A recent forecast shows the global e-commerce customer base will hit 2.5 billion by 2028. This growth shows the huge chance for local businesses to use digital marketing to grow. We’ll look at many effective marketing ideas to help local businesses do well in their areas and beyond.
Local business owners see how important digital marketing is for growth. But, they often find it hard to keep up or run out of new ideas. The good news is, effective digital marketing includes SEO, PPC, content creation, social media ads, and more. With new trends always coming up, there are always new ways to help local businesses succeed. This guide offers many marketing tips across areas like local ads, SEO, social media, email, and community strategies to help local businesses reach their goals.
Key Takeaways
- Leverage hyperlocal targeting strategies to reach your target audience effectively
- Explore local SEO tactics to improve visibility in neighborhood search results
- Utilize social media marketing to connect with your community and build brand loyalty
- Implement community outreach ideas to foster meaningful local partnerships
- Leverage local influencer marketing to extend your reach and enhance credibility
Effective Local Marketing Ideas: Advertising
Advertising can really help your local business grow. Using Google Ads is a smart move. It lets you show ads to people in your area with search, Local Services, and Shopping Ads. This can bring in more customers, sales, and help people know about your brand.
Set Up Detailed Radius Location Targeting in Google Ads
For local success with Google Ads, set up detailed radius targeting. Start with a 1-5 mile radius and adjust bids based on conversion data. This hyperlocal targeting strategy makes sure your ads hit the right people close to you.
With local SEO strategies and targeted ads, you can reach your local customers better. This leads to more people asking about your business and helps your business grow.
Run Local Facebook Ads
Alongside effective Google Ads, using Facebook for social media marketing for local businesses can help small businesses grow. With over 3.06 billion users and 89% of businesses using it for ads, Facebook is a great way to reach people. It’s good for both B2B and B2C audiences.
Facebook has tools to track your ads in real-time. The store traffic campaign helps local businesses show up to people nearby. Targeting by location is key to finding the right audience. You can also set a budget that fits your needs, choosing between daily or lifetime options.
Facebook ads can appear in the News Feed, Instagram, and Messenger. This gives local businesses many ways to connect with customers. Using Lookalike targeting helps find new customers who are similar to your current ones.
“The more specific the target audience parameters, the more likely the ads are to be seen by interested individuals.”
By adding social media marketing for local businesses and hyperlocal targeting strategies to their marketing, local businesses can get more visible. This helps increase sales and build strong community ties.
Show Approximate Distance from Store in Mobile Social Ads
As a local business, you have a big advantage over big chains. You can make ads that talk directly to people in your area. Adding your zip code and the distance to your store in ads can help. This makes your ads more relevant to your target customers.
People now spend almost 4.5 hours a day on their phones, more than watching TV. Also, 9 out of 10 marketers say location-based ads increase their sales. Using hyperlocal targeting strategies and neighborhood content marketing can bring more people to your store.
When making your mobile ads, think about adding details like:
- Your store’s proximity – “Just 2 miles away!”
- Landmark-based distances – “Right around the corner from City Park”
- Precise mileage – “Only 1.7 miles from your location”
This kind of detail can grab the attention of people in your area. It encourages them to visit your business.
| Location-Based Marketing Strategies | Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| IP Address Marketing | Cost per visit (CPV) performance model | Opt-in requirements |
| GPS Marketing | Enhanced targeting | Inappropriate targeting |
| Geofencing Marketing | Data offerings | Non-smartphone users |
| Beacon Advertising | Location targeting | Ineffective location data accuracy |
| Blueprints Location-Based Marketing | Cost per visit (CPV) performance model | Opt-in requirements |
Using hyperlocal targeting strategies in your ads can help you reach and connect with people in your area. This can lead to more foot traffic and sales for your business.
Build Custom Landing Pages for Every Campaign
In today’s digital world, custom landing pages are key for local SEO success. They connect your ads to your audience, helping you get more conversions and increase your profits.
Key Tips for Local Landing Pages
To make landing pages that grab and convert local customers, follow these tips:
- Have a clear, single call-to-action that matches your campaign goals.
- Use a hero image that clearly shows your local business or what you offer.
- Answer the main questions and worries of your local customers.
- Show a click-to-call number clearly for easy contact.
- Use a sticky menu to keep important info visible as users scroll.
- Always test and improve your landing page design and content for better results.
By using these tips, you can make local landing pages that guide your audience smoothly through the buying process. This will lead to more conversions and better local SEO results.
“Landing pages are designed to lead and drive conversions, focusing solely on the main call to action.”
