How to Attract More Local Customers

Attracting local customers is a great way to get repeat business. Unlike seasonal tourists who buy once only never to be seen again, getting the business of local customers can ensure consistent revenues every month. But how do you get local customers to religiously support your brand versus other competitors in the area? If planned carelessly, your marketing approach may seem pushy and overbearing to customers. Here aer six tips to do it right:

Go On Social Media

Social media, like Facebook and Instagram, are integral to any modern business' marketing plan. According to Statista, by 2019, it is anticipated that there will be roughly 2.8 billion users of social media across the globe. Even if your local customer base is a sliver of that amount, this could mean a significant amount of revenues. Be present and active on social media, posting relevant and engaging content on a daily basis and making sure you specify your location, address, and other information that can lead to you being found by users.

Host Events

Local events give you a platform to market your brand to local customers and gives you the opportunity to know your demographic much better. Decide what you want to accomplish with the event and determine its nature. Next, plan the venue, number of people who are going to attend, and equipment and extras you'll need to purchase or rent. A predominant part of your event planning will rely on your company's budget. Last but not least, start promoting your event by scattering flyers, displaying store signage, and spreading it through word of mouth. In fact, according to Carlos De Santos, president of Catdi Printing, the use of traditional marketing methods like business cards and posters remain a powerful way of reaching your audience.

Offer Something Free

Complimentary stuff works wonders for your brand's presence. Giving away free stuff may sound counterproductive and an expense your business can live without, but it's this very gesture that can bring more people into your doorstep. In fact, by offering something free, you let people know of your existence. It also gives you a chance to prove that your product or service has application and value and that it really works. Offering a free trial of your product or service also gives future customers a risk-free means of testing your business without making any commitments.

Offer Discounts

No business can afford to keep giving their products and services for free. What you can do, however, is offer discounts and promotions. People are drawn out of the sidelines when they see potential savings on a purchase, regardless if they really want the product or not. Discounts and promotions often influence people to buy larger orders or more frequently. If a deal or promotion is good enough, it can also be a powerful way to publicize your business. Several websites advertise the best deals to bargain hunters on a daily basis.

Start a Contest

The chance to win in a contest can stir a great deal of attention towards your company; the excitement of possibly winning something and beating other people can have audiences flocking to your brick-and-mortar store or downloading your app to participate. For instance, say you're running a business that sells wedding gowns and bridal accessories, you could start a contest wherein couples submit their stories and whichever has the most romantic one can win a wedding gown.

Focus Your Marketing Efforts Online

The web is the information highway in which every person depends on for anything and everything under the sun. Nowadays, most people watch YouTube videos or read how-to articles rather than watching television or reading a book. Start with creating your own website that will serve as the single centralized location for all data concerning your brand. This is where you post your press releases, products and services, FAQ pages, and your mission and vision.

Attracting local customers isn't about throwing money into the problem and hoping to get the desired outcome. It's about putting yourself out there, immersing yourself in the local culture, and forming positive relationships with the community.

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