Why “Shop Local” Messaging Still Works (When Done Right) | BoostBC

Why “Shop Local” Messaging Still Works (When Done Right) | BoostBC

In todays impersonal, fast paced, quick-shipping world, it can seem near impossible to keep up with the retail giants that offer over night shipping and front door delivery. Clients are in a hurry and often seek out the most quick and simple solution to their problems. However, the shop local movement still resonates with people who want to feel connected with and support their local community.

While the retail giants offer convenience, shop local messaging promises a feeling that comes from supporting those in our Okanagan community. Customers develope a sense of belonging and a connection to the community when they purchase from local vendors. There are a few things you should remember when marketing your local business.

1. Optimize your Local Digital Presence. Be sure to update your google business page, you want to be found when a local search is entered. Local SEO is very important as well, making sure to include things such as 'Okanagan Agriculture' or 'West Kelowna Bakery' when describing your business. This will help ensure you stay relevant on the local search results.

2. Social Media Story Telling. Using social media to tell your story can humanize your business. Story telling in the form of short videos from behind the scenes of production allows customers to build a relationship and feel connected to your business. Introducing yourself and your team can add to this connection as well.

3. Hyperlocal Advertising. Using local tags when posting is one easy way to reach local customers. Another way to do this is with Geo-targeted ads, or ads that target specific postal codes. You also want to focus on ads that incorporate local events, or local lore.

4. Build Community Trust. Connecting with other local business in collaboration can help to build your reputation with community members. Being on good terms with other locally loved individuals builds a repor with mutual customers, helping your word of mouth marketing grow.

5. Focus on Returning Customers. Create a loyalty or rewards program, so that customers want to return and continue to grow with your business.

In short, shop local marketing works when done right. Making sure your ads are finding the right people within the community is easy when you focus on the local SEO and getting out in the community. Marketing yourself is important and needs to be done right. BoostBC specializes in local marketing for BC businesses, and are experts in their field. Let us help you grow your business and connect with the community we all love.