Ultimate guide to local advertising (2024)
Do you own a home improvement business and want to reach more customers in your area? The key is local advertising.
In an increasingly digital world, it may seem like online and mass advertising is the only option, but don't be mistaken, local advertising in your community is a powerful tool to reach your target audience in your specific geographic area.
We will show you how you can use various local advertising strategies to increase the visibility of your business and reach more potential customers. Stay with us!
What is local advertising?
It refers to any type of advertising that is done in a specific geographic location, with the goal of reaching potential customers in that area. Unlike general advertising, which focuses on reaching a mass audience, this type of advertising targets a more specific audience.
This type of advertising takes many forms, from online advertising, such as Google My Business or Google Local Ads, to traditional advertising, such as billboards, local events, word of mouth, business cards, and promotional items.
The goal is to achieve greater visibility for your business or brand in the local area and attract more potential customers who are in your specific geographic area.
Why is it important for home improvement businesses?
Local advertising is particularly important for home improvement businesses as they tend to focus on relatively small areas related to their industry.
Customers looking for home improvement services such as renovations, repairs, or installations often seek providers in their local area.
This preference stems from the fact that these types of services require a lot of interaction between the contractor and the customer.
The customer needs to convey their specific requirements directly and will require post-sales support to refine certain details; all of this makes it necessary for the contractor to be from the same geographic area as the customer.
Furthermore, this type of advertising helps any type of business establish a strong presence in their local community and gain greater visibility. By using local advertising strategies, a stronger bond is created with customers and a solid reputation is established in the community.
Digital platforms for local advertising: examples
Digital platforms are an effective way to do local advertising for your home improvement business. Here are some of the most effective digital platforms: Google My Business, Google Local Ads, and NextDoor.
Google My Business
Google My Business is a powerful tool offered by Google that allows you to create an online business profile with detailed information such as your address, business hours, phone number, photos, and customer reviews.
By creating a profile on Google My Business, your business will appear in the local search results on Google for keywords related to your company and the services you offer.
Google Local Ads
Google Local Ads is a pay-per-click advertising program by Google that allows you to create ads that appear in local search results on Google. This can increase brand exposure and connect you with new customers.
NextDoor
NextDoor is an online social network for neighborhoods that enables you to connect with other residents in your local area. You can post ads for your business and engage with the community.
These digital platforms offer a wide reach and can help you target customers in your local area effectively.
Local outdoor advertising
Local outdoor advertising is another more conventional way to promote your business. This was the predominant form of advertising before the advent of the Internet. Let's explore some of the most effective strategies:
- Billboards and signage. Placing eye-catching signs in strategic locations, such as lampposts or walls, is an effective way to grab the attention of potential customers passing by. We recommend that the signs have a captivating design and include detailed information about your business.
- Local events. Participating in local events, such as fairs or festivals, is an effective way to promote your business. These types of events are frequented by people in the industry and potential customers looking for better deals. Take advantage of these events to build relationships with industry professionals and gain some customers along the way.
Outdoor advertising is highly effective and offers something that online advertising does not: the physical presence of your brand or business. For customers, it is important to know the people behind a service before doing business, as this gives them greater confidence and allows them to interact directly.
The Power of Word of Mouth and Referrals
Another incredibly powerful strategy for local advertising is word of mouth, which many businesses rely on solely for their operations. Satisfied customers are the best form of advertising, as they can recommend your services to friends, family, and neighbors. To encourage word of mouth, we recommend the following:
Provide excellent customer service
Excellent customer service is key to fostering word of mouth and referrals. Make sure your customers are satisfied with your services and ask them to recommend you to their friends and family. A satisfied customer will bring you more clients than you might expect.
Offer incentives for referrals
Consider offering incentives to your customers for referring your services to their friends and family; this is known as a "Referral Program." For example, offer a discount on services for each new referred client or provide free simple services to customers who have recommended you.
Harness the power of social media
Another great tool for promoting word of mouth is social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook. Create accounts on each of these platforms and promote the services you offer from there with discounts and offers for those who share your content. This will give your brand a greater presence and strength within the local community.
Leave business cards in strategic locations
An effective strategy for your business is to leave business cards in strategic locations. Business cards are an effective way to ensure that potential clients have access to information about your business. Here are some effective strategies for leaving business cards in strategic locations:
- Leave business cards at local stores. Leave business cards at local stores that sell products related to your business. For example, if you offer painting services, leave business cards at paint supply stores; coordinate this with the store managers.
- Leave business cards at local events. If you participate in local events such as fairs or festivals, make sure to have business cards available for potential customers and contacts.
Remember, a well-designed business card that accurately represents your brand and services is crucial. At Owners, we can assist you in designing and producing your business cards. NegocioListo can design and produce your personal cards
Keep in mind that the business card you choose should accurately represent your brand and the services you provide. Design it in such a way that it provides the necessary information (phone number, email, company logo, services offered) and is visually appealing. At Owners, we provide personalized business cards, logo design, and assistance with naming your company. Get more information by clicking here
Utilizing Promotional Items
Promotional items are objects that bear the name or logo of your business and are used as gifts or giveaways for customers. The intention of these items is to promote your brand, as well as strengthen and build relationships with your customers.
Typically, promotional items related to the services offered are used, although this is not limiting. Consider the following recommendations:
- Use everyday items. Caps and t-shirts are items that are used daily and are not expensive. In addition to being useful for your customers, they help increase the visibility of your business. Owners provides caps and t-shirts with your company logo.
- Use items related to your business. For example, if you offer gardening services, use plant seeds or gardening tools as promotional items. The idea is for the customer to associate the item with the service.
- Promote your brand with high-quality items. Promotional products reflect the quality of your service, believe it or not. People associate the item with the service provided, and if you give away a low-quality item, unconsciously your services will be perceived in the same way. You should avoid this by offering good quality, durable, and useful items.
- Furthermore, high-quality items are more likely to be used by potential customers, which increases the visibility of your business. At Owners, we can assist you with the creation and customization of these items to reinforce your advertising strategy.
Tips for organizing an effective local advertising strategy
Before starting any local advertising strategy, it is important to define your target audience. Think about who your ideal customers are and where they frequent; this will help you determine which advertising channels are most effective in reaching them.
Additionally, you should establish a budget for your local advertising strategy. This will help you determine which advertising channels are most effective and maximize your investment. You will also see the availability of channels that you can use.
After implementing your local advertising strategy, it is necessary to measure the results to determine which advertising channels are most effective and adjust your strategy accordingly.
At Negociolisto, we can help you!
We understand that effective advertising is key to business growth. That's why we offer comprehensive services to help you build a strong brand and online presence. From designing your logo and creating a professional website to handling the legal aspects of setting up your LLC, we've got you covered.
We can assist you with a wide range of marketing materials, including business cards, promotional items, and more. Let's work together to increase your visibility and establish your business as a trusted authority in your industry.
Don't hesitate to reach out to us today. We're excited to help you achieve your business goals!