an important part of SEO. Here’s where you can learn more about local SEO methods.
Is it more likely that they will search for “Thai restaurant near me” or “Thai food near me”? Find out what keywords people use to find you and make sure your website’s content answers those questions. Maintain your social media profiles and keep your contact information up to date. Learn more about : Why SEO is important for your business
7. Blogging
Once your website is up and running, creating a blog is a terrific method to boost your SEO and connect with the community. If you’re a restaurant owner, for example, use your blog to spotlight loyal customers, provide recipes, and profile your team. Strong content aids Google’s understanding of your niche, resulting in your company appearing in more search results.
8. Email marketing
One approach to keep customers engaged is to create an email list for them to join. To entice individuals to sign up for emails, consider offering a one-time discount or other incentives. Local companies can post information about new products or services, specials, or hours changes. MailChimp, for example, can help you get started.
9. Use of direct mail
While some may believe that email has rendered physical mail obsolete, marketers have crunched the numbers on direct mail response rates. According to Forbes, reaction rates for mailers and other physical products delivered to local clients’ homes can be 10 to 30 times greater than response rates for digital marketing strategies such as email.
10. Influencers
It takes time to build your own social media following. Partnering with local influencers is one approach to build interest in your products or services on popular applications like Instagram and Snapchat. While influencers’ fees vary, they may be eager to promote your company in exchange for gifts or VIP experiences.
11. Business cards
Business cards, like direct mail, haven’t lost their potential to make an impression. Always have a card on hand while creating face-to-face contact. Include information like your company’s website and social media handles if you want to give them a modern makeover.
12. Providing assistance to local organizations
To build exposure of your organization, sponsor a local sports team, place an ad in a local newspaper or school yearbook, or participate in a philanthropic event. As a business that looks out for your neighbors’ best interests, gain positive word of mouth.
After COVID-19, Reopening Your Business
If you’re one among the hundreds of businesses that had to close their doors to stop COVID from spreading, you may be skeptical about the future. With the vaccines being distributed, the number of cases dropping, and limitations being removed, this is a good time to come back stronger than before. Increasing your marketing efforts is an efficient approach to accomplish so. There are various strategies to attract and retain customers, whether it’s increasing brand recognition through social media platforms or implementing a rewards program for existing consumers. You’ll be able to attract new clients and create relationships with neighbors as you reopen by utilizing the local business promotional tactics suggested in this article.