Creative Local Marketing Ideas to Implement in 2019

Local marketing, or “neighborhood marketing,” is how small businesses implement specific techniques and strategies to increase brand awareness in their community. This often includes improving current processes in hopes that the changes will increase both online and foot traffic to a business. Below are seven creative local marketing ideas that anyone can use to improve a community’s perception of their small business.

1. 1. Become a Local Sponsor
      When you support events, people, and organizations within your community, you’re relaying to them that you’re a socially conscious business who cares about its customers. Along with this, it can also be a free advertising opportunity.
   2. Partner with Local Retailers
      Otherwise referred to as cross-promotion, this is a free form of advertising in which you work with competitors and non-competitors in your area by promoting each other. You can work together to provide consumers with a memorable buying experience with procedures as simple as exchanging business cards and offering small giveaways.
   3. Attend Trade Shows
      A trade show is a great way to not only promote your business, but also gain a better understanding of your target market. This is an excellent opportunity to present your product/service to a large audience and connect with them face to face. This can improve brand recognition and consumer response to your business.
   4. Distribute Flyers and Postcards
      Since 65% of people identify as visual learners, it’s a safe bet that creating flyers and postcards to advertise your business will help people remember it. This is a straightforward method that puts information about your business directly into the hands of your target market.
   5. Word of Mouth
      You want your business to be the talk of the town, and the way to make this happen is through referrals and rewards. Offer your customers discount opportunities or free products as a thank you for referring their friends and family to use your products/services.
   6. Optimize Your Website
      For those who don’t have a website, your first step is to make one. From there, you can use a few different techniques to increase online traffic and encourage consumers to stay on your site. This can be done by changing website design, making your site mobile, and utilizing SEO (Search Engine Optimization).
   7. Check Your Online Reviews
      Your online presence is an important factor when it comes to how consumers interact with your business. Whether it’s on Yelp, Facebook, or any other social media platform, you want to stay aware of what’s being said by customers. You want to encourage people to leave reviews—just make sure you do all you can to ensure that they’re positive. Reviews can have a serious influence on local customers, so even if they’re negative, take time to reply to the user and address their concerns.

The seven creative local marketing ideas listed above can be used to lay the groundwork for a successful marketing strategy. If you’re looking for more ways to promote your small business, there are endless resources available that provide different ideas and procedures for you to use.