If you are a start up with a local presence you probably put a lot of effort in your marketing before and during your opening. But what happens after the fact?
Unfortunately many local businesses will only do the bare minimum of their marketing needs throughout the year. However, this is a portion you need to focus on to continue to build your presence and customers.
So what must have tools do you need in your local marketing tool box? Let's take a look at some of the very important ones.
This is a critical item for your local website. Local SEO means you are optimizing your site specifically for searches that happen in your area. You need to add in addresses and phone numbers, hours of operation, optimize your images, and have a page dedicated for each location, if applicable. Then move to number two.
Make sure you have local accounts on the major search engines. Google, Yahoo, Bing. It's free and it will help target your local business with directions and maps, hours of operation, local reviews etc.
This is becoming a must have for local business. And later down the road, add in Instagram as well since they are both owned by Facebook.
The great thing about Facebook ads is you can specifically target your ideal customer and reach out in many direct ways. For instance, you can sell a specific product, have them visit your website, have them sign up for emails, have them like your business page, etc.
Facebook ads are affordable and with the proper set up they are becoming very effective.
This tried-and-true method continually works so look for opportunities to network with other businesses, attend and support events, use street teams to promote your business. Take the time to get to know others in the community and tighten the bonds. It does work.
Continually develop this presence by working on your social media, blog posts, and guest posting on a regular basis. This will improve traffic and that is important to the search engines when referring your business in the searches people conduct.
These five key items are the basis for a strong local presence. No matter the size of business, you can market your local business effectively and inexpensively all year long.