Top 6 Underutilized Tips to Explode Your Local Business Growth

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” - Peter Drucker

Tired of empty tables and quiet sales? We uncover 6 overlooked ways local businesses can attract more customers and boost revenue.

1. Unleash the Power of Strategic Signage

Signage remains a budget-friendly way to amplify your marketing that too many local businesses overlook. Strategically placed signs attract attention, conveying promotions or brand personality to passing foot traffic.

Signs Provide Cost-Effective Exposure

Well-designed physical signage grants consistent visibility at a fraction of the cost of other ads. While digital ads may offer more flexibility, signs provide lasting brand impressions. According to marketing firm Signs.com, 64% of purchase decisions happen after customers see a business sign.

Get Strategic With Placement

San Diego food truck EggFesto skyrocketed growth by placing signs near summer music festivals. Founder Chris Bertuso says, “Strategically putting signs out at events all over town worked magic.” Consider high-trafficked areas like busy intersections, popular sidewalks, or competitors’ storefronts.

Captivate With Creative Signs

Customize messaging toward intended audiences without seeming salesy. Feature seasonal deals for passersby or highlight your specialty for industry traffic. Sign shop owner Danielle Fennoy suggests periodically updating designs with trendy colors and fonts to spark renewed interest.

2. Capture Everything for Social Media Sharing

In today's digital world, your social media presence is like your business's storefront window. It's where people get a glimpse of who you are and what you offer. So, why not show them everything? By capturing every moment, big or small, and sharing it on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, you're inviting people into your world. Think of it like a reality show starring your business. Whether it's behind-the-scenes peeks, day-to-day operations, or special events, your followers get to see the real you.

But here's the key: keep it genuine. People can tell when things are too staged. Show them the real laughs, the occasional mishap, and even the small victories. This isn't just about selling a product or a service; it's about building a relationship. When your audience feels connected to your brand, they're more likely to talk about you to their friends and family. That's word-of-mouth marketing at its finest, and it all starts with just hitting that record button on your phone. Remember, in the social media age, your story is your biggest asset. Share it loud and proud!

3. Partner With Complementary Businesses

Collaborating with non-competing local companies unlocks shared access to new demographics eager to buy.

Tap Into Existing Audiences

Team up with another company to share customers. This means you help them, and they help you, kind of like swapping friends. Set up a system where your regular customers get a little thank you if they bring in new people. And try putting together deals where you sell your stuff with the other company's stuff, especially if they go well together. People love that kind of thing.

This is a smart move because it saves money. You use the other company's customer list instead of finding all those people yourself. It's like sharing a big billboard with another store – you get your name out there, but you don't have to pay for the whole thing by yourself. It's cheaper and can get you more customers than doing it all on your own.

Pool Marketing Resources

Split costs on wider-reaching advertising channels neither could afford alone. Co-host events, seminars, or pop-ups directed toward each business’s target market. Cross-link websites and share social media influencers for expanded organic promotion.

Forge Lasting Community Ties

Band together with peers as champions for neighborhood issues. Support local charities through fundraisers and donations. These meaningful connections build brand affinity and trust.

4. Spark Word-of-Mouth Referrals

Positive word-of-mouth referrals remain the most trusted and effective advertising. Generate buzz by providing share-worthy customer experiences.

Spotlight Satisfied Customers

Solicit social media testimonials spotlighting specific employees. Feature exceptional reviews on websites and verified platforms like Google, Yelp, and Facebook.

Incentivize Referrals

Show customer appreciation through referral promotions. Offer discounts, gifts, or loyalty perks to existing patrons who refer new ones. Or implement an formal advocate program.

Deliver Above-And-Beyond Service

Surprise patrons with added value they’ll excitedly share without prompting. Follow up post-purchase via personalized thank you notes or surprise product samples.

5. Immerse Yourself Locally

Align your brand with community groups for heightened local visibility and goodwill. Demonstrate genuine commitment to local issues.

Support Area Organizations

Go beyond superficial donations by volunteering for local causes. Fundraise for charities supporting issues your customers care about, like sustainability or inclusion. Sponsor regional food banks, animal shelters or arts foundations.

Sponsor Community Events

Host cool local events offering engaging content, entertainment, or activities. Participate in existing festivals, concerts, galas, races, exhibits and block parties.

6. Launch Customer Loyalty Programs

Reward repeat customers through exclusive perks and early access. Tailor tiered programs based on individual purchase history.

Offer Selected Discounts

Entice return visits through members-only deals, personalized coupon codes post-purchase, or referral bonuses. Grant early access to new product launches or tasting menus.

Automate Enrollment

Simplify sign up through POS system integration, online forms, or text alerts. Instantly enroll patrons at checkout by inputting a phone number. Send automated offers that deliver value.

Track Purchase Behavior

Review historical data like order recency, frequency, and monetary value to segment tiers. Cater rewards using digital profiles indicating product preferences and redemption rates.

Start Boosting Business Today

Don’t let your local gem stay hidden any longer! Mix these 5 inventive strategies into your marketing plan for seriously explosive growth. Still need guidance getting started? Check out this bonus tip:

Integrate Strategies Holistically

Get the most mileage mashing up several neglected techniques together. Cross-promote a special sale from flashy curbside signs. Or maybe launch a coordinated charity campaign alongside community partners. The combinations are endless!

Other resources to help you get started with growing your local business

Start your own local marketing checklist:

Here's a quick checklist to help you start with your local marketing tips. Remember, taking action, even if it's not perfect, is better than not doing anything.

• Team Up with Businesses That Match Yours

• Get People Talking About Your Business

• Create an outline serves your company goals.

• Make the Most of Signs for Your Business

• Get Involved in Your Local Community

• Start Programs to Reward Loyal Customers

• Capture Everything for Social Media Sharing