Your local SEO success depends on making landing pages that meet your community’s specific needs and wants. Put in the effort and resources to get it right. This will bring you more leads, sales, and long-term growth.
Use Remarketing to Generate Reviews
In the competitive world of local business, getting valuable reviews is key. But, customers often forget to leave reviews, even if they had a good experience. That’s where remarketing comes in as a powerful tool to boost review generation.
Remarketing lets you target customers who have already shown interest in your business. This includes those who filled out a form, bought something, or visited your site. By showing them ads that ask them to leave a review, you can get them to share their thoughts.
- Remarketing to customers who have engaged with your brand can lead to new purchases and valuable reviews.
- Tailoring remarketing content to share new aspects of your business is more effective than repeatedly showing the same messaging.
- Monitoring ad performance and adjusting based on data is crucial for successful remarketing campaigns.
The key is to not overwhelm customers but make it easy for them to act. By using remarketing, you can turn happy customers into loud supporters. This helps improve your community outreach ideas and local influencer marketing efforts.
“Remarketing has been invaluable for us in capturing the interest of potential customers and generating new sales. It’s a cost-effective way to stay top-of-mind and encourage that all-important customer feedback.”
Reviews are crucial for any local business. By using remarketing to get more reviews, you’ll help your local influencer marketing efforts. This will drive real results for your brand.
Try Third-Person Ad Copy
Using third-person language in your ads is a smart move for local advertising. It means talking about your customers instead of yourself. For example, say “They are the best plumber” or “I’m a big fan of their service.” This approach makes your ads more unique and can boost your click-through rates (CTRs).
Third-person ad copy builds trust with your audience. It uses real customer reviews to show how others love your business. People trust their peers more than ads, making this tactic very effective.
To add third-person ad copy to your marketing, pick the best customer reviews you have. Use the most powerful parts of these reviews to create your ad copy. Try different ways to highlight your products or services, focusing on what makes customers happy.
Keep your ad copy natural and relatable for your local audience. Stay away from too much promotion or hard sales talk. Focus on the real value and experience your business offers. Using customer stories can bring in more leads and grow your business.
| Advertising Tactic | Potential Impact | Ease of Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Person Ad Copy | High – Can significantly improve CTRs and build trust | Medium – Requires careful crafting of ad copy and curation of customer reviews |
By using third-person ad copy, you can tap into the power of customer advocacy and stand out in local markets.
Leverage Call-Only Ads
If you’re a local service business looking to boost phone leads, call-only ads are a great choice. These ads skip the need for landing pages, making it easy for customers to call you directly. With catchy ad copy, you can attract qualified calls from locals.
Call-only ads work well for businesses with high-value services or products. They let you talk directly with potential customers. This direct chat can lead to more sales, as people can quickly talk about what they need and decide to buy.
To make a call-only ad campaign work, follow these steps:
- Make your ad copy stand out by focusing on what makes you special and pushing callers to act fast.
- Use call reporting and conversion tracking to see how your ads are doing and make smart choices.
- Keep an eye on your campaign by adding new call assets, adjusting ad times, targeting non-converting calls, and using call-focused keywords.
Using call-only ads in your local ad plan helps you reach your audience better, get more qualified leads, and grow your business.
| Key Benefits of Call-Only Ads | Metrics to Track |
|---|---|
|
|
“46% of Google searches are local, according to HubSpot. Using call-only ads is a smart way to connect with your local audience and get more qualified leads for your business.”
Adding call-only ads to your local ad plan opens up new ways to engage with your target customers and grow your business.
Test Store-Front Images in Display and Retargeting Ads
As a local business, using high-quality storefront or interior images in your display and retargeting ads can help. It makes potential customers in your area more familiar and trusting with you. People are 70% more likely to buy with retargeting. Also, Facebook retargeted ads get 76% more clicks than regular display ads.
Retargeted ads have a 10x higher click-through rate than regular display ads. Companies spend between $0.66 and $1.23 per click on remarketing. This is cheaper than Google search ads and display ads, which cost less than $1 per click.
Facebook ads cost about $0.97 per click and $7.19 per 1000 impressions. By targeting visitors based on their site actions, you can better engage with your local area. About 97% of visitors don’t buy the first time they visit. Retargeting is a smart way to keep in touch and increase brand awareness.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Consumers more likely to convert with retargeting | 70% |
| Facebook retargeted ads more likely to get clicks | 76% |
| CTR of retargeted ad vs. typical display ad | 10x higher |
| Cost per click for remarketing | $0.66 – $1.23 |
| Cost per click for Facebook ads | $0.97 |
| Cost per 1000 impressions for Facebook ads | $7.19 |
When looking at local advertising tactics, test different storefront images and see how they perform. This can help you improve your neighborhood content marketing and connect better with local customers.
