As the world reopens and shoppers venture out into their local communities in search of shopping, dining, and entertainment, local businesses are poised to capture not only those who have missed in-person shopping but perhaps an entirely new audience looking to discover new places. 

A combination of both digital marketing strategies and traditional marketing efforts can help your local business stand out for all the right reasons.  While there are no tried and trued rules that work for everyone, these three practices are a great place to start. 

Update your Google My Business profile

When it comes to finding local information, most people will turn to Google to find addresses, phone numbers, business hours, COVID restrictions, and more. And while great SEO efforts may push your website to the top of Google search results, keeping your Google My Business profile updated will enhance your chances of ensuring the right customers find you. 

If you have not yet claimed your Google My Business profile, head over to Google, search for your business name, and then scan the listing for “Own this business?” and follow the prompts to verify your ownership. 

Once you have ownership of the listing (completely free, by the way), you can begin to complete your profile. Add plenty of photos, descriptive text, and all of your relevant information to help potential customers find you. Right now, most people are searching for your business hours and COVID-19 restrictions so keep those front and center. 

You can also take your business blog posts and add those to your Google My Business profile — reusing and repurposing great content is one of the smartest digital strategies out there!

Partner with a local nonprofit through sponsorship

As events return in summer 2021, in-person events are in high demand with those who have been cooped up inside for over a year looking for new and fun experiences. Partnering with a local nonprofit to host a community event is a great way to increase visibility and be of service to your local community. 

Encourage employees to participate in planning and volunteering, provide monetary donations to help cover event costs or prizes for participants. When you work with nonprofits as a corporate sponsor, everyone wins. 

Refresh your physical space

If it’s been a while since you freshened up your retail or business office, take some time to give it some TLC. Sometimes something as small as creating a new window display or painting the front door can offer enough of a chance to entice new customers to check you out. Other simple items like re-arranging the interior layout or adding new decor can also help the space feel new and inviting. If it’s time to consider a complete physical makeover and invest for the future, do your research and use an industry expert like Jrcousa.com

There are no marketing rules to follow right now. After the last year, the only “right way” to market your small business is to choose the strategies that work best for you. Keeping your online presence strong, staying in touch with loyal customers through email, and using a combination of digital and traditional marketing will ensure this is your summer to return to pre-pandemic sales and thrive in your business. 

How are things going for your local business? Share a link to your website below and tell us about you!

Until next time,

Andrea