AFFIRM’S Top Marketing Strategies for Small Local Businesses
It doesn’t matter whether you’re just getting started building a marketing strategy for your business or if you’re working on mastering your marketing, we can help you! As the heartbeat of communities, small businesses thrive on local connections and engagements. From leveraging the power of community events to harnessing the potential of SEO, our tips can elevate your brand’s presence and resonance within your immediate surroundings. So, here are some of AFFIRM’s top local marketing strategies:
#1: Optimize your Website for SEO
Here’s a statistic for you: In 2022, organic clicks accounted for 45.1% of all search results clicks. What this means is that users are much more likely to trust organic search results than results coming from paid or alternate sources, and the best way to increase your chances of showing up in organic search results is by improving your website’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Improving SEO includes tactics such as using location-specific keywords, creating a verified Google My Business listing, and formatting webpages based on Google best practices.
#2: Engage with Local Media Outlets
Local social media, online, and other media outlets typically have a loyal fanbase, and in some cases, may be more cost effective to fit the budget of a local business. They also cater to specific geographic areas that may fit within a local business’s niche service area. Reaching out to local online influencers, websites, newspapers, magazines, and radio stations for coverage or advertising opportunities is a strategy we recommend for local businesses. AFFIRM’s team of traditional and digital media strategists can help you connect with appropriate media partners to find opportunities that meet your goals, while staying within your budget parameters.
#3: Engage with Local Influencers
Gaining the trust of your target audiences will determine whether your marketing campaign is successful. That’s why more marketers are starting to embrace influencer marketing as a strategy. In fact, 60% of respondents to Influencer Marketing Hub’s recent survey say they plan to increase influencer marketing spend in 2024. Local businesses should look at nano and micro influencers with close ties to their audiences. For example, AFFIRM worked with local influencer Sam “Gridlock Sam” Schwartz, a trusted NYC area transportation advocate, to help advance reach and retention of the Long Island Rail Road’s Transit Solutions message and mission.
#4: Leverage Paid Social Media
Did you know that paid social media ads account for 28.8% of all digital advertising spend? With such a high saturation of paid social media ads in 2024, organic reach just isn’t what it used to be, and it can even be difficult to reach people who already follow your page organically. That’s why we recommend local businesses consider dipping their toes in the water with paid social media advertising. From doing one off boosted posts to building short campaigns, there are plenty of ways to use paid social to your advantage that won’t break the budget. There are also many objectives to choose from to help you accomplish your business goals.
#5: Sponsor Local Events
Engaging with other local organizations and sponsoring relevant events is a great strategy for increasing brand visibility and awareness among your target audience. It also gives business owners a chance to interact with prospective customers directly to build relationships and goodwill on a personal level. By associating your brand with a well-regarded local event, you benefit from the event’s positive reputation and enhance your own brand image.
If you need help developing a marketing strategy tailored to you, consider partnering with AFFIRM to find the strategies and tactics that are just right for you. Reach out to us at info@affirmagency.com and our team will be in touch.
