The Ultimate Guide to Promoting Your Local Business! 15 Simple Tips!

Tired of expensive pay-per-click advertising that yields little return? This guide offers local business owners a path to promoting their businesses online using efficient, low-cost, and often free methods. These methods were compiled from some of the best resources on the internet.

Source: Toprankedvideo.com

1. Optimize Your Google My Business Page

The first step to boosting traffic, sales, and leads is setting up and optimizing your Google My Business (GMB) page, now called Google Business Profile. This is what appears at the top of search listings when customers search for local businesses.

What is Google My Business (GMB)?

Google My Business, or Google Business Profile, is a free tool for managing your business's online presence across Google, including Search and Maps. Optimizing your profile increases visibility in local searches and attracts more customers.

Getting Started with Google My Business

1. Create an Account:
   • Go to Google Business Profile.
   • Sign in with your Google account.
   • Click “Manage Now” and follow the prompts.
2. Claim Your Business:
   • Search for your business on Google.
   • If it exists, click "Claim this Business" and verify ownership.
3. Verify Your Business:
   • Verification ensures only authorized individuals manage the profile. Methods include:
     • Postcard by Mail: Google sends a postcard with a verification code.
     • Phone or Email: Instant verification for eligible businesses.
     • Bulk Verification: For businesses with multiple locations.

4. Complete Your Business Profile:

   • Fill out every section accurately and thoroughly:

   • Business Name:

     • Use your exact business name as it appears in the real world.
   • Category and Attributes:
     • Choose the most relevant primary category (e.g., "Italian Restaurant").
     • Add secondary categories and attributes like “Women-Led” or “Outdoor Seating.”
   • Address and Service Area:
     • Enter your physical address (if applicable) and define your service area.
   • Contact Information:
     • Include a phone number and website URL.
     • Ensure consistency with your website and other directories.
   • Business Hours:
     • Update regular and holiday hours.
   • Business Description:
     • Write a compelling 750-character description, focusing on what makes your business unique and include local keywords.
   • Photos and Videos:
     • Add high-quality visuals of your storefront, products, and services:
       • Logo: For branding.
       • Cover Photo: Main image customers see.
       • Interior/Exterior: Showcase your premises.
       • Team and Product Photos: Build trust.

5. Optimize for Local SEO:

   1. Include Keywords:
      • Use relevant local keywords in your business name, description, and posts.
   2. Consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone):
      • Ensure your NAP details are the same across all platforms.
   3. Choose Local Categories:
      • Use industry-specific and location-relevant categories.

6. Collect and Manage Reviews:

   1. Ask for Reviews:
      • Encourage satisfied customers to leave Google reviews.
      • Share the direct review link via email or SMS.
   2. Respond to Reviews:
      • Thank positive reviewers.
      • Address negative reviews professionally to show you care.

7. Add Posts and Updates:

   • Use Google Posts to share updates, offers, and events:

   • Types of Posts:

     • What’s New: Announcements or updates.
     • Events: Promotions, sales, or in-store activities.
     • Offers: Discounts or special deals.
     • Products: Showcase featured items.
   • Post Tips:
     • Use images and videos.
     • Include a call-to-action (e.g., “Learn More,” “Call Now”).

8. Use GMB Features:

   1. Add Products and Services:
      • List your offerings, prices, and descriptions.
   2. Enable Messaging:
      • Allow customers to message you directly.
   3. Set Up Bookings:
      • Integrate booking tools.
   4. Monitor Insights:
      • Track profile performance.

9. Regularly Update and Monitor:

   1. Keep Information Current:
      • Update hours, contact details, and offerings.
   2. Monitor Competitors:
      • Review their profiles.
   3. Respond Quickly to Customer Questions:
      • Use the Q&A feature.
10. Integrate with Other Marketing Channels:
    • Website: Ensure your site matches the information on GMB.
    • Social Media: Share GMB updates on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
    • Local Listings: Ensure consistency with other local directories.

11. Avoid Common Pitfalls:

    1. Avoid Keyword Stuffing:
       • Focus on natural language.
    2. Maintain Accurate Information:
       • Incorrect info can frustrate customers.
    3. Comply with Guidelines:
       • Follow Google’s policies.

Why Optimize Your Google Business Profile?

1. Improved Local Search Visibility
2. Better Customer Engagement
3. Build Trust

2. Optimize Your Social Media Profiles

Optimizing social media accounts improves your online presence and supports the ranking of your Google My Business (GMB) pages.

1. Ensure NAP Consistency Across Platforms:
   • NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) must be consistent across all social media accounts and directories.
   • Check and update any discrepancies with your GMB page.
2. Focus on High-Impact Social Media Platforms:
   • Include Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter (X).
3. Explore Lesser-Known but Valuable Social Media Sites:
   • Leverage niche platforms for SEO citations and local rankings.
   • Toprankedvideo.com can create and fully optimize 100 additional social media accounts for new clients.
4. Optimize Each Social Media Profile:
   • Use local keywords.
   • Add a call to action (CTA).
   • Use high-quality branding elements.
   • Update categories and services.
   • Include links to your website, GMB page, and other profiles.
5. Boost the Value of Your Citations:
   • Add a link to your website in every profile’s bio.
   • Use consistent branding.
   • Share content to keep profiles active.
6. Automate the Submission Process:
   • Consider tools like:
     • BrightLocal
     • Moz Local
     • Yext
     • Ubersuggest or SEMrush
7. Monitor and Update Regularly:
   • Maintain NAP consistency.
   • Update any business changes.
   • Keep keywords and descriptions relevant.
   • Use tools like Google Alerts.
8. Measure the Impact:
   • Track traffic from social media sites using Google Analytics.
   • Check GMB insights.
   • Run periodic local SEO audits using tools like Whitespark or SEMrush.

