If you’re looking to boost your local business and attract more customers, this post is for you. I’ll be sharing three powerful methods that have helped my clients successfully increase their sales. These aren't just theories but practical, real-life strategies. Let’s dive in.
1. Optimize Your Google Business Profile
Let’s start with a simple story. Imagine you’re finally on a long-awaited vacation and planning a relaxing night in with Netflix. You realize you’re out of snacks and drinks, so you head to your car. Suddenly, the engine warning light comes on. What do you do next? You pull out your phone and search “auto repair near me” on Google.
You probably go straight to the “Businesses” section with names, ratings, hours, and services listed. These are Google Business Profiles.
Why You Need a Google Business Profile
If your business doesn’t have a profile, you’re missing out on local search results. This is where potential customers find you first. Setting up a profile is simple and essential. And if you already have one, make sure your information—such as business name, address, phone number, and operating hours—is accurate.
Pro Tip: Update your profile regularly. Business details change over time, and failing to update them could lead to customers showing up during closed hours, which hurts your credibility.
Get Reviews and Upload Photos
Would you click on a business with zero reviews or one with plenty of positive ratings? Most people opt for the latter. In fact, 98% of people read reviews when searching for local businesses. So, ask your satisfied customers for reviews and respond to them. This engagement can improve your reputation and trustworthiness.
Don’t forget to upload photos of your business’s interior, exterior, and the services you offer. Real photos can be more engaging than text alone and make your profile stand out.
2. Build a Website
Imagine you’ve picked a repair shop from your search and liked the reviews, but when you go to learn more, there’s no website. Meanwhile, a similar shop with good ratings does have a website, so you check that out instead. Without realizing it, you shift your attention to the business with a solid online presence.
Why a Website Matters
A website is crucial for establishing trust. According to the research, 56% of people don’t trust a business without a website. In a world where first impressions matter, not having a website could make you lose more than half of your potential customers.
A website also serves as the core of your online marketing strategy. Whether you’re using social media, email campaigns, or SEO, all these channels ultimately lead back to your site. A well-crafted website provides customers with comprehensive details about your products or services, helping turn visitors into paying customers.
What Should Be on Your Website?
Make sure your website is user-friendly and informative. It should highlight your services, provide clear contact information, and display testimonials or case studies. The easier it is to navigate, the more likely it is that visitors will become customers.
3. Run Google Ads
The third way to attract more local customers is by using Google Ads. Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising is especially effective because you only pay when someone clicks on your ad. This targeted approach allows your business to appear at the top of search results, increasing your visibility.
Why Choose Google Ads?
If you’ve ever worried about advertising costs, Google Ads provides a solution. You can set a daily budget and choose your audience based on location, age, gender, and more. For example, if you’re willing to spend $200 a month, you could allocate $10 per weekday to reach potential customers in your area.
One of my clients, who runs an auto repair shop, has seen consistent leads from using Google Ads. Their metrics, like calls and emails, show how effective these ads can be. Plus, with Google Ads, you don’t have to make an upfront payment for a campaign that may not work. You can pause or adjust your budget at any time, making it flexible and cost-effective.
Summary
To recap, here are the three ways to attract more local customers:
- Optimize Your Google Business Profile: Keep it updated, collect reviews, and add photos.
- Build a Website: Establish trust and act as the main hub for all your marketing efforts.
- Run Google Ads: Use PPC advertising to reach local customers efficiently and on budget.
Don’t just read this and move on. Take action today! If you don’t have a Google Business Profile, create one. Already have a profile? Make sure it’s up-to-date. Once that’s done, consider building a website or trying Google Ads.
These three steps are proven methods to bring more local customers to your business. Start with one and see how it transforms your customer base.