Local Marketing: 3 Things You Should Be Doing Right Now

Local marketing efforts can be a great way to get a business’s name known to those nearby. It can boost recognizability, increase sales and help your company become more engrained in the community. Of course, you have to go about it the right way. At the HCCA, we know marketing a business can feel a bit overwhelming. But the good news is, a few simple, strategic steps can really help. Read on for three things you should be doing now to encourage more successful local marketing efforts.

Grow Your Local Marketing by: Getting Social
Maintaining an active presence online can go a long way toward making your company feel relevant, fostering engagement, getting word out about all you offer — and keeping you top of mind, too. The key is to push out quality content on the regular, say once or twice a week. (After all, few things are as off-putting to a potential customer as a social media page that hasn’t been updated in months!) You’ll want to be strategic about where you’re posting, too. LinkedIn is a great option for professional organizations but might not make sense for a local boutique. Meanwhile, image-heavy Instagram isn’t likely to be the best option for law firms and other such businesses. (For the record, Facebook tends to be a solid option regardless of your line of work!) Wherever you choose to post, remember to keep an eye on interactions. If someone comments on your page or a post, take time to respond. Who knows? That interaction could just gain you business down the line.

Grow Your Local Marketing by Finding Ways to Give Back
Community involvement is a big deal just about everywhere, but in a town like Hempstead it’s extra important. Our smaller size means your efforts stand out a whole lot more than in a city as big as, say, Houston. (And on top of that, those efforts have a more substantial impact!) Rent out booth space at a community event, or go in with fellow business owners to purchase a hardworking 4-H kid’s animal. Roll up your sleeves and volunteer with causes close to your heart. Involvement at that level helps people associate positive feelings with your business, and can increase the likelihood that they’ll think of you when it comes time to purchase a product or service you provide. (Even better? Giving back is the right thing to do!) Just remember to keep your marketing brain switched on. If you’ve got branded giveaways such as pens with your logo, consider offering them up as giveaways at your booth. If you’re sponsoring a local fundraiser or event, see about getting your company logo on the signage. Little efforts to keep your company top of mind can have a tremendous impact.

Grow Your Local Marketing by: Making the Right Connections
You’ve heard the saying that it’s not what you know that matters, but who? That applies in the business world. One of the best ways you can take steps to improve your local marketing is to get involved with area professional groups. Membership with entities such as the Hempstead Commerce & Civic Association puts you in contact with movers and shakers who can help you better understand the local business climate, put you in touch with suppliers and potential customers — and generally keep your business moving successfully forward. In addition, that involvement means you’re bound to make all sorts of new friendships, getting to know your Hempstead neighbors on an even deeper level.  

Local marketing efforts make sense for companies of all sizes and types — and they don’t have to break the bank, either. If you have questions on any of the above, or if you’re interested in becoming an HCCA member, feel free to contact the HCCA! Our team is ready to help opportunity take root here in Hempstead, and a large part of that is helping our local small businesses grow and thrive. We look forward to hearing from you!