When you’re an SME, it’s important to develop that local connection. Local business is something that customers want, as it helps to build trust and recognition that will lead to increased business. Connecting locally might not always sound easy, but there are things you can do to make your business a part of the community. Check out these four ways that your business can connect locally to ensure a better relationship with those in your area, as well as give your business a boost.

 

1. Use targeted social media advertising

 

Social media is great for targeting people in your local area. If you’re willing to put some money into it, you can narrow the focus of your posts so that they are only seen by people in your area, meaning your business gets the most out of its social media marketing. Even small advertising budgets can do well through targeted social media advertising, so start experimenting with different approaches to see what works best.

 

2. Improve your PR

 

All businesses can benefit from better PR - helping you to show the good side to your business and develop better relationships with customers. You can find specialist PR firms for various industries and business types including PR for law firms, financial PR and fashion and beauty PR. When you run a small business, it can be difficult to find the time to dedicate to your PR and marketing functions, but outsourcing these services to another company can free up your time and deliver better results.

 

3. Advertise

 

Do you make the most of the advertising opportunities in your local community? There are different ways you can get your name out there to help your community find out who you are. Popular local advertising methods include bus stop and train station ads, as well as ads on the backs of buses or taxis. Come up with an advertising budget and see the options that are available to you. Some methods of offline advertising might seem outdated or unnecessary, but in a local area, these can actually be some of your most effective advertising tools.

 

4. Charity work

 

Does your business do enough work for charity? Giving back to the community is a good way to get your business seen, as well as offer benefits for your employees and productivity. By giving back, you get to help build a better community, which can be a rewarding thing for your business. Ideas for giving back include sponsoring local events or sports teams as well as arranging fundraisers. Get your employees together to think of local projects you can get involved in. With the right approach, you can help your business to become more recognisable in the community and ensure more of your profits come from customers who are based in your area. There are a tonne of ways you can connect locally to benefit your business, and you can start today to help increase your local sales. Embed your business into the community and be a part of something special.

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