How to Create Brand Awareness for Your Small Business Locally

Tired of losing to big businesses that work half as hard as you? Small business owners often have to work twice as hard to have their brand known to a wider pool. However, all hope isn’t lost. There are a few key tips and tricks that can result in greater brand awareness for your small business at no extra cost to you. 

• Expand Your Social Media Marketing

Social media is more important than ever and can be a crucial tool to help you grow your business and reach out to a broader pool of consumers. Grab the attention of both consumers locally and globally by building a solid social media presence. Expand larger if you are only active on one or two social media sites. Also, post more consistently. 

You’ll be surprised how many new customers find you through social media and are propelled to buy your product or service because of it. Also, specific social media sites, like TikTok, your content is posted primarily to the pages of those in your area. This way, you grow your business locally. This can be especially important if you have a storefront business and want customers to visit your store in person.

• Collaborate

Your competitors don’t have to stay your competitors. Collaborate with small businesses around you for a mutually beneficial relationship. This can come in the form of stocking your shelves with another company’s products and them doing the same for you. It could also mean hanging flyers up in small shops like yours. 

The key to this is finding a business that’s similar to yours but not too similar. For instance, collaborating with a cosmetics store can help your business if you sell bath products. The product is different enough not to threaten your sales but similar enough to draw people in.

• Flyers

Physical advertisements don’t work well for a global audience. However, a flyer may be just the tool if you want to appeal to those locally. Visit surrounding businesses and ask if you can hang your flyer in their windows or on their flyer board. This can help draw the locals to your business. You can also put them in meeting places for the community, such as public parks, gyms, and other frequented spots around town.

• Word of Mouth

Word of mouth can go far for small businesses. Encourage your customers to spread the name of your business to their friends and family. You can do this by including a business card in every bag or by asking. You can also combine this tip with social media marketing. Encourage your followers to share your posts with those around them. This way, your brand reaches a wider audience. 

• Get Involved

Much of brand awareness is about showing face time and time again to become known and recognizable. Attend community events and bring samples of your product or coupons to give out to those that attend. This spreads awareness of your brand and motivates people to come in and purchase a product with their new discount. 

Also, think about volunteering. This philanthropic side of your business can appeal to many buyers. They see that you and your team are active in their community and want to pay their gratitude forward by attending your store. Community involvement is a tool that only small businesses can profit from, so take advantage of it.  

• Media Attention

See if you can feature your business in a local newspaper or digital site. This may cost you money, but many times it happens organically. After all, they get a story, and you get an advertisement in return. 

Also, get involved with influencer marketing. Offer influencers free product or affiliate links in exchange for a shoutout on their social media sites. This can be accomplished for a low price or free, depending on who you ask. Better yet, if you can find an influencer in your community, even better to spread the word around.

• Spice Up Your Graphic Design

If you aren’t getting as much attention as you desire, look at your graphic design. Is your logo appealing to the eye? Is your website easy to navigate? Appealing to user experience is vital for a successful business. Luckily, free tools like Canva can quickly help you design content for your business. You don’t even need to be proficient in graphic design or website building.

Keep Going!

Brand awareness is all about consistency and having your name heard and your brand is seen. Keep experimenting with marketing techniques and improving your plan of action. Before you know it, your business will be a local household name.