This guide for 2024 shares 50+ clear tips and examples to help you promote your business locally and reach more customers in your small town or rural area.
We created this guide because local promotion is essential for small businesses to thrive in competitive markets.
If you own a small business or want to grow into a regional brand, these strategies can help you attract more customers and increase your visibility.
This guide includes practical steps to:
- Build a strong online presence
- Use traditional marketing methods
- Run effective digital ads
- Form partnerships in your community
Key benefits of investing time and effort into local promotion:
| Benefit | Impact |
| Increased foot traffic | Higher sales |
| Improved brand awareness | Better customer loyalty |
| Enhanced community relationships | Stronger local reputation |
From optimizing your Google Business Profile to participating in local events, we’ll explore over 50 promotional and marketing strategies and examples that will help your small business thrive in your community.
As an added bonus, that vast majority of these local business ideas are very inexpensive marketing techniques you an easily implement.
Table of Contents
Establishing a Strong Online Presence
Let’s face it, folks, if you’re not online, your small town business might as well be invisible! But don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Crafting a website that’s so easy to use, even your grandma could navigate it. (We highly recommend using Shopify – Shopify understands small business and makes e-commerce super easy.)
- Mastering the art of local SEO (it’s not as scary as it sounds)
- Conquering social media platforms like a boss
- Boosting your online presence with the help of online directories
Remember: Consider your website as a 24/7 salesperson.
You want a website that works harder than the office coffee machine!
Now lets dive into how to turn your small business into a local online powerhouse!
Creating and Optimizing Your Website
Picture this: You’ve just whipped up the world’s best pizza, but you’re serving it on a paper plate.
That’s what having a great business with a subpar website is like.
A great product or service with a lousy presentation brings down the overall value.
Mobile Optimization
In 2024, if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, you’re basically ghost-writing your business’s online obituary. Here’s why:
- Over 63% of searches happen on mobile devices.
- Users bounce faster than a kangaroo on espresso if your mobile site loads slowly.
- Google prioritizes mobile-optimized sites in search results.
Launch Your Small Business Pro tip: Use the PageSpeed Insights tool to see how your site stacks up!
Local SEO Techniques
Even in smaller communities, people will turn to Google to search for local businesses and services.
That’s why Local Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is so important!
Key ingredients for your local SEO potion:
| Technique | Why It Matters |
| Location-based keywords | Help locals find you faster |
| NAP consistency | (Name, Address, Phone) Builds trust with search engines |
| Local content | Shows you’re part of the community |
Remember, your website is your digital storefront. You want it easily found when people are online!
Claim and Optimize Online Business Listings
If you want people in your area to find your business, you’ve got to claim your spot with the online directories.
It’s like setting up a digital “Open for Business” sign.
Here’s where you start:
Google Business Profile
This is the big one. It’s part search engine, part business directory.
If you’re not showing up on Google Maps when people search for local businesses like yours, you’re invisible.
First, you need to create a Google Business Profile. What’s great is this feature is free.
Once you’ve claimed your Google Business Profile, add all your business details—address, phone number, business hours, and pictures.
Launch Your Small Business Pro tip: Use keywords that your customers would search for, like “best lawn care near me” or “affordable pet grooming in [your town].”
The more optimized your profile is, the more likely you’ll appear in the local search results.
People can leave reviews here, which you have no control over. You’ll want to review them regularly and respond, both to the positive ones and the not-so-great ones.
Yelp Business Page
Yelp is another major player, especially for service-based businesses.
Make sure to claim your listing and fill it out completely, just like Google.
And, like Google, Yelp relies on consumer reviews for much of its content.
A way to get higher review scores on both Google and Yelp is to ask your customers to leave a review if they were happy with the service.
Receiving positive, real reviews are key to building trust and boosting visibility.
Other Relevant Online Directories
The Internet is a big place and it doesn’t stop at Google and Yelp.
Look for niche directories or local business sites where people search for services in your industry
Some examples? HomeAdvisor for contractors, TripAdvisor for restaurants, and Angie’s List for service pros.
