Local Business Marketing 101: A Digital Marketing Guide for Small Business Owners

Use Being a Local Business to Your Advantage

Running a local business is hard enough as it is -- but it can also be used to your advantage. More than ever, consumers are increasingly supportive of local businesses and will do what it takes to keep their favorite small businesses around. 

For instance, a survey from December of 2020 found that 46% of shoppers said they are more likely to shop small for the holiday season than they were in previous years, likely due to wanting to patronize local businesses who may have been struggling as a result of the pandemic. 

Check out our previous articles to learn the 7 Small Business Strengths to Use to your Advantage, and get access to Small Business Resources that can help you on your journey.

Leverage Digital Marketing for Maximum Impact

Many local businesses falsely assume that digital marketing is too expensive or doesn’t make sense for them as a small business. However, digital marketing can provide a great return on investment for even minor digital ad buys. If you’re concerned about the price, consider that email marketing alone typically generates  $38 for every $1 spent, giving it a staggering 3,800% ROI. It’s worth the investment! 

Plus, today’s consumers view personalization as a standard, and reaching them across a variety of platforms is no longer just a “nice to have” for businesses -- it’s crucial to stay relevant and competitive.

From social media marketing, search engine marketing, digital audio marketing, and more, there are plenty of options to choose from that can boost your clientele, raise brand awareness, and convert consumers. Curious to learn more? Check out our services or read our success stories to see what digital marketing can do for you. 

For more insights into the power of digital marketing, be sure to read our post that discusses 3 Ways your Local Business can Enhance its Online Presence to Gain and Retain Customers, or read our article for helpful tips about How to Create a Digital Marketing Strategy. 

Avoid Common Local Marketing Pitfalls 

Small businesses may be eager to get started with their marketing campaigns, but lacking experience and the proper knowledge about what makes for a successful marketing campaign can result in costly pitfalls and lost business opportunities. 

Teaming up with an experienced local digital marketing agency can make all the difference -- plus, expert digital marketing consultants can walk you through the process each step of the way. From audience targeting capabilities, digital marketing best practices, and an in-depth understanding of your local community and demographics, hiring experts can help you avoid learning lessons the hard way and ensure that you get you started on the right foot. 

Why run into problems when you could avoid them altogether? To discover the most common mistakes local businesses often make when it comes to their marketing plans, head over to our post about the 3 Marketing Mistakes Local Businesses Often Make (Plus Tips for Getting it Right). 

Reach Influential Multicultural Consumers 

Did you know that Hispanics have accounted for more than half of total U.S. population growth since 2010? Wherever your business is located, it’s likely that Hispanic audiences in your area are growing or about to grow. 

Unfortunately, local businesses often fail to include a plan for reaching multicultural audiences in their area. As multicultural consumers represent an increasingly larger share of the U.S. population, it’s vital that businesses begin reaching out to them and making meaningful connections. 

Interested in learning more about multicultural marketing? Our posts below have got you covered! 

• Why is Multicultural Marketing Important?
• How to Choose a Hispanic Marketing Agency for your Local Business
• 10 Must-Know Hispanic Marketing Facts to Grow your Business

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Give Back and Get Back 

Local businesses and their customers are the heart and soul of local communities. As a small business, giving back to your community is not only a charitable thing to do, but it can also make a positive impression on potential customers.

In recent years, consumers have begun to expect more from the businesses they support. Other than providing excellent customer service and products, consumers are also looking for businesses that are making a positive difference in their community and are aligned with their values. 

As a result, Cause Marketing and socially responsible marketing have taken off in recent years. What exactly does this look like for a small business? From hosting community events, charity drives, making donations to the less fortunate, sponsoring local schools or organizations, etc., the options are endless. 

For more information, read our post on Socially Responsible Marketing: How to Use Cause Marketing to Make a Difference in your Community and for your Business. 

Environmental issues are another key focus among today’s consumers. Plus, running an eco-friendly business typically means savings for you as well -- it’s a win-win. Our article titled 5 Benefits or Running a Sustainable Small Business - and How to Get Started provides the inside scoop! 

How to Get Started With Digital Marketing 

Are you interested in getting started with digital marketing, or do you have plans on taking your current digital marketing efforts to the next level? 

Wherever you are in your digital marketing journey, we have the right mix of solutions to help your business grow. Feel free to contact one of our expert digital marketing consultants or find a location near you to learn more. 

In the meantime, you can also check out our services and learn a bit more about our story. Questions? Ask away! Contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!