5 Ideas to do Effective Local Marketing

Many entrepreneurs invest time and resources in marketing activities that increase visibility, but they do not have actually an adequate economic return.

However, there are some strategies for successful marketing that can be put in place especially when it comes to promoting a business of a local nature.

In general, you have to focus on networking with other activities in the area, and then, secondly, thinking of marketing activities and events on a larger scale.

Here are 5 ideas that you can use to promote a local business.

 

1. Handshakes and Business Cards

Whether you are the owner of the business or the general manager, make sure you introduce yourself to at least 5 people per week within your local area.

No need for big ceremonies , just a simple ” Hello, I’m James, the owner of the pizzeria down the road. I just wanted to introduce myself. Tell me something, have you already tried our special pizza with four cheeses? It is our invention. “

If the person to whom you presented yourself never came back to you, just take his business card and write him an offer.

Remember the date and time, writing it on your records.

Of the 150 people who you have met during the year, 150 probably will visit you to use your coupon and 50 will become your regular customers.

If you think about it , it is a significant increase in sales with no advertising investment.

 

2. Make offers in collaboration with other traders in the area

It’s time to network and to help each other.

Give the activities of your local area the opportunity to deliver their customers some discount coupons related to your business.

This will give you free advertising and your partner will be happy to offer their customers an advantage.

 

3. Treats workers in your loca area like VIPs

Did you noticed that a big company just opened near to you? Take this occasion to offer a discount to the employees who show their badge.

Even better, try to convince the company to distribute to their employees a VIP card to use on your restaurant – or an offer related to any other business – .

 

4. Take advantage of any situation

Have you ever gotten the chance to provide products or services to a group of people who usually are not your customers?

Let’s say you have a restaurant and you should treat the catering for an event, or a t-shirt store where an important local business commissioned you some 200 t shirts for a summer event.

Your company will provide products and services to unsuspecting participants of these events. Why not let them know about your business?

Each of these people could become your customer directly.

For example, in addition to catering , you may give everyone a discount coupon. Many will spend the coupon and they will not do more than visit, but others may be affected positively by your service and become regular customers.

 

5. Support fundraisers in your area

It’s important to participate actively in the events in your local area.

Consider the opportunity to make some promotion while supporting fundraisers in your zone.

You may give a coupon or a special discount, during these events.

These strategies may cost a little, but they can generate business by leveraging on the appeal of your product rather than on large investments in advertising that might get lost in an attempt to attract some customers.

There are costs related to the products given away or money used to support fundraisers, it is true, but the risk assumed is limited, because there are always people very keen to buy something if they realize there is the possibility of saving something.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net