So many businesses are great at getting noticed on the other side of the world, and the internet has undoubtedly made it much easier to have a broad reach. The world almost seems a lot smaller than it used to be, and for a business, this can be beneficial. But, this kind of global focus can mean that we fail to give attention to our local area. Which can be a mistake. 

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of a Local Market

So many businesses today focus all of their marketing efforts online. They try to appeal to a global market. They might not spend any time at all advertising in their local area. They might not even advertise in the real world. Instead, spending all of their advertising budget and time on digital marketing techniques. 

While it’s true that online marketing has many benefits, and it makes sense to market an online business on the internet. You shouldn’t underestimate the importance of your local market. By reaching your local community, you’ve got a better chance of building a loyal and trusting audience, and of being well known and respected. You’ve got a chance to win local awards, and to become a very big fish in a small pond, which is certainly better for your confidence and reputation than being a very, very small fish, in the global pond that is the internet. Underestimating the local market, and neglecting their local audience is often where new businesses go wrong and one of the reasons why so many fail. Yes, the internet is essential, but it shouldn’t be the only ingredient to your success. 

Appreciate the Importance of Being Part of the Local Business Community

Getting noticed in your local area isn’t just about marketing, however. There are also benefits to merely becoming involved in your local community. You’ll make friends and build a support network. You’ll learn from other business owners, and you’ll spend time seeing how they are doing things. People that are involved in their local communities are often happier. They feel safer; they are less likely to feel lonely, which is exceptionally important if you work at home on your own.

Being involved in your community gives you a chance to meet people outside of your usual circle, who could help your business, or just become a good friend. It allows you to help others, and becoming a part of your community means that you are a part of decision making going forward. You help to shape the community for future generations, which can have significant benefits for your business and your family. So, how do you do it?

Attend Networking Events

Pixabay – CC0 licence 

As a business owner, one of the best ways to get your business noticed locally is by attending networking events and meetings. Look online to find out what is going on close to home and attend anything that you can. Go into these events with an open mind, put yourself forward, sell yourself and your business, make the first move, and say hi. But, remember that everyone is there for the same reasons, ask about their companies and try to make meaningful connections, instead of just handing business cards to everyone that you see. 

Host Networking Events

Of course, if your community is relatively small, there might not be networking events. Or at least none that are suitable for you or your business. In which case, hosting one yourself can be an excellent idea. Find a central location and invite businesses from surrounding areas. Try to make it a regular event, even if things start slow, it will pick up if there is nothing else in the area. 

Spend Time in the Community

If you want to get noticed in your community, you need to spend time in it. You don’t just want people to see signs and adverts for your business. You want them to see you. You are the face of your business. But, it shouldn’t all be about business. If you want the community to trust you, which is essential, you need to let them know you. Attend your local library and gym, go to events, eat at local restaurants, and shop in small stores. Support other independent businesses in your area, and try to make friends with the people that live in your neighborhood. They will develop a connection to your business if they have a relationship with you. 

Sponsor Events

A great way to build a reputation and get noticed is to sponsor events. Get your name on flyers and posters for events in your community and especially for charity events. Make donations, sponsor events, offer help with organization and join committees to set things up. Give something back to your community when you can, and you’ll get a lot more out of it. 

Advertise Locally

Advertising is always the easiest way to get noticed. But, when it comes to local advertising, sometimes it’s a good idea to think outside the box. Signage on your building is great. Excellent window displays will bring people in if you have a store, Private Number Plates on your car can get people asking questions, and more traditional methods like flyers and posters are still effective if done well. Find local magazines and newspapers and take out an ad and consider advertising on local TV

Get Local on Social Media

Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Advertising locally and becoming known in your local community doesn’t always have to mean getting out there into the world. The internet is great for reaching a broad audience, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be effective when it comes to reaching and building relationships with people much closer to home. Get on social media. Follow local businesses and potential customers. Join local groups and groups for other companies and events. Engage with people that live in your area, and let people see you engaging with other local businesses. Focus on relationships, not just self-promotion. 

Parter Other Businesses

Could you work with businesses in your area? Think of ways that you could work together, speak to business owners about ways that you could work together, which would be mutually beneficial.