3. Using Video Marketing to Increase Traffic, Leads, and Sales

Video marketing boosts exposure for your local business. With Google owning YouTube, creating and optimizing video content improves visibility in both Google search results and Google Video rankings.

1. Why Video Marketing Matters:
   • Boost Engagement
   • SEO Advantages
   • Local Trust and Connection
   • Social Media Amplification
2. Types of Videos to Create:
   • Educational Videos
   • Top 10 Lists
   • Customer Testimonials
     • Example: DPS Health and Wellness success with video testimonials.
   • Case Studies
   • Interviews
   • Live Events and Seminars
   • Virtual Tours and Demonstrations
3. Optimizing Your Videos for Search Engines:
   • Use Local Keywords
   • Add a Call-to-Action (CTA)
   • Include NAP Details
   • Leverage YouTube Playlists
4. Leverage Social Media Platforms:
   • YouTube
   • TikTok
   • Instagram
   • Facebook
5. Tips for High-Quality Video Content:
   • Keep it Short and Engaging
   • Use Professional Tools
   • Be Authentic
   • Use Captions
6. Promote Your Videos Effectively:
   • Cross-Promote
   • Run Ads
   • Collaborate
   • Engage Your Audience
7. Measure Your Success:
   • Use analytics tools to track views, likes, shares, website traffic, and engagement metrics.

Using Video as a Tool For Reputation Management

Transforming written reviews into video content amplifies positive customer experiences.

• Steps to Replicate:

  1. Collect Reviews
  2. Create Video Content
     • Use tools like Canva, Animoto, or Adobe Premiere.
  3. Optimize for SEO
  4. Upload and Promote

• Highlighting Customer Success Stories

• Proactive Response to Negative Feedback
• Promoting Awards and Certifications
• Leveraging User-Generated Content

Optimizing Videos for Reputation Management

• Use Targeted Keywords
• Embed Videos on Your Website
• Build Playlists

Distributing Videos Across Multiple Platforms

• YouTube
• Social Media
• Email Campaigns

Monitoring Results

• Search Rankings
• Engagement Metrics
• Customer Sentiment

Final Thoughts

Video marketing enhances your local business's reputation. Strategically using videos builds trust and attracts more customers.

4. Creating Your Own Blog for Local Businesses

Starting a blog connects you with your community, builds authority, and improves online visibility.

• From an SEO perspective, blogging ranks you for local search terms.

*Embedding videos increases dwell time and provides another opportunity to rank in Google’s video search results.

5. Optimizing for Voice Search

Optimize for voice search queries, which are more conversational than typed searches.

6. Using Press Releases to Promote Local Businesses

Press releases generate visibility and attract attention.

7. Using Email Marketing Effectively

1. Promote Special Offers and Discounts
2. Announce New Products or Services
3. Send Event Invitations
4. Seasonal Reminders
5. Build Customer Loyalty
6. Share Customer Testimonials and Reviews
7. Provide Educational Content
8. Request Feedback and Reviews
9. Send Birthday or Anniversary Greetings
10. Highlight Local Community Involvement

8. Use SMS Marketing

• Promote Time-Sensitive Offers
• Event Announcements
• Appointment Reminders
• Exclusive Local Discounts
• Confirm Orders or Bookings
• High Engagement Rate
• Targeted Location-Based Messaging
• Increase Sales and Traffic

9. Use Paid Advertising with Local Targeting

• Leverage Google Ads with Location Targeting
• Utilize Facebook and Instagram Ads
• Geo-Fencing with Mobile Ads
• Promote Local Offers or Discounts
• Target Specific Demographics
• Use Google My Business for Local Search Ads
• Take Advantage of Yelp Ads
• Leverage YouTube Ads for Local Exposure
• Optimize Ads for Mobile Devices
• Monitor and Adjust Your Budget

Toprankedvideo.com can manage and create YouTube video campaigns.

10. Buy SEO Traffic From Realppvtraffic SEO Traffic

Traffic is a key factor in determining your website’s ranking in local search results. To boost traffic, consider using targeted SEO services like Realppvtraffic.com, which specializes in driving organic traffic.

11. Get Listed in Local Directories

• Increase Online Visibility
• Enhance Local SEO
• Provide Accurate Business Information
• Improve Reputation Management
• Attract More Local Customers
• Stand Out in Industry-Specific Directories
• Add Photos and Videos
• Optimize Your Profile
• Link Back to Your Website
• Stay Active and Engage with Customers
• Partner with Local Organizations

12. Use On-Page SEO to Optimize Your Website for Local Searches

• Local Keyword Optimization
• Location Pages
• Schema Markup
• Mobile Optimization

Create Location-Specific Content

13. Cross Promote With Local Influencers

14. Classified Ads 

Post ads on Craigslist or use a service like Classifiedsubmissions.com.

15. Create A Referral (Affiliate Program)

A referral (affiliate) program boosts sales by incentivizing customers to promote your products, leveraging their trust and influence for higher conversions. This cost-effective strategy expands your reach while rewarding those who help grow your brand.

As you can see there are almost endless ways to promote your local business. The  problem is having the time and expertise to implement all these strategies.

This is why it can be wise to delegate this work to the experts. Please visit Toprankedvideo.com for the best Local Video Marketing Solutions For Your Business. 

Stop waiting for customers to find you; take action today! Wishing You All the Best and Much Success With Your Local Business