Build a Functional and Attractive Website
In today’s digital world, having a website is key for local businesses to succeed. A good website is the center of your marketing, showing off what you offer and building your brand. By making your site professional and nice to look at, you can boost your SEO strategies and draw in customers nearby.
Here are the main things to think about when making a website for your local business:
- Responsive Design: Make sure your site works well on phones and tablets. Most people use Google to find things online, so a good website is crucial.
- Intuitive Navigation: Make it easy for visitors to find what they need. This keeps people on your site longer and helps your local SEO strategies.
- High-Quality Visuals: Use great pictures, videos, and graphics to show what your business is about. This makes your brand stand out.
- Compelling Content: Write content that answers your audience’s questions and solves their problems. This can be about your products, services, or local info.
- Local SEO Optimization: Make your site easy to find in local searches by using your business name, address, and phone number. Use local keywords too.
With a website that looks good and works well, you can show off your business to your local customers. This builds trust and brings more local SEO strategies-focused visitors to your site.
| Key Website Elements | Benefits for Local Businesses |
|---|---|
| Responsive Design | Makes your site work well on phones, important for local searches |
| Intuitive Navigation | Keeps people on your site longer and helps with local SEO strategies |
| High-Quality Visuals | Makes a strong impression and sets your brand apart |
| Compelling Content | Meets your audience’s needs, shows your expertise, and increases visibility |
| Local SEO Optimization | Helps you show up in local searches and on Google Maps |
Adding these key elements to your website can help you use the internet to support your local SEO strategies. This can lead to more growth for your local business.
Create Email Campaigns — And Automate Them
Email campaigns are a great way to connect with your community and keep customers loyal. Start by building an email list through various methods like website sign-ups, receipts, and in-person events. This helps you stay in touch and guide customers through an automated series of emails.
Automation is crucial in email marketing. It offers a big return on investment, making it a smart choice for local businesses. In fact, many marketers use email to boost web traffic and brand awareness.
To succeed in email marketing, focus on sending personalized content. Share valuable info, special deals, and customer feedback to build trust. Always keep an eye on privacy laws when handling customer data.
Automating your email campaigns saves time and keeps customers engaged. With the right tools, you can create a smooth email marketing process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your business. Start building your email list and automating your campaigns now!
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Email ROI | 42:1 |
| Marketers prioritizing web traffic through email | 45.2% |
| Marketers aiming to increase brand awareness through email | 43.9% |
| Marketers focusing on increasing revenue through email | 57.8% |
| Average number of streaming channels subscribed to | 2.8 |
| High-quality email marketing examples | 30 |
Remember, the best email marketing strategies vary by industry and audience. By tailoring your approach, you can make the most of email campaigns. This helps with community outreach and loyalty among local customers.
Pay for the Right Advertising
To boost your local business, focus on paid ads where your target audience hangs out. Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and other platforms offer great ways to target your customers locally.
Remember, not all ads work the same for everyone. Be open to trying new things and checking how well they do. What works for one business might not work for yours. So, always be ready to adjust and use data to guide you.
Here are some tips to get the most from your ads:
- Use location targeting to hit customers in your area
- Make custom landing pages for each ad campaign for a better experience
- Use remarketing to get reviews and build trust with potential customers
- Try different ad types, like store-front images or call-only ads, to see what works best
| Advertising Channel | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Google Ads | Precise location targeting, ability to showcase business info, and high visibility in search results |
| Facebook Ads | Granular audience targeting, engaging ad formats, and works with Instagram |
| YouTube Ads | Captivating video content, chance for viral reach, and shows your brand’s personality |
By choosing the right ad channels and always improving your ads, you can effectively reach your local audience. This will help drive real results for your business.
“Successful local advertising is all about understanding your audience and tailoring your message to their specific needs and interests.” – Marketing Strategist, WebFX
local business marketing ideas
As a local business owner, you know it’s key to stand out in your community for success. A mix of online and offline tactics can help you grow and connect with your audience. Digital marketing is important, but a full approach works best.
Running ads on Google and Facebook is a great way to reach local customers. Recent data suggests spending $100 on a Facebook test campaign is effective and cost-friendly. Also, using Google Ads with detailed location targeting ensures your message hits the right people locally.
- Use online directories like HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List to increase your visibility.
- Look for ways to work with other local businesses to reach more people and gain new customers.