The more places your business appears, the easier it is for potential local consumers to find you.
Using Social Media for Local Promotion
Social media marketing isn’t just for big brands—it has been a game-changer for small businesses too.
You don’t need to be everywhere.
But you do need to be where your local customers are hanging out.
Here’s some easy way you can use social media to get in front of them:
Facebook is huge for local business.
Set up a business page (different from your personal profile), and start posting regularly.
Share updates, promotions, and community events you’re part of.
Launch Your Small Business Pro tip: Join local Facebook groups.
These are goldmines for connecting directly with people in your area. To get the most out of them:
- Engage, offer advice, and don’t be pushy.
- Don’t openly advertise your services because most groups don’t allow solicitation.
- That said, you’ll be in the right place when someone posts the “Does anyone know a reliable plumber?” question. If you’re a plumber, let them know. If you know a good plumber, recommend them. Other business owners appreciate these online referrals and will return the favor.
If your business has a visual element to it, Instagram is the place to be. Flower shop? Cake maker? Heck, I’d argue some good muffler shots would even work. You have to be on Instagram.
You’ll want to use Instagram to show off what your small business does with high-quality photos and videos.
Use location-based hashtags like #YourTownName or #SmallTownBusiness to reach locals.
And don’t ignore Instagram Stories— these are quick snapshots of your day to keep people connected to your business progress.
If you’re targeting professionals or other businesses, LinkedIn is your playground.
You can connect with local business owners, build partnerships, and share thought leadership content.
Look at LinkedIn as the place business owners go to network with other business owners.
Launch Your Small Business Pro tip: Look into LinkedIn Groups that focus on your area or industry.
TikTok
It’s not just for teens, although there is a lot of them on there.
TikTok’s algorithm can get you really good local exposure if you create fun, snappy content.
Try quick, behind-the-scenes videos or community shoutouts. “Looking forward to seeing everyone at our booth at the fair this weekend – weather should be great!”
People love authenticity here—don’t overthink it.
Regularly posting on these platforms can be time-consuming, so if you’re finding it overwhelming, just stick to one.
Local Content Marketing Strategies
Local content marketing is a long game, but it’s one of the best ways to build trust and authority locally.
In a nutshell, you’re writing articles and posting them online in order to establish yourself as an expert in a particular area and to rank high in the search engines. Here’s where to focus:
Blogging with Local Focus
Blogging is like having a conversation with your community.
Write about local events, trends in your industry, or how your business solves local problems.
For example, if you own a lawn care service, write a post on “The Best Times to Mow Your Lawn in [Your Town]” or “Common Weeds in [Your Region] and How to Handle Them.”
Launch Your Small Business Pro tip: Sprinkle in local keywords. The more you connect with your area, the more you’ll pop up in local searches.
Guest Posting on Local Sites
Collaborate with other local businesses or community websites by writing guest posts.
This gets your name out there and drives traffic back to your site.
Look for local blogs, newspapers, or niche sites where your target audience is hanging out.
Just make sure to include links back to your site or information on how people can reach you.
Traditional Local Marketing Tactics
Even in the digital age, traditional marketing still works – especially in small towns where people love supporting local businesses.
Let’s start with print advertising:
Advertising In Local Newspapers
People still read the local paper, especially when they want to know what’s happening in the community.
Running ads in your local newspaper can help you reach people who might not be as active online.
Look for special sections that feature local businesses or community events for extra visibility.
Magazines
Local or regional magazines are another solid option to promote your business locally.
They often cater to specific demographics, like families, homeowners, or tourists, which can make your targeting even more effective.
Bonus points if you can get featured in a magazine article – it adds credibility to your brand.
Print advertising is still powerful when you meet people where they are – whether that’s a local newspaper in the driveway or a magazine in the dentist’s office.
Direct Mail Campaigns
Direct mail might feel old-school, but it works.
Why?
Because people still check their mail, and a well-designed postcard or flyer can stand out in the stack of bills.
