Sales and Marketing - Jen Jordan
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4 Ways To Boost Your Small Business Local Customer BaseSmall businesses are almost always eager to build their customer base. Unless you are an online business, you are probably focused on attracting more local customers and clients. But it is not easy to compete with chain businesses and superstores. The "buy local" movement has inspired customers to explore small business options. Still, it is essential to incorporate some strategic marketing tactics to connect with those local customers. Here are four easy things you can do to boost your local lead generation. 1. Make sure your website is mobile-friendly Many people use their smartphones and tablets to find local shops and services. Your website must be mobile-friendly. If potential customers cannot open or read your website on their devices, they will move on to the next option. Google has an excellentMobile-Friendly Test Toolto help you assess your website. Simply copy and paste your website"s URL (the complete web address that shows up when you are on your home screen) into the test tool, and you will get an immediate assessment! Another way to test your website is to use your own smartphone or tablet and view your website. Make sure it loads quickly, is easy to read, and you can navigate to the different pages without having to scroll or zoom too much. 2. Start a customer loyalty, membership, or referral program Create programs and incentives for your customers to earn free products, discounts, exclusive access to sales or events, or other perks! Loyalty and referral programs help customers feel more connected to your store. They are more likely to choose your business over other options when they think they are getting extra value for being a regular customer! Your reward, loyalty, or membership program does not need to be available to everyone either! GiGi"s Cupcakes in Virginia has a "Kids Cupcake Club" where adults can enroll their favorite small human for a monthly cupcake. This is a genius membership program! Many adults will bring their little ones in for their monthly treat and help themselves to a cupcake, too. Everyone wins! 3. Network and build local relationships There is no better way to raise local brand awareness than to build relationships. Local chambers of commerce, networking organizations, Meetup events, PTA meetings, and other gatherings are great places to connect and network in the community. Rather than thinking of networking as a way to get what you need, ask how you can help those you meet. Seek to build interdependent relationships rather than just filling your prospect list. 4. Get social media savvy Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms are quickly becoming powerful networking and marketing tools for small businesses. They can put you in direct contact with local customers, leaders, and influencers. Look for local Facebook pages and neighborhood networking groups like Nextdoor to introduce yourself and promote your products and services. Many small businesses also have success offering exclusive discounts and deals to their social media followers. By incorporating these strategies into your marketing plan, you can expand your local customer base and help your small business become a well-respected pillar in the community. Works Cited https://www.semrush.com/blog/5-marketing-techniques-to-attract-more-local-customers/ https://www.godaddy.com/garage/checklist-5-ways-to-get-more-local-customers/ https://customerthink.com/13-ways-to-attract-more-customers-to-your-local-business/ |