We know that social media can be used to reach areas of the world that were previously unimaginable. You can have conversations with consumers across the globe, creating more fans for you and your business.
If you’re a local business, you may be thinking, yeah, so what? What do I need with fans in Bulgaria?
Those same tools that earn companies a following of customers overseas, can be used to build an online community, locally – you just have to adjust to your audience.
- Know your neighbors. If you’re marketing to a bohemian community in a wooded area, you’re not going to be marketing like Tiffany’s. You’ve got to do some homework, get to know the vibe of your community, and support that vibe.
- Know what’s going on with the kids in town. Did your local Little League team just win a regional championship? Use your social media to support them and cheer them on! It doesn’t matter if you’re a high end restaurant or a family-owned dry cleaners. Is a local teen competing on “The Voice”? Show your support!
- Incorporate local folk lore. I live in a town that is rich with history. George Washington slept here and all that.
- Incorporate seasonality into your marketing. Is it fall? Share your pumpkin spiced latte recipe!
- Establish yourself as the neighborhood expert. Use your social media to field customer questions, and make yourself the community go-to for locals who need advice.
Yes, you still want to talk about all the things that make you an amazing local business, but think about how you can use social media to add value for your customer. When you show your community that YOU’RE supporting THEM as well, it’s win win. Engaging your local community online is core to social media and will help you become a hometown favorite.
If you want more tips on how to build an online community, locally, and want to learn how to turn these fans into customers, grab my FREE “Get More Customers” tips series! CLICK HERE and get started today.