7 Tips to Grow Your Local Business on Social Media

Approaching Social Media as a Local Business or Service Provider

Marketing an individual, brand, and store on social media should have very different approaches. Unlike brands and e-commerce focused stores, local businesses and local service providers should be growing their audience on social media, but have a focus on their local community. It’s great to have aspirational customers around the world, but that isn’t necessarily bringing in profits for you on a regular basis.

So, how can you thrive online and build a local following? Here are our 7 tips to growing a local following on social media:

1. Local Influencers

1. One way for you to grow a local audience (and quickly) is partnering with local influencers to collaborate on content with or promote your business.

2. PRO TIP: Just because someone is based somewhere doesn’t mean their followers are - be sure to ask for the influencers audience demographics so you can have insight prior to moving forward.

2. Location Tagging

1. This one is too easy, but we see too many people not taking advantage. Tag your location on all your posts!

3. Location in Bio

1. Another easy one - but apparently not obvious. Make sure to have your location as a part of your bio - we come across too many accounts that do not have this added and if we really care, we have to click through to their site to try and find out.

4. Community Groups/Accounts

1. Typically we see cities with local business promotion accounts or groups that help support and share - be sure to engage and be a part of these.

5. Hosting & Sponsoring Events

1. This isn’t directly tied to social media, but brining people in for an event or sponsoring events will bring your business in front of your community.

2. PRO TIP: Your main job will be giving them something to post on social media about (and tag you).

6. Engaging with Local Accounts

1. This should be obvious - but generally so many people go to post on their business account and log out. You need to be engaging for at least 15 minutes after posting, being sure to follow and engage (with meaningful comments) on other accounts based in your area.

7. Paid Ads

1. Did you know you can run paid ads targeted to your location? Only pay for people in your area to see your ads.