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Go Local! Local Business Success Depends On Local Loyalty. Who’s Your Customer? If You’re A Local Business, It’s Your Neighbors.

That’s why it’s important to localize your marketing to direct current and prospective customers in your area to your unique service and product rather than looking for it elsewhere. Simply put, your business success hinges upon the loyalty of your local customers.

Get in the Game

• When your customers are searching for your service, what do they find online? Check out Get Listed to find out where you stand in the current local search engine situation. It’s a simple tool that will tell you if you’re already searchable, and if you’re not there, it’s easy to add your listing.

• Don’t forget to stake your claim in local search platforms such as Google Places, Yahoo! Local, and Bing Local. Make sure that your listings are consistent with exactly the same name and phone number, and always use a street address instead of a P.O. Box. After all, they want to find your business. They don’t want to send you a letter!

• As you describe your business or service, be specific. Here is where you include your most important keywords including all the cities you serve. Choose as many service categories as appropriate for the product you offer.

• Don’t discount social media such as Facebook and Twitter. While some business owners will say they don’t have time to keep up with regular postings, frequent postings will keep you top of mind, and give you a quick, easy (and free) way to communicate specials. The time you spend will pay for itself.

• Join and be active in your local Chamber of Commerce and downtown development organizations. Other businesses use your services too. Network locally so that when people need the product you offer, they immediately think of you. Never leave home without a business card.

• Talk to a local magazine about featuring your business in an upcoming issue.

Deliver the Goods

• Your website is where you really make the sale. An attractive and user-friendly website updated regularly with specials and coupons will give your customers a reason to keep coming back. Add photos and keep the content fresh.

• Be specific. If you own a restaurant, post your menu. If you operate a B&B, outline all the wonderful features you offer, including links to local attractions. Make sure to provide a “contact us” section on each web page so that you can answer any questions with a personal touch.

• Current and past customers are some of your greatest salespersons. A great review from a happy customer can be more convincing than dollars spent on advertising. Consider asking past customers to submit reviews of their experience.

Finally, remember that the Internet is replacing the Yellow Pages, and more than 80% of customers looking for a local service will complete their transaction based on online findings. A little extra effort with Internet tools will make a huge difference in your bottom line.

For more information on this and other great marketing tools to attract local business, contact High Tide Creative at 252-671-7087 or email us at info@HighTideCreative.com.