Here’s how to make it count:
Target Specific Areas
- Focus on neighborhoods where your ideal customers live.
- Use a service like Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) from USPS to send your flyers, postcards, or coupons to specific zip codes or routes.
- This way, you get maximum exposure without wasting money on areas that don’t matter.
Make It Personal
- People respond to personalized messages.
- Address your mailers directly to them and offer something valuable, like a limited-time discount or a local event invite.
- Give them a reason to hang on to your postcard instead of tossing it.
Launch Your Small Business Pro Tip: Include a strong call to action that encourages people to visit your website or store.
Local Radio and TV Advertising
Local radio and TV ads still pack a punch, especially when you’re targeting specific communities.
Here’s why they work:
Local Radio
Radio stations cater to specific regions and communities.
If your audience listens to the radio on their commute or at work, you’ve got a golden opportunity.
Choose the right station that your target market tunes into and run short, catchy ads.
Focus on peak listening times, like morning or evening rush hours, for maximum impact.
Local TV
Got a little more budget?
Local TV ads can put your business in front of thousands.
They’re great for building brand awareness in a small town or region.
Run ads during local news broadcasts or community programming where your target audience is most likely watching.
Launch Your Small Business Pro Tip: Keep it short and engaging—people remember visuals more than long-winded explanations.
Outdoor Advertising
Outdoor advertising is all about visibility.
It’s hard to miss a well-placed billboard or a branded vehicle driving around town.
Here’s how to make it work:
Billboards
Billboards are prime real estate for getting your business in front of as many eyes as possible.
Place your billboard in high-traffic areas, like busy intersections or highways, where locals are bound to see it.
Keep the design simple and to the point—bold colors, large text, and a clear call to action work best.
You only have a few seconds to grab attention, so make it count.
Vehicle Wraps
Turn your car or truck into a moving billboard.
A well-designed vehicle wrap with your business logo, contact info, and a catchy slogan can get you noticed wherever you drive.
The best part? It’s a one-time investment that keeps advertising your business every time you hit the road.
Networking and Community Involvement
Nothing beats face-to-face connections in a small town.
Get involved in local events, attend networking meetups, and join community organizations like your town’s Chamber of Commerce.
These opportunities let you build real relationships with potential customers and other local businesses.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth.
When you show up at local charity events, sponsor a little league team, or host community workshops, people start to recognize and trust you, and by extension, your business.
It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to become a known, trusted name in your community.
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
You ever search for something local and see those ads at the top of the search results?
That’s Search Engine Marketing (SEM) at work, and it’s one of the fastest ways to get your business in front of people looking for exactly what you offer.
Google Ads To Promote Your Business Locally
Google is the king of search.
With Google Ads, you can target specific keywords that your customers are searching for, like “best coffee shop in [Your Town].”
What makes it great? You’re only paying when someone clicks your ad.
It’s all about targeting: narrow your ads to your local area and only show up for relevant searches.
For a small business, this is a cost-effective way to get results fast.
Microsoft Advertising
While Google gets most of the attention, Microsoft Advertising (which shows up on Bing) can still bring in traffic.
The big advantage?
It’s often cheaper, and the competition is lower.
If your audience includes people who use Bing (think older demographics or corporate users), Microsoft Ads can be a sneaky-good way to stand out.
Same idea as Google: target your local area, use keywords, and get eyes on your business when people search for local services.
Social Media Advertising
We discussed getting your business on social media already, but there’s more opportunities to promote your small town business using these platforms.
So your new local business is on social media, your potential local consumers are on social media, now you want to link the two up.
That’s why social media advertising is a no-brainer for promoting your local business.
You get in front of people right where they’re hanging out – on their phones.
Facebook Ads
Let’s start with Facebook.
It’s still one of the best platforms for local businesses because of its targeting options.
You can zero in on people based on their location, interests, and even behaviors.
Want to reach homeowners in your town who are into DIY?
Facebook’s got you covered.
And since people scroll quickly, focus on simple, eye-catching ads that get the point across fast.
