Since the business world is largely digital now, you may be deceived into thinking you don’t need to market your business locally.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The truth is that for the majority of businesses, the main people who will patronise you are those in your city.
Now, this might not be the case for certain service providers.
For instance, if you offer marketing services, your customers might not mind if you are in another part of the world.
However, even for that, they might feel you won’t be able to relate with their own local audience enough to market to them. So, they may still prefer local businesses.
In essence, I’m saying marketing your business locally is not optional, not if you want to survive in business.
So, how do you do that? Let’s take a look.
Proven Ways to Market Your Business Locally
1. Start with Word of Mouth
Word of mouth is one of the simplest ways to market your business locally.
Before spending money on ads or logos, your primary focus should be on providing a great customer experience because about 88% of people trust recommendations from friends and family more than any other type of advertising.
And when someone has a great experience with your business, they will naturally want to tell their neighbours and friends, making this ‘hack’ faster and more cost-efficient than any paid campaign.
So, if you are wondering how to market your small business locally without overspending, start here.
2. Launch a Referral Program
You’ve probably heard of referrals before. A referral program is an easy way to turn word of mouth into more customers.
People already trust recommendations from friends and family, so offering a small reward gives them even more reason to share your business.
For example, you could give a 5% or 10% discount to both the customer who referred someone and the new person.
This dual benefit makes a referral program one of the best ways to promote a business in your area; you bring in new customers while strengthening your relationship with existing ones.
Also Read: 9 Tips for Small Businesses to Generate Brand Awareness
3. Show Your Work Through Testimonials and Reviews
Customers want proof that your business can deliver, and reviews often make the difference between a sale and a missed opportunity.
That’s why 88% of customers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations, and 72% will take action only after reading a positive review.
Because of this, it should become part of your process to ask every customer for a testimonial or review.
If possible, try to get a photo of the finished work or a short video, then share these reviews on your website and social media pages. This not only shows proof of your work but also helps you better market your business locally.
4. Get Found Online by Using Google and SEO
Your online presence is often the first way potential customers find you. That’s why it’s important to start with a free, fully optimized Google My Business profile.
This will show your address, opening hours, and reviews, making it easy for people to readily find information about you.
Moreover, about 46% of all Google searches have local intent. So, make sure your listings are accurate and that your website and social media use location-specific keywords and geotags.
For example “Nail Salon in (City Name)” stands a better chance than “Bespoke Nail Salon for you.” People are likely to search for the former more because it’s a direct way to find businesses close to them.
When you do this right, your local SEO improves, and people in your area searching for your services will see your business first.
So you see that an optimized online presence is the best way to consistently attract more clients in your community.
5. Market Locally Using Social Media
Some people erroneously think local marketing automatically means zero digital approach.
But as we’ve come to see, internet marketing is not excluded when it comes to local business marketing.
In fact, social media is one of the smart ways to market locally and reach people nearby; about 1 in 3 consumers use these platforms to discover new products.
So, make sure you are actively following local businesses and potential customers. Comment on their posts, like them, and stay involved.
This activity is one of the best marketing strategies that helps your business stay visible, build local recognition, and boost sales both online and at local events.
Also Read: 15 Common Marketing Mistakes to Avoid as a Small Business
6. Distribute Flyers
I know this seems like an old-school method, but distributing flyers is a low-cost and very effective way to market your business locally. Flyers are one of the most direct ways to attract more clients in your community, especially when distributed in busy areas.
So, you can set aside about 1–2 hours each week to share well-designed flyers and you’ll start seeing results.
Make sure each flyer explains who you are, what you do, where you are located, and why your service is important.
Also, include a very nice message or call to action that encourages people to reach out to you. When well-designed and consistently distributed, flyers can help you attract local customers effectively.
7. Team Up with Other Local Businesses
This is one of the best local marketing strategies for small businesses because it lets you reach a loyal customer base without building one from scratch.
For example, if you own a bakery near a coffee shop, you could place your pastries in their store while they display your menu in theirs.
Or, if you’re a fashion designer, you could team up with a makeup artist.
When your services complement each other, everyone wins. So, it’s definitely worth giving this a try.
8. Get Out There, Attend Events, and Network Locally
One of the best ways to promote your business locally is by being present at community events. Don’t just stay at home or sit on the sidelines.
Get involved, engage with people, and build relationships.
These events also give you a chance to meet other local business owners and people in your area who can bring in more clients than any advertisement can.
To do this, you need to join groups and business associations, and more importantly, take part in activities that help promote your business at local events.
The more you show up and connect, the stronger your local presence becomes. Over time, more people will naturally refer business to you.
Also Read: 11 Online Marketing Tips for Solopreneurs
9. Plan a Grand Opening Event
A grand opening is your first chance to make a lasting impression in your local market.
Announce the start of your home business or service with a promotional event to create buzz and draw people in.
Offer a limited-time special, like a deep discount for the first 10 or 15 customers. Then, ask them to provide a testimonial or review in return.
This not only gets people talking about your business, but also gives you social proof to show online and offline.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, marketing your business locally doesn’t mean you have to go broke. Start where you are. These are simple tips for advertising your business locally that don’t break the bank.
By applying what is written here, you are on your way to making sure your clients hear and know about you.
Let me hear from you, which of these marketing tips do you already start?
FAQs
1. I run my business alone and my budget is small. What should I focus on so my money brings good results?
The best place to start is your Google Business Profile. It is free and it helps people in your area find you fast. Posting simple things on social media can also bring new people in; things like your work, short tips, or reviews from past customers. When the budget is low, the best return usually comes from showing your work often and making it easy for people to reach you.
2. How do I know if my offline marketing, like flyers or small events, is even working?
The easiest way is to add a small message on the flyer that people can mention when they contact you. If someone brings it up, then you know the flyer reached them. You can also just directly ask every new customer how they found you.
3. How often should I update my online info and my social media pages?
Anytime something changes, like your phone number or opening hours, update it right away. Then, for social media, posting once or twice a week is enough. The main thing is to keep it active so people know the business is still running and they can trust the info.
4. My competition is doing advanced SEO. What should I focus on with my small budget?
Just make sure your Google profile is complete. Use words that people already search for, like the service plus your area name. Additionally, try to get a few honest reviews and also reply to people fast. These steps can help you stay visible even without big money.
