When shoppers go online to look for a salon, gym, or restaurant, they’ll be hoping to locate a store nearby where they can pop in and shop. Local marketing, therefore, is creating advertisements that target a local audience within a city or a specific geographical area. 

Statistics overwhelmingly affirm that 46% of Google searches look for local information. That says a local marketing campaign is indispensable to growing your small business. To implement a successful local marketing campaign, you need to find ways of accessing affordable small business loans if you’re hard up for cash.

The Relevance Of Local Marketing

• Brands target specific audiences with relevant products and in a relatable language.
• They’re cost-effective as the advertisement focuses on a specific geographical zone.
• Give better marketing ROI as the advertisements are developed for local audiences. 

Benefits Of Applying Local Marketing Strategies In Your Small Business

1. Improves market penetration

Since you’ll be running your local marketing campaign with a brick-and-mortar store, you’ll tailor your marketing campaign to suit the local audience. This will help you target the social media platforms or groups that are most popular with the local target audience leading to improved market penetration. 

2. Better customer retention and loyalty

Local marketing campaigns entail developing a marketing message tailored to suit a local audience. Customers feel attached to a brand that appears to understand their way of doing things, which breeds brand loyalty.

3. An enhanced competitive edge

When you advertise as a local brand you gain an advantage over your competitors. This works particularly well if you’ve optimized your store location on Google maps. Google will rank you preferentially over your competitors who have no local presence. 

4. Building trust with consumers in a market

At times, consumers prefer to deal with a local brand rather than a global brand that may seem impersonal. They feel connected with a local brand and can expect speedy resolution if a service issue involves a local brand. 

5. Improves brand awareness

Brands that invest in local marketing campaigns get better visibility and increased brand awareness in the marketplace. 

Top Great Local Marketing Strategies For Your Small Business

1. Optimize your local business listings

Claim your Google My Business listing to include your profile and local business details on Google.  By optimizing your Google map location, you improve your ranking as a small business. This is one fantastic way to market your business to your local community.

2. Think local SEO 

Look for ways to improve your search engine rankings on keywords locals are likely to use when looking for your products. Focus on local SEO to help drive foot traffic to your store. Appearing in influential local social media pages or trending topics and local tabloids and newspapers can boost quality traffic and increase conversions. Aim to post content that’s relevant to local audiences on your website.

3. Run corporate social responsibility programs 

You can win the favor of the local community by sponsoring local events or having your employees volunteer in a project that helps the local community. 

4. Network with other local businesses

Capitalize on networks with other businesses that you can partner with to enhance your influence in your locality. Be part of the local trade association and chamber of commerce. The benefits include tapping into new opportunities to grow revenue and keeping abreast of the latest trends within your locality. 

5. Social media marketing targeting locals

If you get it right, social media can be a massive hit in engaging local audiences. Know on which platforms you’re likely to find your audience and pitch your ads there. Moreover, focus on meeting their needs rather than just being “salesy”. Win their trust and watch your organic traffic grow.

6. Run a mobile-friendly website 

Customers are increasingly accessing online information via hand-held devices. Making your website load faster and effectively on mobile devices isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. When someone’s out looking for a boutique, restaurant, or coffee shop, they’ll probably be doing so from a smartphone.

If you need financing to engage a professional web designer to help you make your website mobile-friendly, then consider applying for small business loans. 

Conclusion

Implementing a local marketing campaign for your business helps you build a loyal following within a local business community. Think of optimizing your local marketing initiatives so that you’re a preferred brand in your locality. Apply for affordable small business loans to implement local marketing campaigns for your small business. 

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