Instagram Ads
Instagram is owned by Facebook, so you get the same great targeting features.
But on Instagram, visuals are everything.
If you’re a restaurant, show off your best dishes and specials.
If you’re a landscaper, show before-and-after shots of your work.
The more visual appeal, the better.
LinkedIn Ads
For B2B businesses, LinkedIn Ads can be gold.
It’s all about connecting with local professionals, so if you’re offering services to other businesses, don’t ignore LinkedIn.
TikTok Ads
Want to connect with a younger audience?
Try TikTok Ads.
It’s blowing up for local businesses that can get creative with their video content.
Collaborating with Other Local Businesses
Partnering with other local businesses is a win-win when it comes to promoting and marketing your business in your small town or rural community.
And in the pursuit of learning how to cross-promote your business locally, take note, it’s also one of the easiest ways to expand your reach without spending a fortune.
Here’s how it works:
- You find a business that complements yours in some way- for example, if you own a bakery, team up with a local coffee shop.
- You then offer joint promotions like “Buy a coffee, get a discount on a pastry” or cross-promote each other on social media.
Another cross-promotion strategy is hosting local events together.
For example, a fitness studio could partner with a nutrition shop to hold wellness workshops.
Each business brings its own customers, and now you’re both getting in front of a whole new group of them.
Here’s a few more examples of potential collaborations to help you get an idea of how you can make something similar work for you and your small town business:
- Restaurants and farms: If you run a restaurant, partner with a local farm to highlight “farm-to-table” dishes. Feature their products on your menu and have them promote your restaurant at their market stand. Both businesses get new exposure, and customers love supporting local.
- Gyms and apparel stores: If you own a gym, team up with a local activewear store. Offer discounts to members who shop there, while they promote your gym through in-store displays or social media shout-outs.
- Salons and florists: Got a beauty salon? Collaborate with a nearby florist for events like weddings or proms. You could offer a package deal – book a hair appointment, get a discount on bouquets – and cross-promote each other during the wedding season.
- Real estate agents and home services: Real estate agents can collaborate with local home service businesses like landscapers, painters, or interior designers. Offer clients a free consultation or discount on services when they buy or sell a home through you.
These partnerships create mutual benefits and expand your reach into new customer bases, all while building a sense of community.
The best part?
You’re helping out a fellow local business, which builds stronger community ties.
And that goodwill goes a long way in a small town.
Partnering with Local Influencers
Local online influencers can be a game changer for your small town business promotional efforts.
These people already have a built-in audience that trusts their recommendations, and if you can get them to talk about your business, you’re instantly gaining credibility.
Here’s how to do it:
Find influencers who are active in your community and have followers that match your target audience.
These aren’t going to be huge, global influencers – just people with a solid local following.
For example, a local food blogger could rave about your restaurant, or a fitness enthusiast could feature your gym.
Offer them something in return for promoting your small business:
- Free product or service in exchange for a review
- Hosting a special event or giveaway together
- Creating sponsored content like social media posts or videos
- Special discounts they can offer their followers
The key here is authenticity.
A local influencer can help generate word-of-mouth marketing, which can do wonders for your local visibility.
Joining Local Business Organizations
Want to get really plugged into your local economy?
Joining local business organizations is one of the best ways to build relationships and gain visibility with other people in your area’s business community.
Participating in these organizations puts you in front of other local business owners, potential customers, and decision-makers in your area.
As a bonus, you’ll also gain valuable insight into current and emerging issues affecting the local economy.
Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is a must for any local business.
It’s like a hub for networking, events, and business resources.
By becoming a member, you can attend community events, participate in workshops, and even get listed in their directories, which helps boost your business credibility.
Industry-Specific Associations
If there’s an industry-specific group in your area—like a local restaurant association or retail organization – join it.
These groups often provide access to insider knowledge, networking events, and industry-specific marketing opportunities that can help you grow.
You’ll also meet people who understand your specific challenges and can share valuable advice.
