In today’s digital age, attracting local customers requires more than just a flyer in the window. And for small businesses, digital marketing has become the most powerful source to get closer to your customers while creating brand awareness and increasing sales.
But how can entrepreneurs use online marketing to get more visibility in their area? Here are some key strategies to market your business using local SEO:
Optimize your Website with Local SEO:
Get started with local online marketing by optimizing your website for local searches. These searches are usually made by people looking for a specific service close to them, often including terms like “in X location”’ or “near me”.
Google considers things like the person’s location, Google My Business listing, and online reviews, among other factors. However, using the right keywords on your website’s content is one of the most important things to boost your visibility in your area.
To know which keywords to use, research to find local search terms your customers use. Then apply this local SEO on your site. For example, instead of writing “Dry Cleaning store” you could say “The Best Dry Cleaner in Atlanta” on your homepage.
Online Reputation Management: Reviews Matter
Positive online reviews are crucial for building trust and attracting new customers, since people often decide whether to choose your business based on what they read online about it.
So encourage your customers to give you an honest review, and make sure to respond to them promptly: address both positive and negative feedback professionally, and thank customers for their input.
Start Joining Digital Communities
Get involved in your local scene! Networking the old-fashioned way can work wonders for your business. Join Facebook Groups, LinkedIn communities, and Instagram to connect with your community. Find industry-specific groups and engage authentically by commenting, sharing helpful content, and building relationships.
Increase your Presence in Business Directories
Free listings such as Yelp, Google My Business, or TripAdvisor are still valuable to put your business in front of potential customers and validate your company as part of a community.
For instance, Google My Business Profile (GMB Profile) is a powerful free tool to supercharge your local online presence and be found by local customers who go through Google Search and Maps to find a specific service or product.
Google My Business Profile puts you on Google Maps for easy discovery and lets you display key information like address, hours, and what makes you unique. Plus, customers can leave reviews, building trust and encouraging others to choose you.
Run Targeted Local Ads
Local Search Ads mean paying to have your business appear in ads alongside search results. The most popular platforms to run paid search ads are Google Ads and Meta, where you can target more specific audience demographics or geographic areas and drive attention to your store.
Incorporating these local digital marketing strategies makes it easier for local customers to discover your business. Prioritizing local search and SEO means connecting with your community and improving your online visibility locally.