We live in a global age of connectivity where information, goods, culture, and ideas can be bounced across the globe in a matter of microseconds. This is a truly marvelous time to be alive as a vast amount of information is instantaneously available to anyone with internet access. We live on our computers, sharing stories and photos of our lives with our friends through social networking. Although this computer age has brought us together in many ways, it has also separated us in many ways.
The plethora of information and easy accessibility of products and services available through the web has led people to intentionally search for local businesses and products in order to have a shared experience that they cannot find online. Shows like Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, American Pickers, and Storage Wars emphasise this drive to find rare businesses, goods, and entrepreneurs who have a unique local flavor. And this is not merely a quick fad, but a growing trend for 2013.
This is good news for companies who want to do marketing for local business and appeal to their hometown crowd, but the key to make the most of this trend is to develop the right strategy. Here are my suggestions:
1. Develop a Dynamite Google Places Account
Show the world how great your business is by giving as much information as possible including photos and video. Be sure to keep your profile active and constantly updated. Advertise special offers and deals.
2. Take Your Marketing Offline
Keep an ear to the ground to see other places where your clients are going and look to advertise there. Allow them to advertise for you by encouraging them to bring friends back for a discount. Whenever possible, help promote yourself by promoting local community and featuring local products or artwork in your place of business.
3. Get Creative
People look to local businesses for their unique qualities. Find unique ways to promote yourself and your business to your hometown crowd, and allow them to give you feedback. Always keep your audience in mind and have fun thinking of creative ways to draw in business.
The bottom line is that small, local establishments should never shy away from promoting themselves as exactly that! People are looking for a hometown, unique and personal business experience and if your company can offer that, its time to let your neighbors know! If you’re interested in using online methods to emphasize your local reach and really optimize your strategy for marketing for local business, call Farotech today at (215) 469-1789.