Sponsoring Local Events and Teams
Sponsoring local events or sports teams is an awesome way to get your business in front of your community while supporting something they care about.
It’s all about building goodwill and getting your brand noticed.
Start by sponsoring local events like charity runs, festivals, or school functions.
Your business name and logo will be featured on event materials, like banners, T-shirts, or flyers, giving you exposure to a broad audience.
Plus, local sponsorships associate your business with a good cause, which in turn boosts your reputation.
You can also sponsor a local sports team – whether it’s a little league team or an adult softball league.
You get your logo on uniforms, and every time the team hits the field, you’re being advertised to the local fans.
Local sports fields and arenas often sell advertising space as well.
It’s a fun, community-focused way to build awareness of your business.
Customer Retention and Loyalty Strategies
If you’re wondering how to promote your business locally and keep benefiting from that promotion long-term, you want to focus on customer retention and loyalty strategies.
Why?
Because countless small town business marketers and promoters before you have found it’s significantly cheaper to keep a customer than to get a new one.
And let’s be honest, word-of-mouth is powerful in a small community.
When someone loves your business, they keep coming back. They’re also going to tell everyone.
So you don’t just retain a customer; you gain free promotion.
And the value of those loyal customers?
They’re great because they spend more over time since they already trust your business and upselling and cross-selling are easier when they’re already fans of your brand.
It also helps build a solid local reputation.
If your customers speak highly about your small business, it’s easier to grow and attract more loyal buyers.
So when you’re trying to promote your business locally, focusing on loyalty is a no-brainer.
Here’s some customer retention ideas:
Implementing loyalty programs
Want to keep your local consumers coming back for more?
Then let’s talk loyalty programs.
Why? Because it’s way cheaper to retain old and existing customers when compared to the cost of marketing to find new ones.
Here’s the deal:
A successful loyalty program should make your customers feel special.
They give people a reason to choose you over the competition.
And they turn one-time buyers into repeat customers.
So how do you implement a loyalty program? Think about what your customers actually want.
Maybe it’s exclusive access to new products.
Maybe it’s a free coffee after they buy 10.
Whatever it is, make it valuable and easy to understand.
Remember, the goal is to make your customers feel like VIPs.
When customers feel valued, they’re more likely to return.
So, how do you create a loyalty program that actually works?
- Simple Rewards:
Make it easy to understand.
For example, offer points for every dollar spent.
Once they hit a certain number, they get a discount or free item.
- Exclusive Offers:
Give loyal customers something special.
This could be early access to new products or exclusive discounts.
Everyone loves feeling like they’re part of a special club.
- Personalization:
Use customer data to tailor rewards.
If someone buys a lot of coffee, offer a free drink after their fifth purchase.
Personal touches make customers feel appreciated.
- Mobile Apps:
If you can, consider a loyalty app.
It’s a handy way for customers to track points and receive offers directly on their phones.
Plus, it keeps your business top of mind.
But here’s the thing – don’t set it and forget it.
Keep tweaking your program based on what’s working and what’s not.
Ask for feedback and listen to what your customers are saying.
A good loyalty program evolves with your business and your customers’ needs.
Email Marketing Campaigns
If you’re not using email marketing to promote your business locally, you’re leaving promotional money on the table.
It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to stay connected and get people coming back.
Here’s how to make email marketing work:
Regular Updates
- Send out a quick newsletter weekly or bi-weekly.
- Share promotions, new products, or upcoming events.
- People check their email daily – if you stay in their inbox, you stay on their mind.
Personalized Offers
- Use customer data to make emails feel personal.
- If someone hasn’t bought in a while, send them a special discount.
- Recommend products based on what they’ve purchased before.
Segmentation
- Don’t blast the same message to everyone.
- Break your list into groups based on what people buy, where they live, or their interests.
- Make it personal, and engagement will skyrocket.
Call to Action
- Every email needs a goal.
- Whether it’s visiting your store, buying something, or signing up for an event—make it clear.
- Keep your call-to-action simple and direct.
Keep your emails short, valuable, and include a strong call-to-action. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your local business grow.
