If your business’ bottom line is dependent on attracting customers from within your own community, there are certain digital marketing tactics you need to be aware of. This is important information for service professionals, such as home heating repair companies, as well as restaurants, many retailers, and more.

Tactic #1: Harness the Hashtag

Localized hashtags are your new best friend. Make sure you’re using the name of your community as a hashtag in frequent (not necessarily every!) social media posting you make, as well as in your profiles. This makes it easier for customers and potential customers to find you when they’re searching for you on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Tactic #2: Engage with Other Local Businesses & Civic Organizations

If you want to benefit from your place in the community, you have to demonstrate that you’re part of the community. That means engaging with other local businesses and civic organizations in your community on social media. If they’re having a neat event, spread the word: it costs you nothing and garners plenty of good will. Participate in community discussions, particularly when it’s an issue related to your business – these conversations often take place on the Facebook pages of your local newspaper or television station, as well as on those venue’s sites – and don’t be afraid to share picturesque images of your community. This type of engagement takes time, but it’s also the key to being seen as a genuine local business.

Tactic #3: Audit Your Directory Listings Regularly

Directory sites such as Google Local, Yelp and Merchant Circle are incredibly popular. For that reason, you need to make sure that the information you have listed on these sites is actually correct. Check it regularly, making sure that everything including your address, phone number and hours of operation, is correct. Having this information fixed if it’s incorrect can be a time-consuming process, but it’s well worth it – remember, if a customer is disappointed because the info they depend on from Yelp isn’t right, they’re not going to blame Yelp, they’re going to hold you accountable.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get Help!

If you need help implementing any or all of these tactics, give us a call. Our world class team of social media strategists would be happy to help you connect with your local community more effectively, getting you greater brand recognition and more customers