Boost Your Leads & Views with FREE Local Marketing: 7 Hacks to Grow Your Brand
- Cicily Ashcraft
- Apr 15, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 4
If you own a small business, you know how important it is to attract local customers, but getting noticed in your local community can be challenging, especially when you’re up against bigger businesses or online giants. The good news is that there are several free strategies you can implement to build local brand awareness and drive foot traffic to your business without spending a dime.
And, for those who prefer a more visual approach, you can watch the video version of this blog on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UphEMIW_ryg&t=111s
Let’s explore some effective and budget-friendly ways to help you get more local followers, boost your social media presence, and, most importantly, increase local foot traffic to your store (cha-ching!$$$)!
1. Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
One of the best ways to start building local brand awareness is to optimize your Google My Business listing. This free tool allows your business to show up in local searches when potential customers are looking for services near them. It’s one of the most powerful tools available to small businesses because it helps you show up on Google Maps and local search results.
Here’s how to optimize it:
Claim and verify your Google My Business profile.
Ensure your address, contact details, business hours, and website are accurate.
Upload high-quality photos of your business, products, or services.
Ask happy customers to leave reviews and respond to them.
A well-maintained Google My Business profile can make your business easy to find and accessible to local customers, which can directly increase foot traffic.
2. Leverage Local SEO for Your Website
If you want to increase your visibility in local searches, you need to focus on local SEO. This strategy is about making sure your website is optimized with location-specific keywords that match what your potential customers are searching for.
For example, if you run a pet grooming service in your area, you want to use keywords like “best pet grooming in [Your City].” You can add these keywords into your website content, blog posts, and service pages to increase your chances of showing up in Google searches when someone looks for services nearby.
Creating localized content, like blog posts or articles that highlight your area, is another way to leverage local SEO. For instance, if you own a coffee shop, write a blog post about “The Best Coffee Spots in [Your City],” and be sure to mention your own shop.
3. Get Active in Local Facebook Groups
Facebook groups are a goldmine for local networking and brand awareness. Many communities have Facebook groups where people share recommendations, ask for advice, and discuss local businesses. By participating in these groups, you can promote your business, build relationships, and increase brand awareness in your local area.
Here’s how to leverage Facebook groups:
Search for groups specific to your community or city (e.g., “[City] Local Community” or “[Neighborhood] Business Recommendations”).
Participate in discussions and offer helpful advice without directly selling. You can mention your business when it’s appropriate, like when someone asks for a recommendation for your type of service.
Share updates about special events, sales, or promotions your business is hosting.
Always follow the group rules to ensure you’re not coming across as overly promotional.
Engaging with local Facebook groups will help you establish yourself as a trusted business in your area and can drive more local customers your way.
4. Use Nextdoor (or Similar Platforms) for Neighborhood Networking
For those who prefer an alternative to Facebook, Nextdoor is a hyper-local social network designed for connecting neighbors and local businesses - another great asset. It’s a great way to get the word out about your business in your community.
Here’s how to make the most of Nextdoor:
Create a free business profile.
Respond to “in search of” (ISO) requests when people ask for local recommendations.
Join neighborhood discussions and share your expertise.
Post about upcoming sales or events you’re hosting in your area.
Nextdoor is especially effective because it connects businesses directly to customers in the same geographic area, making it easier for people to discover your products or services.
5. Engage with Local Influencers or Micro-Influencers
While working with influencers can sometimes come with a price tag, many local influencers or micro-influencers are willing to collaborate for free, especially if they like your product or service. Micro-influencers typically have smaller followings, but they tend to have more engaged audiences, making them a great resource for building brand awareness locally.
Here’s how to collaborate with local influencers:
Find local influencers by searching Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter using your city’s hashtag.
Reach out to them and offer to give them a free product or service in exchange for a post or mention on their social media.
Look for influencers who align with your brand values and have an audience that fits your target market.
Partnering with local influencers helps you get your name out there in a way that feels more personal and authentic to your audience.
6. Use Local Hashtags on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for building brand awareness, but it’s essential to use local hashtags to ensure your posts reach the right people. Hashtags like #YourCity or #ShopLocalYourCity will help your posts get discovered by people searching for businesses in your area.
For example, if you own a boutique in San Francisco, using hashtags like #ShopLocalSF or #SanFranciscoBoutique will help your business get found by people who are in or around your city. You can also use location tags on Instagram and TikTok to increase your chances of appearing in local searches.
7. Attend and Promote Local Events (For Free!)
One of the best ways to gain local brand awareness is to attend or sponsor local events. Whether it’s a street fair, community event, or charity fundraiser, being visible at these events can help you get noticed by local residents. You don’t always have to pay to sponsor an event – many communities are open to having local businesses participate, either through donations, giveaways, or simply setting up a booth.
Here’s how to engage with local events:
Look for free or low-cost events in your area that align with your business.
Offer to sponsor a part of the event, donate your product, or volunteer your time.
Promote your participation on your social media and invite followers to attend.
Local events are a great way to interact with your community and get your business in front of potential customers.
Want to Learn More? Watch the Video Version!
These seven strategies are just the beginning when it comes to building local brand awareness. If you want to dive deeper and see the full breakdown, check out the video version of this blog on our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UphEMIW_ryg&t=111s
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By optimizing your online presence and engaging with your local community, you’ll be on your way to creating lasting brand recognition and driving more customers to your business—without spending a dime!
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