Running a local business comes with a special advantage: you’re part of the neighborhood. But just opening your doors is not enough. If you want to stand out and get people to remember you, you have to be easy to find, look inviting and give people good reasons to keep coming back. These five practical tips will help you get noticed by the customers who live closest to you.
Create a Memorable Exterior
If you have a physical shop or office, you want to care about your exterior. This is going to be the first thing people see, so it’s your sign to make it unforgettable for all the right reasons.
It doesn’t take much. Obviously, maintaining your exterior is key. But that’s not enough. Simple things like clear and easy-to-read signage are crucial. Besides, you also want to consider how your sign can convey your brand’s energy. Ultimately, brand signs that embody your business’s values and personality are more likely to catch the eye. If people remember you, they are more likely to come to your store.
Put Your Business on the Map
Where do most searches start? On your smartphone, which is why being on Google Maps matters. It enables you to show up in local search results for users who are searching locally.
If you haven’t already, it’s time to claim your Google Business Profile if you have not done it yet. As a rule of thumb, you want to display your hours, address and contact info. Adding clear photos of the outside and inside will also help people find you.
This is the basic. But if you want to show up higher in local searches, an experienced SEO agency like https://armoryseo.com/ can help you get seen by more people in your neighborhood.
Polish Your Local Social Media
Social media works best when it feels real and close to home. Post about what is happening in your store or office, not just your products or services. Tag other local spots, use local hashtags and share photos of familiar places.
If you have the budget, working with micro influencers is another smart move. You can reach out to experts like https://izea.com to find the right influencers. They might not have millions of followers, but they have loyal local audiences who trust them.
Get Noticed in Local Media
Local press releases are a simple way for small businesses to get seen. More importantly, they are cost-effective. So, if you are hosting an event, adding a new service or doing something special for the community, write a short press release about it.
Good local coverage can help you reach new people.
Partner with Other Local Businesses
Why work alone when you can team up with other local businesses? Ideally, you want to pick a partner whose audience and values match yours. It’s important to exclude competitors. Partnerships are designed to be mutually beneficial, so you want someone who could help you grow.
You could work together on a shared project to bring a new product or service to the market, for example. Alternatively, you can also recommend each other. Even for small businesses, partnerships can be a game-changer.
In conclusion, a few strategic actions can help you get noticed by your local audience. Are you ready to bring your business to the next level?
