Unlocking the Power of Local Marketing 

In late July, I made a dual move—both my home and business transitioned from Berkshire to the Isle of Wight. This shift highlighted the need for meticulous planning and preparation to ensure a seamless move, with a crucial aspect being the ability for both new and existing clients to effortlessly locate and reach out to me post-relocation. This experience reinforced the undeniable significance of local marketing for businesses. Work habits have changed significantly in recent years, but something that hasn’t is local marketing.

In my view, all businesses should recognize and embrace its importance. Every business owner can tap into the potential of the subsequent local marketing strategies:

Google Business Profiles
A google listing (formerly known as Google My Business) is a must for any business whatever their size. I have found this is one of the quickest and simplest ways to get your business on the first page of Google. I help many of my clients with their listings, ensuring they stand out from the competition. 

Facebook Groups
Most of us are part of local Facebook groups where people often are requesting recommendations for gardeners, plumbers, lawyers, builders, and other services. It is common for businesses to receive recommendations but many miss out on potential opportunities because they are not part of the relevant groups. By being an active member, you are able to share a link to your website or Facebook page when you see someone looking for your services.

Local SEO
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) plays a vital role in online visibility and is all about picking the right keywords. People often forget to include geographical keywords. For instance, if you're a local builder, integrating your location and preferred service areas is crucial. Implementing these details across your website, social media, and marketing materials increases your odds of being discovered by local customers.

Networking
Networking is a great way to meet other local business owners and build relationships. Many networking groups have a limit of one representative per industry. If you know of a local networking group, make sure you secure the spot as the representative for your profession.

When I relocated, networking was high on my agenda. So it was a pleasant surprise to discover a local networking group meeting just two days after arriving on the Island. Attending allowed me to engage with several fellow small business owners, share insights about my business, and gain understanding about theirs. It was a great experience, and I am excited for  the next meeting to explore potential collaborations.

If you are not already using these strategies, then give them a try, If you need help implementing any of them, please do not hesitate to get in touch, I will be more than happy to help.