If you are a local business located in Orange County, you might find it a bit challenging to grow your customer base in your area. There are competitors everywhere and you need effective strategies so that you can be seen as the authority figure in your industry.
Because of the advancement of technology today, it is no longer enough to have business that relies solely on its physical store. The Internet has become a game changer and more and more businesses are investing in this platform to elevate their brands.
If you need practical tips and actionable steps to take your company to the next level, then you’ve come to the right page. Here’s what you need to do to boost your presence in your local communities.
Conquer social media.
These days, it’s all about social media. No matter how big your business is or what kind of industry you are in, social media presence is essential to spread the word about your products.
Even if you have a website, it is still necessary to build social media presence if you want to dominate in your niche. Statistically speaking, about 70% of customers find local store recommendations based on their online research. Businesses who advertise on Facebook enjoy an ROI of 152%. Social media is now considered the most effective advertising tool.
If you have not yet built social media pages for your brand, then you are missing out on a lot. Not only are these tools customizable according to what your company needs, they are also fairly cheaper than other advertising platforms.
Prioritize local directories.
Instead of wasting your time and money in listing you business in 50 directories everywhere, it is best to pick 10 or less popular local directories and maintain your presence there. You can do this by being active, answering reviews and engaging with others.
Keep in mind that Google places a high value on consistency. Go for quality over quantity and invest in reputable directories that will help boost your reputation. Strong engagements will be recognized and rewarded well by Google.
Optimize your website.
If you already have a website, optimize it. A well-optimized website maximizes your reach and generates more leads. To do this successfully, you have to thoroughly research your market as well as your competitors.
Aside from going the old keyword route, there are a lot more steps you can take to further optimize your site. This includes: optimizing your Google My Business Account, adding Schema Mark up, audit local citations, ensuring consistent NAP and making your website accessible on all mobile platforms.
Connect with the people.
Gone are the days when aggressive selling ruled the market. Nowadays, that kind of style can seriously turn people off. In this modern day and age, what consumers are looking for is connection. People are no longer impressed by basic products, they want to support brands that they relate to or can connect with.
If you understand your market well, it will be easier for you to connect with your audience. Get insightful information in your local area and use this to find ways to reach out to your consumers. Build your brand according to what people in your local area need. Be patient in this arena, as the process of building a brand and connecting to your customers can take time.
Sponsor local events.
What better way to get to know your audience than supporting them and actually spending time with them? One of the most effective ways to get the word out about your brand is through local sponsorships. Find events in your area that’s related to your niche and sponsor them with your products or service.
Through sponsorship, your brand will be presented both to the organizers and the people who attend the event. Get your audience interested in your brand with attractive offers, discounts and coupons.
In conclusion, securing a good reputation in your local market can do your brand a lot of good. Selling products is easy but creating a trusted local brand is a lot harder. While the process can be taxing, the rewards will be well worth it!
