As a small local business, marketing is essential, but it can be very expensive. You should always remember that the local area is your market, so you need to refine any marketing campaigns to reflect that. If your advertising is reaching people in other countries, you are wasting money because they can’t or won’t buy your product. However, there are ways that are cost effective to get your business known and local customers buying. Interested to learn more about how you can get your product/service in front of people in your local area? Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

Make Your Business Stand Out

Making your business stand out doesn’t mean you have to make over the top statements or paint your storefront in luminous colors. If that works, then fine, however the best way is to provide excellent customer service and make your business as efficient as possible. If you operate a small fleet, consider utilizing GPS tracking software and solutions so that you can track your fleet and ensure optimal routes are used. Real-time data will allow you to make any changes needed and provide your drivers with any training they may need. Sit down and take a good look at your business and come up with strategies to improve operations and make your business stand out.

Word of Mouth

This one can get lost in the sea of awesome marketing strategies but never discount the power of word of mouth. If you are providing the best service possible then people will talk. Happy customers will tell friends and family, and good news will travel. You can use offers to tempt customers to your business and when they are there, ensure that they have an excellent experience. Word of mouth is free marketing, so make the best use of it.

Social Media

Social media is an extremely effective and powerful marketing tool. You will have to research which platforms are used by your target market and then set up campaigns that are specifically designed to reach them. Social media platforms usually provide the means for you to narrow down the audience that your advertisements reach, so with some refinement and learning you can start converting clicks to sales.

Get Involved with Local Causes

Local people want to see their local business getting involved with local causes. You should be careful not to be seen as trying to profit from charity, so choose causes that you are passionate about. You could provide clothes, food or even money to local homeless shelters or run competitions where all proceeds are donated to a charity in your area. The community will appreciate it and you will find that there will be a higher level of trust shown towards your business.

Use Email Marketing

As with social media, email marketing is a highly effective means of marketing. You can ask for a customer’s email address when they make a purchase or use your services. Ensure that you have consent to contact them. By creating engaging content, you will have a method of allowing customers to know about the latest offers you have and the latest services and products you are offering. Great content is key for email marketing, otherwise they won’t be read or could end up in a spam box.