How Your Business Can Use Local Social Media Effectively
Many small businesses are locally based. Their customers come from the neighborhood, not necessarily the nation, and the marketing focus needs to reflect that reality. Local-Social or Geo-location social media tools have been specially designed to target this type of consumer base, attracting local attention and bringing your business to the forefront of the community.
Go Mobile
The very best local-social media channels are those designed for mobile use. Smartphones are in the pocket of nearly every consumer and if your business can be found, recognized and even connected with through a mobile phone surging traffic are likely to follow.
Local-social based marketing is the bread and butter of restaurants, home improvement contractors, specialty retailers and tourist attractions, among others. Businesses need to promote loyalty and reward their customers in a public way to draw them back. When this is done through specific social media channels it will also catch the attention of their friends and neighbors.
Popular Examples
This type of media is still being developed and integration with the major social media outlets is key. Gowalla and foursquare are both well established channels, ready for your business to jump in and experience the amazing effects of local-social media.
Think about ways for potential customers to mark their visit with you, reasons for them to promote you in the local sphere. Coupons, reward points and public recognition are all good tools, as is partnering with other local businesses to build a virtual community. Some companies consider it word of mouth on hyper drive.
Reputation management will play a role in this media channel, as it should in the other channels. Keep tabs on what customers are saying about your business and interact in real time. This will build your following and expand the value of local-social media beyond your expectations.
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