Top Local Advertising Ideas for Small Business
If you are a small business owner, you know that you have to expand your customer base to continue to grow. The best way to do that is to advertise to a local demographic. Since this is a targeting market, you need targeted local business advertising. You are probably looking for affordable ways to achieve your marketing goals. That is why we have compiled a list of the Top 10 local advertising ideas for Small Business so you can compete with the big companies on a small budget!
1. Claim Your Google ‘My Business Listing’
When your customers are ready to buy, they turn to Google. Google has created a listing specifically for small businesses to be found by local customers called ‘My Business Listing’ Utilizing this listing will help you rank on the front page and in the maps section for your niche. Your local business advertising doesn’t get more targeted than this. Google has made it simple to add your information to their platform, so make sure you claim your listing today!
2. Run a Referral Promotion
The most effective form of advertising is word-of-mouth! If you incentivize your customers to refer you to their friends and family, you will see that you generate a lot of business on a recurring basis. People trust personal recommendations, so use your current customers to advertise for you. Offer them a free gift with each referral or a dollar amount off their next purchase. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for the referral when you know your customer is happy!
3. Use Print Advertising
Print media isn’t dead. People still like to have something tangible to hold on to. That is why you should have your business cards and pamphlets ready for distribution where your customers are. Make sure you hand out business cards to each customer that walks through your doors or partner with other local businesses in the area to display your cards at checkout. You can also implement a direct mail campaign with time-sensitive coupons. This is a great way to create awareness for your business, and if your offer is a great one, people will pass it onto their friends.
4. Stay on Brand
Everyone loves swag! Branded items are a great way to keep your brand top of mind. Make sure that you get swag that is useful. Pens, USB sticks, t-shirts, reusable bags, and water bottles are excellent products for your local business advertising. Make sure that your logo is prominent on the items so that people associate your brand to the good feeling they get when using your product.
5. Make Use of the Local Newspaper
Your local newspaper is an excellent local business advertising option. Not only does it provide an excellent return on investment, but you can place your ad in specific sections for hyper-targeted advertising. You can also try pitching a story to your local paper to get your business name in the paper for free. Make sure your story has an angle that appeals to many people to have a better chance of getting your story picked up.
6. Partner with Local Radio
Radio Contests are wildly popular. If you have a physical location and partner with the right local radio station, you will find that your return on ad spend is well worth it. If you are running a radio contest, make sure that your prize is a substantial one. You should also make sure that your staff is ready to provide excellent customer service for those who phone in or come to your store in person.
7. Host an Exclusive Event
Hosting an exclusive event for people within your target market is a great way to build goodwill and brand recognition in the community. You can make almost anything an event as long as there is plenty of food and friendly people. Try partnering with other local businesses to keep your costs down and get more reach. Make sure that you plan your promotion at least a month in advance for maximum turn out. You can also provide branded swag or a gift to the first 50 people who attend.
8. Do a Local Give Away
People love free stuff and the excitement that comes with a chance of winning. Try partnering with local businesses who have a similar target market to do a giveaway. You can cross promote on all social channels to get the maximum amount of people to participate. Make sure that each business provides a great prize that people will want to have right away!
9. Localize Your Online Ads
Local business advertising online has never been easier. These days you can use online advertising to target people within 1 mile of your business that has traveled outside of the country recently. You can target people who are ready to buy and, in your store’s, geographical location. Make sure you couple localized ads with excellent ad copy to achieve maximum leads and foot traffic.
10. Advertise With Your Vehicle
If you have a fleet of company cars or use your own car for frequent client visits, you should consider wrapping your vehicle in your brand colors with your logo and contact information prominent. The best part about vehicles wraps is that the advertising is a one-time cost and continues to work overtime even when it is parked. If you aren’t ready for a vehicle wrap, you can try magnetic decals that are low cost and can come off at any time.
Now that you have 10 local business advertising ideas that you can implement today, your company will be better able to attract the right clientele in your local area.