The power of the internet means that even modest enterprises can go global without billion-dollar budgets. On, the other hand there are local businesses that also try to find local people with the highest possible purchase intent.
But certain firms rely on attracting people in a more limited geographical location and establishing a reliable presence quickly and effectively isn’t easy.
However, when your business model is focused on local business or passing trade, your best buddies for online and offline trade might be closer than you think.
So if you’re going local, here are three brilliant business collaborators you might find in your neighborhood.
1. Networking
If you’re completely new to an area, the chances of having a pre-existing contact list are slim.
But taking time to meet local businesses and customers face to face is crucial for sustainable success.
If you’re a B2C company, you can promote your goods and services while using a bit of charm to underline a commitment to personal service. And if you’re B2B, you can establish that sense of trust that reassures fellow entrepreneurs they’re in steady hands with you.
It’s usually not too expensive to join a local chamber of commerce to promote your offering and make new contacts, and most towns and cities have more informal networking groups that meet regularly.
But referral marketing organization is a good place to start — it runs over 7300 networking events each week globally — you’re sure to find one nearby.
2. Digital agencies
Progressive businesses ensure that their online and offline marketing strategies complement each other, and the right digital mix can benefit the local businesses as much as it does a multinational.
A user-friendly website that’s optimized for mobile, solid SEO that captures high-intent ‘near me’ traffic, an informative blog, and lively social media can all combine to sell goods and services online and drive footfall through your doors.
And when you monitor performance through analytics platforms and sprinkle a few paid ads on top of your organic efforts, it’s a recipe for success.
A full-service local digital agency will keep you on track with everything from web design to Google AdWords.
3. Community work for local businesses
One of the effects of the global financial crisis is local charity and community groups struggling with funding cuts and lacking the staff or resources to continue their vital work long-term.
So if your firm can offer financial support and exposure to a worthwhile community cause, you’ll do something worthwhile and immediately create a positive impression about your corporate values.
Search a match funding platform like Localgiving to find out which neighborhood projects need support and work out how you can best provide it.
Whether you’re funding a health awareness project or sports team, it’s a rare chance to regularly do the right thing and raise your profile.
After hooking up with brilliant business collaborators like these three, you’ll be a local legend faster than you might think possible.
How did your business go local? Share your advice through our contact form.
