You can use many common marketing strategies if you own a small local business—one that receives the majority of its clients from within a 75-mile radius—but you must take one specific factor into account.

All you need is to draw customers who can physically enter your store or who can travel to your location for service. That necessitates specialized methods referred to as "local marketing."

This article provides you with 10 local marketing strategies that will assist you in drawing clients and customers from your neighborhood:

1Taking Control of Your Search Engine Listing

In the current business world, people commonly conduct an online (or mobile) search using Google or Bing before going to a store.

Through a free Google My Company account, you can control a lot of the data that appears in Google business listings, including the address, operating times, phone number, photographs, and more.

Claim your listing right away if you haven't already. Similar listing spaces can be found on Bing. Taking control of your search engine is one of the most effective local marketing strategies for any type of small business that you start.

2Setting your sights on local social media users

If you use social media in the right way, you may use it to target your local area.

For instance, Facebook has a feature that enables you to advertise or promote your company to other nearby Facebook users. It is always advised that small firms launch a test campaign with a modest $100 budget.

But advertising is not necessary. Encourage your current neighborhood clients to follow you on social media. Create engaging content, and followers of your followers who are local friends and relatives may see your posts, and this will serve as a good local marketing strategy that works for your small business.

3Participate in Online Professional Communities

You have access to groups on social media platforms like LinkedIn where you may share expertise and network. This is especially advantageous for nearby B2B companies.

For instance, a company situated in Southern California that sells printed goods and promotional items like t-shirts would profit by forming alliances with other regional SoCal companies.

4Support community events

Sponsoring charitable activities in your neighborhood is a fantastic way to increase brand recognition. This is a very simple local marketing strategy that works for any business.

Make sure the occasion or cause appeals to your target audience as well as being something you believe in. For instance, sponsoring a function at a neighborhood nightclub might not be the best idea for a toy store. More pertinent would be to support a young athlete's sports team.

5Continue contacting customers

In order to promote testimonials, send a thank-you email after a sale. Never give something in return for a favorable review.

But nowadays, it's becoming more and more common to send a thank-you email that includes a note saying you encourage comments and would like a testimonial for your website if they feel inclined to do so.

This local marketing strategy will make more customers want to buy goods from your store every time because you will be informing them of new arrivals.

6Subscribe to local business directories

Local customers frequently use directories to find businesses or experts in their area who specialize in a particular field. Verify that your company is listed in all pertinent directories and update any incorrect information.

Don't forget about your neighborhood chamber of commerce, the BBB, the yellow pages, and specialty directories. On websites like HomeAdvisor and Angie's List, for instance, house professionals can advertise their services.

7Collaborate With Other Local Businesses

If you provide your clients with a deal or a promotion, you'll only be able to market to those who are already aware of your company. Customers from both firms will likely learn about a promotion that you and another company offers.

When you do this locally in a region, it promotes you, and your business gets known as well as that of other companies.

For a "dinner and a movie" deal, a neighborhood restaurant would collaborate with a neighboring movie theater.

8Launch a referral program

This local marketing strategy can work by giving happy customers a few extra business cards and asking them to recommend their friends. This could be the beginning of a referral program.

Alternatively, you could offer a bounty (discount or incentive) to both the referred consumer and the referrer. Let's say you work as an interior designer. You may give existing customers who refer friends a $200 credit and the referred client an equal discount.

9Get to know the local media

Make your knowledge about issues pertaining to your industry available to editors and journalists. For instance, a local newspaper might be able to include quotes from an HVAC firm about how to cut winter heating expenditures.

Press releases outlining potential article topics are another option, particularly if they relate to recent events. Be persistent, but avoid upsetting editors by being overly aggressive.

10Organize an "experience" event

Instead of just holding a sale, make it an "experience." Organize a Friday night sale with drinks and live music. Customers enjoy their experience because of this. To spread the word about the event, invite your social media followers and get in touch with the neighborhood media.

Conclusion

Startups in local areas need good foundations based on what they offer. Consider using local area marketing strategies that work as one of the excellent ideas for increasing the visibility of their business.

Choose from the above list and see what works best for you.