Looking to start a business but don't know how to get it out there? We're here to help! With these tips and tricks, you'll be able to be noticed in no time!
Get your Name out There
One of the best ways to build rapport with local communities and potential customers is to develop a strategy to get noticed in your local market. Start by getting your name out in nearby business circles to build rapport and open new opportunities! By starting small, it can go a long way in the future of your potential business.
Put a Face to the Company
In a small local market, your company can stand out in infinite ways by putting a face to the company or product. Many customers reported having an easier time trusting a company when they know who is behind the curtain. The more the customer can trust you, the more likely they will be to buy your product. Introduce yourself to the community, interact with the community, and ultimately put your name out there for all to see!
Create, claim and update all your local business listing and profiles. On top of that, be sure to maintain an updated and active Google local business listing, along with a Facebook page and any other site that offers local profiles in your industry. Essentially, be everywhere you can online! This makes it much easier for potential customers to see that you are active and allows you to showcase services on all the social media platforms. For example, when a user searches for "my town" + "your service," it ensures that they will see your business. Ultimately, this builds trust and authenticity to potential customers when they see your name and industry out there in multiple places.
Give Away Samples
Giving away free samples of your product, if that's possible, can do wonders in a small local market. Amine Rahal, CEO of Little Dragon Media, commented on a strategy that performed well in her town. "There's a local chocolate maker that we worked with that used this strategy effectively. They hired two students at minimum wage to give away chocolate samples along with a brochure in some of the busiest intersections of the city at rush hour. Rinse and repeat," stated Amine Rahal. Personally, I believe giving away samples can open up so many opportunities for your business, especially in a local small market. By allowing your company to give locals a taste of what your company has to offer, it peaks interest and allows potential customers to see who you really are and what you have to offer.
Get Featured In Local Newsletters
One of the best ways to get your business out there in a local market is to be placed in a newsletter that is available to consumers in vendors, coffee shops, restaurants, etc. A professional ad in local publications can also allow you some great credibility and visibility in your area. Make sure to choose publications that correspond with your target demographic for the best results.
Encourage Reviews
Encouraging reviews from existing customers can open up even more opportunities for your business. Try leveraging existing customers as part of your solution to open up opportunities to be seen and heard in your local community. People absolutely love to search for reviews before trying out new products, services, businesses, you name it! Encourage existing customers to review your product on Google, Yelp, and Facebook to improve your credibility and also your searchability in your local area.
Use Paid Search
Good AdWords, aka paid search marketing, is one of the best ways to get your business out there. I mean, a few dollars a day to get your business out there? Why not go for it! This can be a very effective way for new businesses to test online marketing by driving traffic to their website from Google. Testing a variety of ad groups and creatives of at least three variations is one of the best ways to start with a new, local business. Marketers also utilize cost per click, CPC, or CPA options for their campaigns.
Facebook's ad platform allows you to get very specific with the target audience, especially if it is in your own hometown. As Facebook notes, "You can choose between a daily or a lifetime budget, as well as a cost per thousand impressions bid or cost per click bid. You only pay for the clicks or impressions you receive, up to the amount you set for your budget." I definitely suggest using Facebook to place your ad, along with Google AdWords, as they both allow you to put your name out there for your targeted customers!
Co-market with an Established Business/Brand
Pairing with an on-brand company that already has a loyal following may offer something unique and shareable to your business. For example, greetabl, a business that sells a greeting box that folds your message into a shippable present, wanted to increase awareness of their brand, they paired with Strange Donuts, a popular donut shop, on National Donut Day. During their pairing, Strange Donuts made 1,000 donut holes. They offered a one-day-only sale where customers created a custom message printed on a greetabl that was paired with a donut and shipped to the recipient. Both companies sold out and greetabl expanded brand awareness nationwide!
We hope these tips help your local business get noticed in all the right ways. Have more questions on how to stand out in your local market? Leave us a comment below or send us a message!
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