With social media, it has become easier for us to reach and connect more closely with people on the other side of the world. Especially when nowadays people do take a look at Instagram to make informed decisions before deciding whether they are going to purchase a product or not.

But while getting recognized online is beneficial, always remember to give attention to your local area. Getting your business noticed by the people in your local community can go a long way towards your business continuity and success. By expanding your reach within your local community, you will get a better chance to grow your customer base and build a support network.

So, what is the best way to make your business noticeable in the local market and stay on top of mind among customers? Let’s find out the answers below!

1. Get to know your neighbors

If you want to boost your recognition in your community, you need to get out and put yourself out there so they know you and your business exist. And as a small business owner, especially in a small local market, it’s always a good idea to let yourself be known as the face of your brand. This way, you are not only getting familiar with your local marketplace but also staying up-to-date with who your customers are, their needs, how their needs may have changed, and how you can better support them.

2. Attend community events

One of the best ways to build awareness is through word of mouth, and it is possible when you’re putting yourself out there at local community events. This could involve setting up a stall at the farmer’s market or organizing a local fair. Find out about any upcoming local events that will be held in your city, and immediately sign up your business to participate in the event. By attending these events, you can personally interact with other local businesses and members of the community and start building trust.

3. Focus on local SEO

Everyone knows about Search Engine Optimization (SEO), but what about local SEO? It is a way of optimizing the web presence of your business so it gets more visible on your local Google search results. Simply put, when done well, local SEO will lead you to a strong local presence. 

4. Run geo-targeted ads

Geotargeting is a great strategy if you want to attract even more local attention to your business. You can specify which location or geographic radius you want your ads to appear in. This way you get to focus your marketing investment on potential local areas.

5. Leverage social media

In this day and age, you’re at a disadvantage if your business is not online, and unsurprisingly, businesses that leverage social media success will always be part of the online conversation. So, with so much attention paid to social media, it doesn’t matter whether your goal is to be noticed locally or nationally, you need to improve your social media presence.

6. Partner with local influencers

Influencer marketing is a billion-dollar industry. 60% of marketers report that influencer-generated content consistently outperforms branded content, with an average of eight times more engagement compared to branded content. This is why you should consider partnering with local influencers because not only they do have a strong local following, which is important for businesses in specific geographic areas, but most importantly, they have engaged followers. Local influencers are undoubtedly seen as more relatable than celebrities, and you should leverage them for your brand!

7. Create a customer loyalty program

Loyalty reward programs are everywhere, and it’s not without reason. Now you know that a good loyalty program will create a good customer experience, which will also lead to emotional loyalty, it’s time to consider offering discounts or free gifts with purchase. 

8. Partner with other local business

Customers are not the only ones who can support businesses. In fact, fellow business owners can also offer support in terms of product or service collaborations, space sharing, or joint marketing initiatives. But one thing to note is to make sure that your business objectives align or complement each other.

While everything starts with what you offer as a business, there’s more to building a loyal community than that. You need to reach out to your target audience through original content and shared values and build authentic connections from there. In that case, your customers may turn into loyal supporters who continuously help your business grow.

If you show that you care about your community and actively listen to their feedback, you’re more likely to earn their trust and loyalty. And it’s what will set you apart from your competitors!