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Promoting Your Small Business Through Locals

Amy Morin

September 12, 2013

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There are lots of ways to promote your small business on a local level that draw a lot of attention without costing much money.

Get creative and make your small business stand out among the competition. Among the ways to do this include:

Chamber of Commerce

Join your local chamber of commerce. Although there is usually a small fee involved, you’re likely to get a great return on your investment.

Joining the chamber of commerce has many benefits. Often, you’ll be listed on the town’s website and included in a number of directories that can attract a lot of customers.

Also, it gives you an excellent opportunity to network with other business owners. Attend chamber events and you’ll get an opportunity to talk to other business owners about what your business has to offer.

Business Expo or Trade Show

Sign up for local business expos or trade shows. The cost of a booth rental is usually well worth the effort.

It will provide you with an opportunity to meet people in the community while talking to them about the products and services you offer. Hand out business cards and free items, such as pens that include your phone number to market your business.

Promote a Charity Event

Participating in community service can raise a lot of awareness for your business.

Donate your time, money, or products for a good cause and you’ll be able to make your presence known in the community at the same time.

Showing your generosity is a great way to gain respect from people in the community as well.

Join Committees

Attend town council meetings and join local committees.

Be willing to volunteer for activities, such as helping clean up a park or organizing the Fourth of July parade. Doing a good job with your responsibilities reflects positively on your business.

Getting yourself out there and in the community is a great way to meet new people and make your business well-known. It can also show your personality.

For example, if you’re willing to be dunked in the dunk tank at the local fair, it can be a great way to show you’re light-hearted side.

Sponsor a Local Sports Team

Sponsoring youth events doesn’t usually cost much and it can help you gain a lot of advertising.

For example, donate to a baseball team’s efforts to buy uniforms and you’ll likely get your business name on the shirts as well.

Showing an interest in helping youth will gain attention to your business.

People in your town will be more likely to think of your business as a household name when they see your name displayed at youth events.

Cross-Promote with Other Businesses

Work with other business owners to cross-promote one another’s businesses. For example, if you sell wedding dresses, work with the local florist, jeweler, and hair stylists to attract more business.

Talk to other business owners about how to promote your businesses as a package. For example, give other business owners coupons to hand out for your business.

Post Your Business Cards

Many local businesses have bulletin boards or places for other small businesses to hang their business cards.

Post your business cards wherever this is allowed, whether it’s in the grocery store, a restaurant or a hardware store.

There are many inexpensive ways to promote your small business through locals.

Start looking to join opportunities in  your community that will showcase your small business.

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