6 Ideas To Create Brand Awareness For Your Small Business Locally
Think for a moment about a successful awareness campaign that’s impacted you. Maybe you learned more about a serious disease and the warning signs you should watch for. Maybe you were reminded of how important it is to wear a seatbelt while driving. Or maybe you found out about a problem the world is facing, like climate change or human trafficking, and you discovered ways in which you can help. A good awareness campaign can make a long-lasting impact.
If you’re a small business owner, you know how important it is to generate leads and drive sales. But what about simply making your local community aware that your brand exists? When it comes to small, local businesses, name recognition can make all the difference when your clients are choosing among multiple options. How can you increase local brand awareness for your small business? We’ve got six proven ideas to get you started!
1. SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
When potential clients search for a business or product in the area, you’ll want to be at the top of their results list. You don’t just get there by running a great business or even by offering high-quality web content. You also need to find out how your customers are searching so that you can target your web content to match their preferred keywords. There’s more to SEO than just keywords, although this is a great starting point. Consult with an SEO expert to maximize your brand’s potential, and check out our SEO blog to get started on your SEO!
2. Think Outside the Channel Box
Maybe your business already has a Facebook page, an Instagram page, a blog, and a website. However, you can reach the audiences you’re missing by branching out into channels that often get overlooked. Which channel you choose will depend a lot on who your target audience is and what your brand is all about. Twitch, TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit could be new spaces where you can get your brand name out into the world. A podcast or vlog can also be a great way to establish your business as a source of knowledge.
3. Don’t Overlook Physical Marketing
You should also think about the physical spaces your customers tend to visit in your community. Bench signs, bus ads, cafe flyers, mall signs, and local newspaper ads can be effective when used strategically. Cross-advertising with another local business can also lead to organic growth. If you own a bookstore a few blocks from a local record store, for instance, placing business cards or flyers in each others’ storefronts can drive traffic for both of you.
When people drive past your storefront, can they easily tell what your business offers? Do you have posters or signs that generate excitement? Is it easy for customers to see contact information from the exterior of your business? The more attention your storefront gets from the road, the more likely people are to remember your brand when they need your help.
4. Drive Online Engagement
Having a social media presence is key. However, when you get your local community involved with your business, you generate excitement, and more people will hear your name. Simple contests and games can be a great way to start. For instance, if you own a local veterinary office, you could offer a perk (like a free grooming session) to a randomly chosen pet. Ask users to comment with the names and photos of their pets, and you’ve suddenly generated traffic. Another great strategy is asking customers to choose their favorite product or service. If you own a restaurant, for instance, you might roll out a new appetizer menu and ask customers which option they like best. You can even ask customers to vote on what your upcoming offerings should be!
5. Turn Your Space Into An Event Hotspot
When people in the community walk through your doors, they’re more likely to come back again to shop. If you have a physical storefront, you can host events such as product demos, Q&A sessions, craft fairs, or holiday-themed contests. Demonstrating hands-on techniques is a great way to drive foot traffic. For instance, if you own an antique store, you could host an event demonstrating how to restore an interesting artifact. If your business just has an online presence, you can host community events through free webinars.
When planning an event, make sure to focus on soft-sell techniques. No one wants to head out expecting a fun experience and instead listen to a sales pitch. Design events to add real value to the lives of people in your community. For example, if you run a real estate agency, you might host a webinar answering common questions from first-time home buyers. Your goal should be for members of your community to trust you to provide valuable programming without pressuring you to buy. Even if everyone who attends your events doesn’t become a customer, they’ll probably tell their friends and family about their experience.
6. Give Back To Your Community
Want to become a trusted, recognizable presence in your area? Find ways to give back to the community as a whole. Sponsoring a local softball or soccer team can be one great option to get your name out there. You can also spearhead charity drives or recruit customers to join you local charity or volunteer events. When your local area is planning a parade, a 5k, a job fair, or a community market, consider sending representatives from your business to attend. These experiences can help your team feel more bonded with one another, too–and it always feels good to give your time and energy to help others! Wearing company t-shirts, hats, or buttons is a great way to boost name recognition when your team members work together in public.
Are you looking for personalized, targeted ways to increase brand awareness in your local community? Personalized Creative can help! We offer services, including marketing research, website design, SEO optimization, and much more, helping you take your small business’s success to the next level.