Nowadays, there’s a lot of advice on how to market your small business online via social media platforms and the application of online marketing strategies. But, it’s good to remember that promoting your small business locally via traditional marketing methods is still effective, too.
Here are 4 ideas and strategies for small businesses and freelancers to consider when marketing yourself locally (and not all of them require you to be online).
1. Network locally and collaborate with others
To boost your standing (and visibility) in the local community, consider joining local business networking groups, guilds, rotary clubs or chambers of commerce. These groups are great for networking with other business owners in person, staying informed about local news and developments, and promoting your brand.
You could even team up with local entrepreneurs and business owners who run complementary businesses to yours. For example, if you are a massage therapist, is there a local sports center or trainer you could team up with or refer one another’s services from time to time? Perhaps there’s a product range you can help promote as part of your service, and they can promote your service in exchange? If you are a graphic designer, is there a copywriter you can collaborate with, or can you meet up with them locally to work on local projects? Or is there an event you can attend or create that highlights and promotes both services? The final question brings us nicely on to the next topic.
2. Host and attend local events
It’s not just strictly business networking events you can attend, but anything local in your community. Maybe you can get a stand at a local agricultural show or attend a food festival, art opening, or heritage event. Bring along your business cards and other marketing materials, and mix business with pleasure. You don’t have to invest in a massive booth at a big conference or trade show, either. You can also consider hosting your own smaller event around the conference, such as a private dinner or workshop.
Of course, you can host your own events at any time. They don’t have to be too big either, something low-key but intimate with the right people, such as wellness mornings or cooking classes, can be just as effective. Anything that naturally leads to human connection is great for networking and building a brand reputation. Here, you can get creative with any event swag and goodie bags, too, if you offer them. You can add a personal touch or make it something helpful that attendees might use in the future and think of you! For example, a wine company or consultant could give away a free branded waiter’s corkscrew.
When it comes to creating your event, there’s a super app for that. You can use EventSchedule to manage your events with calendars, ticket sales, QR check-ins, AI-powered tools, translations and team collaboration all from one powerful platform. Try EventSchedule for free here.
3. Use the power of the written word
Words have power! And when they are thoughtful and timely, they can be magical (and a great marketing tool)!
That’s why sending thank-you notes, birthday, anniversary and greeting cards through the mail is a potent marketing method, and it can be made even more effective if they are handwritten. Examples range from a simple thank-you note to a customer for choosing your product or service when the item is delivered or at the project end, to sending out branded swag bags to valued clients every so often. Other anniversaries, such as the length of time you’ve been in operation, can be celebrated, and special offers can be run to coincide with them.
You can also consider mailing pamphlets and leaflets through doors in strategically considered locations. You could even send out a printed newsletter with your company news and offers.
Likewise, share your business cards on local notice boards at your local store. You can also make your business cards stand out by using clever, original designs that are relevant to your branding, services, or products.
Anything that will make your current and potential clientele remember you!
4. Be the news!
For newsworthy local events and company news, you can create press releases targeting local newspapers, radio and TV stations as well as local websites and social media pages. This is why it’s beneficial to cultivate good relationships with local journalists. They’ll be interested in stories that promote the region or are interesting to their audience.
A published press release or story can significantly increase your exposure to the local community and also signal trust and credibility. In addition to new company and product launches, they can also be used when there is an upcoming event. Press releases can also be good for your SEO. In addition to press releases, consider advertising in local newspapers, radio stations, or local TV.
You’ll be the go-to local business when people think of your trade, service or profession!
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While adding the human touch, using personalization techniques where you can, attending (or hosting) in-person events, advertising, and press releases are all powerful marketing strategies, one task you don’t want to be doing manually or sending via the mail is invoicing.
Fortunately, Invoice Ninja is here to help. Invoice Ninja is a leading free invoicing software for small businesses with customizable, professionally designed invoice templates and tons of other great features to make it easy for your clients to pay you at the click of a button. Even the Pro and Enterprise plans are a fraction of the price of other invoicing software providers. Take a look at all our features here, and try Invoice Ninja for free at the link here.
