Keep your business local

As a small business person, have you ever had someone tell you they purchased a product or service that you provide somewhere else?  How did it feel?  Why did it happen? You thought that person was a loyal customer.  Or maybe they've never done business with you before but they know you.  They live in your town, and they know about your business.  So why didn't you get a shot at selling them something?


Your greatest competition is from large retailers and franchises.  I think most people have the perception that they get a better deal at a so called discount store.  Do you agree?  Most often these stores aren't even in your town.  So why did your customer buy somewhere else?  Was it because they have the store's credit card?  Did they receive a special discount notification or coupon in the mail, email, or text?   Did they make a spontaneous purchase?


These are the types of  marketing challenges you face every day.  How can you keep this from happening?  How can you convince your current customers or potential clients to look to you first for the best deal or the best buying experience.  You probably live local to your business.  You contribute to local charities.  You probably support various local groups and belong to a business organization.  Do your clients know it?  Do they know that when they do business with you that they are in turn helping to support their community.


As a small business owner, how can you keep business local?  How can you help reinforce your local supply chain.  Challenge your competition by marketing your business with a mobile app and mobile website. Send your customers email and text messages.  Deliver your marketing message as often as you like with business updates, sales events, coupons, and notifications of special events.


Keep your social media sites updated, create a blog about a favorite hobby or your expertise in a particular field.  Let people know what your business is up too.  Display photos and provide information about you, your employees and your business.  Monitor the usage of your mobile website and app on a daily basis.