People love to trust their neighborhood business. In business, you want to build a relationship with your clients often based on trust. However, what if you’re not their neighborhood business? What if you’re across the country? Location is everything. Clients and potential clients want access to you, and even if they don’t use it they find it comforting.
Giving the Feeling of Shopping Local
Depending on what service you provide, you may also want to provide the feeling of shopping local. Many people would rather go with a small, locally owned company rather than a faceless chain. However, faceless chain companies often have plenty of feedback for those looking for it. If your “mom and pop” business is new to an area, you may need to host events or deals to spread the word that you’re there and open for business.
Local Sponsorship
It may seem inane, but if you can sponsor little league, youth soccer, or other teams, you may want to do that. Getting your name out there for local people to recognize and associate with doing good in your area has a big benefit. It almost takes the place of the reviews and feedback that many big faceless companies have. People feel great about seeing a company involved in the community they’re based in.
Hosting Events
Giving back to your base location can help immensely. If your area doesn’t have any teams to sponsor, you can still do good and get your name out there. If you have a physical business location, you have many more possibilities than those that don’t. Hosting events drives people to your location. These events help emphasize your investment locally, but also nationally. Food drives for local food pantries are a great idea, and these can occur any time of the year. Try starting your email campaign with local statistics about the event you’re hosting.
If You Don’t Have a Physical Location
Perhaps you do not have a physical business location. However, you still want to emphasize where you can be contacted. This is important information. People like putting a place to a company. The auto industry was a Detroit thing. Are you suitable to market based on a theme for your region? You may consider putting your location or address in a very visible place in marketing material, or using it for keywords. That way when people search for information regarding your location, they may stumble across your blog or website.
Your Location Counts
You may not realize it at first, but location matters. You may do business across the country. You may even be worldwide. However, if you wish to focus on one place and growing your client base there, it’s important to invest in that place. People love a hometown feel. Particularly if you’re a successful business. Adding a local flavor to your business, wherever it may be, adds authenticity people seek. People will invest in companies that invest in them, and their community.