When you are part of the small business community in a certain town, one of your goals is to tap into your local market. Those who live in the area surrounding your business are going to be a key part of your client base. Even though it is nice to cash in on online sales and expand outside of your immediate vicinity, your local community can serve as the backbone of your business if you play your cards right.
It isn’t always easy to earn the business of those within your local community. This is particularly true if you are coming into the market as a competitor. However, with the right approach to the situation, you can enjoy a great deal of success with those who are in your local community.
The trick is to gear your marketing practices specific to your community. This requires a bit of insight into who your target audience is and what they would respond best to regarding marketing strategies.
If you are currently looking for more ways to market directly to your local community, here are three things that you should consider doing.
1. Direct Mail Marketing
While there are a number of great digital marketing strategies that you can consider when your goal is to reach those who reside in your local community, there are also some more tangible, tried, and true methods to consider. For instance, Direct Mail Marketing can be a great way to get the word out about your business, and any offers that you have going at the moment.
Giving people something that they can hold in their hands, like a mailer, is a great way to motivate them to come to your business. When they have a physical coupon, for example, they will be more likely to remember your name and take the time to patronize your business.
2. Give Back
Another great way to plug into the local community is to participate in events that allow you to give back to that community. Whether there is a community food drive scheduled for the near future or if you can sponsor a local kids’ sports team, giving back to your community is a great way to get your name out there.
You will find that people are more likely to want to do business with you when the wellbeing of the community is one of your priorities. More formal charitable events are also a great way to connect directly with your community as well as with other business owners in your area.
3. Implement a Loyalty Program
To motivate those within your local community to come in and patronize your business, consider starting a loyalty program. Such programs can be a great way to encourage customers to come back time and time again. When they are given something in return for their loyalty, your customers will feel more valued and appreciated and, thus, more inclined to do business with you.
