The world is more digital by the day and online marketing is becoming more accessible to everyone.
However, the importance of being noticed in the real world, in your local area, is not decreasing.
It’s increasing.
Having a local presence is staple for small businesses when it comes to building a loyal and regular customer base.
So here are 4 ways to get your business noticed in the real world
1) Brand everything
In the UK today 1 in 7 people run their own business. That’s 10x the amount that did in 2005
This has therefore led to a lot of competition in many markets. In the UK the average small business has 8 competitors in a 15 mile radius
This has led to an abundance of choice for consumers. They are not going to enquire at every one to decide who to use
They will go to the one that shouts the loudest
So grab your megaphone (metaphorically speaking)
Everything thing your business owns or uses, brand it! Get a company uniform, Put your logo on your company vehicle. Get business cards, put your logo on your stationery
Put a big sign above your door saying “we are {blank} and we are here!”
Don’t whisper, SHOUT!
2) Be the face of your business
Some people may remember your businesses name, logo, colours, slogan etc..
But people are a lot more likely to remember the person behind the business
Embrace it!
You want people to say, “I know who can help you, John from Smith inc.”
People like people more than businesses
To do this, don’t be a stranger
Speak to people and don’t be afraid to become friends with your customers and suppliers.
Personal referrals go a long way in the real world (as opposed to online)
This alone can be the difference that sets you apart from ‘cold’ competitors
3) Be a part of the community
Whether or not you are noticed by the local community or not can make or break your business
They have a lot of influence, and if their go to is your competition, good look persuading them to try your business
How do you do this? Get involved!
Be part of events, as a sponsor, a supplier, an investor/ donator
Getting involved with charities is a great way to do this. Charities do a great job at bringing together the local community for a common cause
But more importantly its for a great cause
Your business will grow whilst you are helping people
You can also do the same with local festivals and activities
These local gatherings have strong ties to the area, you can use this to your advantage
4) Make sure people know what you do and why you’re different
Just branding is not enough to convert leads into customers
Branding is great for getting your company name out in the world for people to see
However for the people who know who you are it is now important to that they know what you do and why they should choose you
How do you do this? It’s simple. You tell them
At every opportunity. Give them a reason to pick your business over a competitors
Whatever separates your business from others, Price, Customer Service, Quality
Tell them, and it will seem like you are repeating yourself, it is important to drill home what you do to convert them into your customer
This is where slogans, banners, and catchphrases come in handy to reiterate why they should pick you
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