- Make sure your website works well on mobile since most people use it to visit sites.
Having a strong online presence is key, but traditional marketing is still powerful. Local news is still popular, and events can help you connect deeply with your audience.
| Marketing Tactic | Key Benefit |
|---|---|
| Google Business Profile | Provides crucial information to potential customers and enhances local marketing efforts. |
| Social Media Optimization | Helps businesses connect with localized audiences and share engaging content. |
| Referral Programs | Offers discounts or rewards to both the referrer and the referred customer, driving new business. |
Successful local marketing is about balancing online and offline strategies. Using a mix of these tactics can help you reach and engage your community. This leads to growth and success for your business.
“97% of people learn more about a local company online than any other medium.”
Work with Influencers
Working with social media influencers can help local businesses get noticed, bring in more customers, and increase sales. These influencers are like trusted friends who can introduce your business to new people in your area.
Leverage Micro-Influencers
Many businesses start by paying influencers $250-$450 for every 10,000 followers they have. With over 64 million influencers on Instagram, small businesses can use local influencer marketing to reach more people. This way, they can connect with their audience, build relationships, and even get more sales or leads.
Choosing the right influencers is key to a successful campaign. It’s important to set clear goals for your influencer marketing. Then, you can find the best influencers to work with for your campaign.
Platforms like Later Influence make it easier for businesses to find influencers, manage campaigns, and get the right fit for their brand. Influencer marketing can bring back $6.50 for every dollar spent, and people remember stories better than facts, making it a strong way to market locally.
Small influencers might accept free products or experiences instead of cash. Working with influencers who already love your brand can make your message more real. Getting the rights to their content can also save you money by using it across different marketing channels.
Look for influencers who really connect with their followers and have a local audience. Use hashtags and location tags to find them on social media. Also, consider partnering with community members and bloggers, especially on platforms like Nextdoor for local influencer marketing as a local business.
Run Attractive Promotions
In the competitive world of local businesses, it’s key to stand out. Running attractive promotions is a great way to draw in new customers and keep the old ones coming back. These can be discounts, giveaways, or loyalty programs that reward your loyal customers. By making your promotions exciting, you encourage customers to tell others about your business. This can help you grow your customer base.
Small Business Saturday is a big event that celebrates local businesses. Making sure your business is listed on platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp can help more people find you. Offering deals like buy one, get one free or special bundles can also attract shoppers. Hosting events, like free workouts or discounted salon services, can make your business more visible and build community ties.
Working with other local businesses can be a strong strategy too. For example, a physical therapist might offer services at a local boutique. This helps both businesses reach new people. Using local media, like newspapers, can also spread the word about your deals and bring in more customers.
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your offers. Using Instagram giveaways, blog posts, and targeted email campaigns can help you connect with your audience. With billions of users on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, there’s a huge potential customer base waiting to be reached.
By using a mix of marketing channels and running attractive promotions, you can boost your loyalty programs for local customers. This can help you attract new customers and become a trusted part of the community.
Manage Reviews Thoughtfully
For a local business, having a good online reputation is key. It’s important to keep an eye on reviews on sites like Google and Yelp. By responding to both good and bad reviews, you show you care about community outreach ideas and customer service. This can help shape what customers think in the future.
Brian Robben, CEO of Robben Media, says having over 500 positive reviews on Google can bring in new customers. Asking customers to leave reviews can lead to about 20% of them actually doing so. This shows how powerful it can be to encourage feedback.
When dealing with negative reviews, stay professional and kind. Listen to the customer’s concerns, say sorry if needed, and offer a way to fix the problem. This approach not only solves the issue but also shows you care about giving great service. Remember, 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Jenny Winter, Head of Marketing at Degree 53, also points out that making regular content on your website can draw in more visitors. If your content answers common customer questions, you’ll be seen as a trusted source in the community.
By handling reviews well and keeping a strong online presence, you can build stronger ties with your local customers. This makes your business a dependable and quick-to-respond partner in the community.
Conclusion
For your business to stand out, mix digital and traditional marketing. Use targeted ads, build a strong online presence, manage reviews, and work with local influencers. This way, you’ll make your brand known, increase sales, and become a trusted local business.
Start by optimizing your Google Business Profile and running local Facebook ads. The goal is to have a marketing plan that meets your audience’s needs. Stay flexible to keep your business in front of potential customers.
Local marketing is about connecting with your community, not just making sales. By focusing on your local presence, you’ll draw in new customers and keep your current ones loyal. Use local marketing to grow your business and build a strong community base.