3 Simple Ways to Collect Customer Emails
Alright, let’s break down three easy ways to snag those customer emails:
- Ask for it.
Yeah, it’s simple, but it works.
Stick a clipboard near your register or ask folks during check-out to provide their email for updates and special offers.
You’ll need to give them a clear reason to hand over their personal information.
Make sure to offer a small freebie or discount for signing up. (“Would you like 10% off your next order? All I need is your email address and we’ll email a coupon to you right away.”)
- Website pop-up or banner
When someone lands on your site, give ’em a reason to share their email.
Maybe it’s a discount code for their first purchase.
Or a free guide related to your business.
Make it pop-up eye-catching, but not annoying.
And please, make it easy to close.
- Social media contests
Run a quick contest on your social channels.
Ask people to enter by dropping their email in the comments or DMs.
Make the prize something cool, but not too expensive.
It could be one of your products or a gift card.
Bonus: This also boosts your social engagement.
Remember, always be upfront about how you’ll use their email.
Nobody likes surprise spam and it’s straight-up illegal in some jurisdictions.
And make it dead simple for people to unsubscribe if they want.
Building that email list takes time, but it’s worth it.
Looking for a good email marketing platform? Launch Your Small Business uses and recommends Omnisend. Give it a try for free.
Referral Programs
Want to know how to promote your business locally by growing your customer base without breaking the bank on ads?
Referral programs are your secret, low-cost weapon.
Your existing customers already love what you offer, so why not reward them for spreading the word?
Here’s how to set up a killer referral program:
Keep It Simple and Rewarding
- Make it easy to understand.
- Offer a discount or freebie when someone refers a friend.
- For example: “Refer a friend, and you both get 10% off your next order.”
- Easy for them, and a win for you.
Make Sharing Effortless
- Use social media, text, or email to help customers refer their friends with a single click.
- Create a simple referral code or link that’s easy to track.
Double the Incentive
- Reward both the referrer and the new customer.
- This boosts the likelihood of them participating, and everyone loves a good deal.
Referral programs are a no-cost marketing boost.
You reward loyal customers, they help you get new ones, and everybody wins.
Providing Exceptional Customer Service
As we’ve mentioned, keeping existing customers costs significantly less than trying to attract completely new ones.
However, if you want customers to stick around, exceptional customer service is truly the most important thing.
Addressing your customers needs and concerns is one of the most powerful ways to build loyalty and keep people coming back.
It is also one of the easiest ways to generate word-of-mouth marketing.
When people are blown-away by the service they receive, they talk about it.
So whether it’s a one-on-one conversation or a Facebook post, these personal endorsements will often be the deciding factor for someone new to start doing business with you.
Here’s some easy ways to deliver exceptional customer service:
Quick Responses:
- People hate waiting, especially when they have an issue.
- Whether it’s by phone, email, or social media, aim to respond to customer inquiries as quickly as possible.
Personalized Experience:
- Treat your customers like individuals, not numbers or dollar signs.
- Remember their preferences, ask about their experience, and follow up after a sale.
- A personal touch goes a long way.
Problem Solving:
- Things go wrong in business all the time, that’s the reality.
- But when they do, focus on solving the problem, not making excuses.
- Go above and beyond to turn a bad experience into a positive one.
Exceed Expectations:
- Surprise your customers with small gestures – something like a handwritten thank-you note or an unexpected discount.
- These little things make a big difference.
Providing a high level of service builds trust and keeps your customers happy.
Happy customers are loyal customers.
And loyal customers love to sing your praises.
Participating in Local Markets and Fairs
Want to promote your business in front of a lot people all in one go?
Then think about participating in local markets and fairs for an easy win.
Here’s why being a small part of these big local events works:
- Instant Exposure:
These types of events bring together a ton of local people, many of whom haven’t heard of your business yet.
Set up a booth and make it stand out – use eye-catching signs, offer samples, or run a small giveaway.
- Direct Interaction:
You’re going to be face-to-face with potential customers.
