Skip to main content
_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_new_FB_2018-Icons-finalized-cleaned-up_newGroup 9
Back
Scroll to top

Bring in More Locals with Location-Based Marketing Tools

Running A Business 4 min read

Ready to talk to an expert?

As a business owner, you know how important it is to connect with local customers. Over the last few years, location-based services (LBS) have helped millions of businesses harness trends in consumer tech to grow a local following, boost revenue, and thrive. But how are these businesses using LBS, and what can you learn from them?

Non-techies need not fear. You don’t have to be an iPhone-wielding, social networking addict to take advantage of location-based marketing. All it takes is a willingness to experiment and unwavering confidence in the quality of your product or service.

Build It, And They Will…Leave A Positive Review.

Many businesses marketing with LBS never spend a dime. Consider All Day Records in Carrboro, North Carolina, a storefront business that uses popular social networks like Facebook and local search apps like Foursquare for what amounts to free (and almost effortless) advertising.

“We’re always meeting people who found us through Foursquare or our Facebook page,” says Nick Kirkman at All Day. The record store also benefits from foot traffic generated by nearby establishments, “although a lot of those are restaurants using Urbanspoon,” he says.

Listing your business on the same platforms All Day uses (Foursquare and Facebook) makes you visible to people using those networks to look for businesses like yours. In Foursquare’s case, new customers might even find you when the mobile app recommends you to them! It’s like having a digital brand ambassador that lives in your customer’s mobile device.

The same can be said of Yelp, which boasts 132 million monthly visitors and is the web’s most popular crowd-sourced review service.

When customers leave positive reviews recounting the fantastic experience you provided, word gets around. All you have to do is list your business and wait for the accolades to roll in. Or if it’s taking a while to rack up reviews, you can get the ball rolling by encouraging longtime customers to write something nice about you.

Grouponing Your Way To The Top

Besides maintaining profiles on LBS-powered social networks and user review sites, many businesses are taking a more active role in their LBS marketing. One way they do this is through services that let local customers “try you out” at a discounted price – services like Groupon.

According to Lilly Phillips, a manager at Ladies Workout in Asheville, North Carolina, Groupon is consistently effective at bringing in new business. “It’s been a fantastic success for our fitness facility,” she says. “We’ve used Groupon for three years now.”

Discount services like Groupon generally only charge you when your business meets a specific sales goal through the service. If lots of customers use a Groupon to get a discount, the LBS provider takes a cut of those earnings.

The advantage, of course, is that you’ve broadened your local customer base and created a buzz around your brand. For businesses like Ladies Workout, it seems to be working.

Another way to actively motivate customers is through local advertising with services like Facebook or Yelp, both of which offer paid options for businesses that want to extend their reach.

Yelp ads target local customers searching for the sort of thing you offer. Selling espresso beans? Jugs of antifreeze? Packs of stationery? Yelp makes sure that when locals search for those products in your area, your business pops up first. Facebook ads work similarly, except that Facebook targets local users whether they’re actively searching for businesses or not.

Ultimately, an active approach to LBS marketing improves on old-fashioned “everybody sees it” advertising. Ads directly target people whose online behavior suggests they’ll be interested in your business – and they’ll be close enough to stop in, too.

Are you ready to grow your business with a strong financial plan with a local partner? Check out all your options.

Ready to talk to an expert?

Share:
First Bank’s Good To Know Logo
Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about new tips, insights, and products from First Bank.
First Bank may use this email address to contact you about products, services, and promotions.

You may be interested in...

Where to Get Commercial Mortgage Rates Location, location, location. The value of location is just as important for commercial success as it is for where to get commercial mortgage rates. The wrong rates can lead your business off the beaten path while commercial mortgage rates like the ones from First Bank can have your business on the fast track to profitability. First Bank: Where to Get Commercial Mortgage Rates The Houston Chronicle examined the value of having just the right physical location for a business; various factors like foot traffic and visibility come into play when choosing a location. First Bank takes a closer look at this issue and provides some key insights into choosing the perfect location for your next business. When choosing a business location, consider the following factors: Location. Location, location, location–this old adage isn’t just lip service. Choosing a location that’s safe, convenient to target customers and (yes) convenient to you and your staff’s commute is essential to a smooth operation. Building. When choosing the face of your business, customers often will and do judge a book by its cover. Think about your branding, size, needed repairs, parking and growth projection when deciding upon the best place to set up shop. Terms. Always read the small print before signing that dotted line! Consider factors like leasing or buying terms and cost, always compare with like-buildings in the area. With over 100 locations spanning North Carolina and South Carolina, First Bank is proud to help businesses find a home with competitive commercial mortgage rates.* Have more questions? We’re here to help! Contact a small business specialist with First Bank and let us know how we can help you realize your goals and secure a great commercial mortgage rate. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Houston Chronicle: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/location-add-value-small-business-77422.html Investopedia: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/commercial-real-estate-loan.asp 2 min read
Small Business Startup Loans in North Carolina If you have a good idea and a little bit of business savvy, a small business startup loan can serve as the cornerstone to your fortune. Whether it’s a traditional business loan, credit line, commercial mortgage, construction loan or business credit card, First Bank* can provide the foundation you need to become your own success story. Sign up for a free small business financial consultation with one of our experts or visit your nearest North Carolina First Bank to learn more about a small business startup loan. Small Business Loans from First Bank First Bank’s small business startup loan offerings include: Lump-sum loan to finance equipment or vehicles Business credit card for all those everyday business expenses Business line of credit for continued borrowing Commercial mortgage so you can buy the business space of your dreams Construction loan for starting from scratch or renovation projects Learn more about how First Bank’s small business start up loans can help you succeed. Using a Loan to Start a North Carolina Small Business Our support for small businesses extends well beyond startup loans. Utilize our Financial Education Center to read about valuable information for small business owners including: How to evaluate a location for business potential. Tips for marketing a small business and social media strategies. Common cash management mistakes and how to avoid them. How to utilize Google to help new customers find you. Ways to thank your customers and cultivate loyalty. How to gather customer data. Come to First Bank for a small business startup loan and turn your idea into a success story! Contact us or stop by a North Carolina First Bank location near you.  For even more information on First Bank, read our articles on what’s required to open a business checking account, construction loans in North Carolina, and small business credit card comparisons. Loans subject to credit approval. ——— Sources: Small Business: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/definition-business-loans-1902.html 2 min read
First Bank logo
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website are the most popular and useful.