How to Build Buzz for Your New Local Business
You’ve come up with a great business idea and generated a thorough business plan, but now what? It’s time for the doors to open soon, and you’re stumped for next steps. This is normal! You’ll want to start your business off on the right foot by generating local buzz and excitement. You can do this with some effective marketing and outreach plans. If you’re lost on where to start advertising your new business, you’ll want to learn how to connect with your local audiences in the most effective ways.
Establish Your Expertise
When people trust you and your brand, you’re more likely to attract clients or customers. To increase traffic, you’ll need to establish your credibility and expertise. Be sure to advertise your qualifications, such as your previous industry experience, formal education or degrees, and certifications in both online and in-person marketing. If your business offers professional licensing, make sure you obtain it. If you don’t mind a longer process, you can establish credibility excellently by writing a book. If you’re good at your job, have a relevant story to tell, or can provide exclusive insight into the industry, consider writing a book about it. When you have a published book about your business or industry, you become a credible figure. All you need is to hire a book editor, and you’re good to go!
Start Marketing Before Opening
You should tease your business long before the doors actually open. Generate excitement and buzz around what your business will add to the community, and give the marketing, including word-of-mouth marketing, a chance to spread. Create an online presence on social media and a professional website to let people learn about your business beforehand. When the doors actually open, more interested parties will be ready.
Connect With Local Leaders and Media
Your potential customers trust local leaders and news media to provide them with recommendations and updates about subjects of interest. You will want to establish a connection with leaders and media to create awareness about your new business. Reach out to them via social media, phone, or in person to see if they are willing to discuss or interview you about your business. You can pay for advertising with certain local news companies; check out local radio stations, newspapers, or online news websites. If any city bloggers or influencers want to give you a shoutout in exchange for some preview offerings, you may drive in a lot of foot traffic and generate buzz for your grand opening.
Plan a Grand Opening Event
Everyone loves a party, especially when free items are involved! Consider hosting a grand party for the opening of your business. Offer free samples, branded items, games, prizes, and interactive activities for all ages. Consider hiring a party or event planner to make the most of the experience, and be sure to include event security measures. Not only will a grand opening event help generate a lot of buzz, but it also shows you’re willing to give back to the community and show them a good time.
Find Local Online Groups
Residents of a certain area will often connect online to discuss local problems, businesses, and lifestyles. You can join these groups and get a good idea of what the community likes and dislikes so that you can tailor your business to local audiences better. Don’t be afraid to mention or promote the opening of your business, but don’t shove advertising too far in their faces; make it natural and casual. Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or city-based Reddit communities are great places to start.
Offer Opening Free Samples or Discounts
When you open your business, you’ll likely get some curious visitors. You can bring in even more traffic when you offer exclusive opening samples or discounts. It may seem counterproductive to give away free items when you’re just starting, but if you’re strategic about it, you’ll bring in a lot of traffic who will spend money and spread word about your business (and your generosity). As a bonus, you can give back to the community and establish some great customer loyalty.
Attend Local Events
The more you appear on the local community’s radar, the more people will pay attention. Consider browsing local events where you and your business can appear. If you offer food, you can sign up for a farmer’s market. If you offer residential services, ask to appear at neighborhood meetings. Check your city’s official calendar or online community groups to see where you might be able to reach out and connect with the local population.
Encourage Reviews
Many people choose a business based on the reviews they receive. As a new business, you’re unlikely to have a lot of reviews, so encourage them whenever possible. You can even offer discounts or other incentives in exchange for a customer’s honest review. Try not to get discouraged by the occasional negative review; all businesses get them, and treat them as a learning experience as you get to know your clients. Facebook, Yelp, and Google are very popular review-hosting platforms. You can also encourage word-of-mouth reviews.
Conclusion
When first opening your local business, expect a learning curve. You may not have a ton of customers at first, and they may have a lot of feedback for you to adapt to. Encourage feedback in order to grow and fit the community’s needs. Start advertising for the business before your doors open. Connect with local leaders and join community events to spread the word and establish relationships with your neighbors. When you care about the community your business is in, they will care about you.