This is your chance to build relationships, answer questions, and make a lasting impression.
It’s also a great way to get to hear what people think about your products or services.
- Low-Cost Promotion:
Booths at local fairs usually don’t break the bank.
You get all the benefits of foot traffic without spending a fortune on ads.
Local markets work in much the same way, but because they run more regularly, the crowd sizes are going to be smaller.
People aren’t going to fairs and markets to see you specifically, but if you’re part of the fun, they’ll be interested in what you have to offer.
By being a part of a long-standing community event like a fair, you’re going to have a prime opportunity to make connections and let your community get to know your business.
Hosting Community Events
What’s another way to promote your small business to get it noticed locally?
Hosting community events. The idea here is that it’s a completely new event you create, not one that already exists in your community.
And don’t limit your thinking to just standing out front handing out flyers. You want to create something that gets people to experience your brand firsthand.
Here’s how to make your own local community event work:
- Keep It On-Brand:
Host something that connects to your business.
If you run a coffee shop, try hosting a “brew your own coffee” workshop?
If you’re a personal trainer, run a free outdoor bootcamp.
You’re giving people a taste of what you do while having fun.
- Team Up:
Partnering with other local businesses helps you reach new crowds.
Say you own a flower shop – team up with a local café and do a “flowers and brunch” event.
If there aren’t any other specific businesses that make a good fit, consider a side walk sale where all the businesses on the street set up tables.
Launch Your Small Business Pro Tip: Consider taking the side walk sale concept to a new level. Instead of selling your own products or services, make it a yard sale – solicit donations and sell off your own old junk. And donate all the proceeds to a local charity. Get all the businesses on your street to do it and you’ve got an easy, low cost event sure to attract lots of people and goodwill.
- Promote It Hard:
Whatever your event is, use social media, email, the local newspaper and even good old-fashioned posters around town to promote it.
Get any other small business involved to spread the word as well.
Community events get people talking and keep your business front and center.
Offering Workshops or Classes
Want to position yourself as the local go-to expert while promoting your business at the same time?
Offering workshops or classes is the way to do it.
Here’s how to attract curious people and turn them into local consumers with this cost-effective marketing tool:
- Showcase Your Skills:
Running a workshop gives you the perfect chance to show what you’re good at.
If you own a bakery, teach people how to bake the perfect bread.
If you’re a financial advisor, offer a budgeting class.
These classes build trust and let people experience your business knowledge firsthand.
- Attract New Customers:
Workshops are a low-pressure way for people to get to know your business, they’re there to learn, not buy.
They come to learn something, but they leave knowing who you are and what you offer.
- Community Engagement:
By teaching something useful, you’re adding real value to the community.
People appreciate that – and they’ll remember your business because of it.
Launch Your Small Business Pro Tip: Host the event at the local library or community group and let them help with the promotion.
Workshops are a great way to establish your bona-fides and build credibility.
Creating Unique In-Store Experiences
If you want to get people talking about your local business, think about creating unique in-store experiences.
It’s about making your shop more than just a place to buy stuff – it becomes a place to experience something you’re offering.
Here’s how to create a unique shopping experience:
- Interactive Displays:
Give people something to engage with.
If you own a clothing store, set up a accessories station where customers can try different looks.
If you run a café, let customers sample and vote for new flavors or create their own drink combos.
- Exclusive Events:
Host VIP shopping nights, product launches, or invite-only events.
This makes customers feel special and gets them excited to come back.
- Personalized Service:
Offer personalized consultations, whether it’s a skincare analysis or a quick home décor consultation based on a photo.
People love to feel like they’re getting something specifically just for them.
Making Sure to Set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
So how do you know if your local business promotional efforts are actually working?
That’s where Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) come in.
KPI is the technical term for tracking the results of your marketing efforts.
Here’s how to create KPIs for your small town business:
First, define your goals:
- What are you trying to achieve – more foot traffic, higher sales, or more online leads?
- Get clear on your goals before anything else.
