If you’re a local business, it can feel overwhelming knowing where to start with your marketing. You’re in the same town as lots of other people with similar businesses. How do you stand out? How do you get more enquiries and customers walking through your door (or landing in your inbox)?
Here are 15 ideas to get your brain whirring. Not all of them will work for YOUR business, but I guarantee at least a handful will. And don’t discount an idea just because “that’s not what people in my industry do” – that’s exactly why it might work.
1. Google Business Profile
If you haven’t claimed and optimised your Google Business Profile (it’s free!), stop everything and do it now. This is how you show up when people search “florist near me” or “accountant in Darlington.” Add photos, keep your hours updated, post regularly, and actively ask happy customers to leave Google Reviews. This alone can transform your local visibility.
2. Local SEO On Your Website
Make sure your website mentions WHERE you are and WHAT you do – multiple times. Think about what your ideal customers are typing into Google: “children’s dance class Epsom” or “reflexologist Darlington.” Include these phrases naturally in your website copy, blog posts, and page titles. If you’re using WordPress, Yoast SEO makes this much easier.
3. Instagram (With Local Hashtags)
Instagram is brilliant for local businesses. Use location tags on every post, include local hashtags (#DarlingtonBusiness #NorthEastSmallBiz), and engage with other local businesses and customers. Reels showing your work, your products, or behind-the-scenes content can reach people who don’t already follow you – that’s the beauty of the algorithm.
4. Networking (In Person And Online)
Find out what networking groups exist in your area – both in-person events and online communities. Facebook groups for local businesses are brilliant for making connections and getting referrals. When you go, have a clear, simple sentence that describes what you do: “I help busy mums get their children sleeping through the night” is much more memorable (and referable) than “I’m a sleep consultant.”
5. Facebook Groups
Search Facebook for your town name plus “business” or “community” and join the relevant groups. Don’t just spam your offers – be genuinely helpful, answer questions, refer other businesses, and become known as a trustworthy person. When someone in the group needs what you offer, you’ll be the first person they think of.
6. Local PR
Local newspapers, radio stations, and online publications are always looking for stories. Have you won a contract? Moved premises? Reached a milestone? Got an interesting backstory? Email your local editor – a short, friendly email is all it takes. A feature in the local press is free marketing and brilliant for credibility.
7. Email Marketing
Build an email list from day one. Collect email addresses at events, on your website (offer a freebie in exchange), and in-store if you have a physical location. Then stay in touch regularly using Flodesk, MailerLite, or ConvertKit. A monthly newsletter with tips, offers, and updates keeps you front of mind.
8. Blogging
A blog on your website helps you get found on Google AND shows potential customers that you know your stuff. Write about the questions your customers ask you most, share tips related to your industry, and always include local keywords. One well-written blog post can bring you traffic for years.
9. Run Your Own Events
Free or low-cost workshops, taster sessions, or open days are brilliant for local businesses. Promote them on Eventbrite, in local Facebook groups, and on your Instagram. You’ll meet potential customers face-to-face and build relationships that turn into sales.
10. Business Awards
Google “business awards” for your area – councils, Chambers of Commerce, and industry bodies run them regularly. Even being shortlisted gives you PR, social proof, and something to shout about on social media. Plus the “Award-Winning” badge looks great on your website and Instagram bio!
11. Collaborations With Other Local Businesses
Team up with complementary businesses for joint promotions, Instagram Lives, or bundled offers. A photographer and a florist. A personal trainer and a nutritionist. A web designer and a copywriter. You’ll reach each other’s audiences and it costs nothing.
12. LinkedIn
Don’t overlook LinkedIn, especially if you’re B2B. Connect with other local businesses, share your expertise in posts, and engage in local business groups. LinkedIn’s algorithm is generous – your posts can reach thousands of people even with a small following.
13. Referral Programme
Your existing happy customers are your best salespeople. Set up a simple referral programme – even something as basic as “recommend a friend and you both get 10% off” works brilliantly. Make it easy for people to refer you by giving them a link to share or a card to pass on.
14. Online Directories
List your business on Yell.com, Yelp, Trustpilot, and any industry-specific directories. These sites have strong SEO so your listing could appear in Google before your own website does. Make sure your name, address, and phone number are consistent across all listings.
15. TikTok And Short-Form Video
Yes, even for local businesses! TikTok’s algorithm shows your content to people near you, making it surprisingly effective for local marketing. A quick video showing your workspace, a product demo, or a day-in-the-life Reel can reach thousands of local people. You don’t need to dance – just be yourself and be helpful.
The key with local marketing is consistency. Pick 4-5 of these ideas and commit to doing them regularly. You don’t need to do everything – you just need to do the RIGHT things, consistently. Now go and get your business noticed!