To reach new customers and grow your business, you need to be visible where they are looking—which increasingly means online. You may not be ready or able to take your business national or even international, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reach a broad audience with your marketing efforts. Here are some of the best ways to market your local business online.
Get Listed in Local Directories and Review Sites
One of the first things you need to do when marketing your local business online is to make sure your business is listed on significant local directories and review sites. This includes Yelp, Google My Business, Facebook, and Yellow Pages. These listings help improve your visibility in search results and give customers the information they need to find you and learn more about your business. Make sure your listings are accurate and up-to-date and encourage customers to leave reviews—positive reviews can help boost your ranking in search results.
Optimize Your Website for Local Search
Another essential element of marketing your local business online is ensuring your website is optimized for local search. This means including relevant keywords in your content, creating title tags and meta descriptions that accurately reflect the content on your page, and using geo-targeting features if available. You should also claim any local listings or directories that allow you to include a link back to your website—getting high-quality links helps improve your website’s ranking in search results.
Use Social Media Strategically to Collect Local Business Reviews
Social media is a powerful marketing tool, but only when used correctly. Posting haphazardly on social media will not help you reach new customers or grow your business. Instead, post regularly (but not too much) and focus on quality over quantity. Share helpful tips related to your industry, highlight recent successes or awards, showcase new products or services—whatever will help show potential customers that you’re an authority in your field which can be trusted. And don’t forget to use relevant hashtags so people can find your posts!
Create Targeted Ads
Thanks to technological advances, it’s now possible to create targeted ads that reach potential customers based on their location, age, gender, interests, and more. This makes it easy to hone in on ads that are most likely to result in conversions rather than wasting money on ads that no one will see or care about. Platforms like Google AdWords and Facebook Ads offer this service. If you’re unsure where to start, consider working with a digital marketing agency specializing in creating targeted campaigns for local businesses.
Host an Event or Contest Online Events
You can host online events or contests using platforms like GoToWebinar or CrowdCompass AttendeeHub. These are a great way to generate interest in your local business and attract new customers—and thanks to the internet, there’s no need for them to be held in person! Promote your event through social media, email marketing, and targeted ads, then follow up with participants after the event is over, so they remember who you are and what you do.
Create a Google My Business Page
Google My Business is a free tool that allows businesses to manage their online information, including their hours, location, and contact information. Claiming and verifying your business on Google My Business is a great way to ensure potential customers can find you when they search for your products or services on Google.
Optimize Your Website for Local SEO
Local SEO is about making it easy for potential customers in your area to find your business online. You can do a few key things to optimize your website for local SEO, including claiming your business on directories like Yelp and adding local keywords to your website content.
Email Marketing
Email marketing is a great way to stay in touch with current and potential customers. Use email marketing to share updates about your business, promote special offers, or provide valuable content like blog posts or e-books. Ensure you have permission from each person before adding them to your email list!
Get Involved in the Community
One of the best ways to market your local business is by getting involved in the community. You can participate in local events, sponsor a Little League team, or volunteer at a local charity. Community involvement will help build relationships with potential customers and increase brand awareness for your business.
On a final note
There are plenty of ways to market a local business online—the important thing is to get started! The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll start seeing results! Use these tips as a starting point for brainstorming ideas for selling your own business online, then get out there and put those ideas into action.