Second, choose the right metrics:
- For foot traffic, track in-store visits.
- For online leads, watch for social media engagement or email sign-ups.
- Pick numbers that directly reflect your goals.
Finally, regularly track your progress:
- Don’t just set it and forget it.
- Monitor your KPIs weekly or monthly to see what’s moving the needle.
KPIs keep you laser-focused on what matters when you’re actively engaged in promoting your small business, helping you optimize your local marketing strategy effectively.
Using Analytics Tools
At the end of the day, if you’re running local online promotional campaigns, you won’t be able to improve them if you don’t measure them.
That’s where online analytics tools come in for staying on top of the results of your local business promotions.
Here’s how they can help:
Track Website Performance:
- Tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console show you things like: how many people visit your site, where they’re coming from, and what they’re doing.
- You can see if your local SEO efforts are bringing in the traffic you want and adjust as needed.
- Shopify also has a number of reports you can generate to get more insights into your site’s visitor and sales figures if you’re using their e-commerce platform.
Social Media Insights:
- Each platform – Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn – gives you built-in analytics to review.
- You’ll know which posts work with your audience and which ones fall flat, helping you fine-tune your content strategy.
Measure Ad Campaigns:
- Running Google Ads or Facebook Ads can be costly if not done right.
- Review their analytics tools to track your conversions (sales), clicks, and Return on Investment (ROI) so you’re not wasting money.
By using analytics tools, you’re making data-backed decisions that will ultimately boost your local marketing game.
A/B Testing and Repeating Winning Strategies
When promoting your small town business locally using some of the online methods we’ve discussed, you don’t need to guess what might work, you can test variations and know for sure.
A/B testing lets you compare two versions of an ad, social post, or email to see which performs better.
Try testing different headlines, images, or calls to action.
Maybe one ad drives more foot traffic while the other boosts online sales.
Once you know which variation of an ad works, repeat it.
Double down on the winning strategy and tweak the rest.
Constant testing and refining will keep your local online marketing efforts fresh and effective.
Gathering and Acting on Customer Feedback
Your best source for data on whether your local promotional and marketing efforts are working is your customers.
You customers know what they want and what they like – so ask them.
Use surveys, online reviews, or casual conversations to gather feedback.
Find out what promotions they love, what they don’t, and what they wish you’d offer.
Once you have the customer feedback, don’t just sit on it.
Act on it.
Make improvements, adjust your service, or add new products based on what they’re telling you.
When customers see you listening and responding, it builds loyalty.
Feedback isn’t just nice to have – it’s invaluable for improving your business.
Conclusion: How To Promote Your Business Locally
Promoting your business locally can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.
You don’t have to use every strategy we mention in this article, but you can use different ones at different stages of your launch or growth.
Start with what you can control – your online presence.
Is your website optimized for local search?
Do you have a Google Business Profile?
How you present yourself here can make a massive difference in your success since so many people’s first exposure to your business will be online.
Next, although we’re big fans of all the promotional opportunities you have online, it’s important to keep in mind traditional marketing still works.
Print ads in local papers or direct mail campaigns might sound old-school, but they get seen in small communities and rural areas.
Either on their own, or mixed with digital strategies like Google Ads and social media, traditional marketing methods can help target your ideal local customers.
But keep in mind promoting yourself locally isn’t just about ads – it involves building relationships.
Collaborate with other local businesses, sponsor community events and teams, get involved.
Trust me, this local involvement pays off big-time. People support businesses that support their community.
Once they’re in the door (or on your website), keep them coming back.
Loyalty programs, referral incentives, and great customer service turn one-time buyers into loyal fans.
Finally, measure everything. What’s working? What isn’t? Use KPIs, A/B testing, and customer feedback to fine-tune your efforts.
Promoting your business locally is a long game, but if you keep testing, adjusting, and staying active in your community, you’ll win.
So get started, and the results will follow.
We hope you enjoyed this Guide on How to Promote Your Business Locally. If it has got the creative business juices flowing, just click on the link if you want to learn how to write your small town business plan!
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