Start Small - Gain Exposure in Your Own Neighborhood

Creating a marketing strategy for a business certainly involves a generous level of both online and "grassroots" marketing. Many businesses find that they prosper with a marketing strategy that includes local exposure.

Local exposure is easier to obtain and often blooms into larger scale publicity. For example, a local news program might feature your product or service on an “about town” segment which is then picked up by the larger networks, blogs, and mainstream press. Additionally, it is always good to be able to say, “As seen on…” on your home page and in your marketing materials.

Local exposure is also good for business. People like to do business with folks they can relate to. Who better to relate to than a business owner who lives down the street?

So you know that local exposure is good for business but how does a company or business owner go about gaining that exposure?

Here are 5 ideas on how to tap into your local market.

1. Host a seminar or workshop for free through your local small business association, chamber of commerce, or community education program. This seminar or workshop will inevitably draw a number of attendees but more importantly it will be a reason to generate local press releases which may be picked up by the networks or local radio stations thus bringing bigger awareness to your company.
2. Partner with a local brick and mortar to cross promote or establish a joint venture. For example a local fitness shoe store could post advertisements, coupons, or business cards for your business as an online nutritionist or fitness coach and likewise you could promote the local fitness store. Giveaways and cross promotion can be publicized with a press release.
3. Post flyers locally. Flyers are a great and economical way to communicate with your neighborhood prospects who may or may not have seen your business online.
4. Sponsor a local team. Sponsorship is fun, it gives back to the community and it is an excellent way to gain local recognition. There’s nothing more fun than seeing a team wearing your company’s name on their team shirts.
5. Donate time, education, or funds to a local charity. Again, not only are you giving back to your community you’re gaining recognition. The charitable acts can also generate a press release for double exposure and awareness.

There are any number of ways to connect with your neighborhood prospects, gain awareness and grow your business. The important thing is to plan for it as part of a larger marketing strategy. Integrate local marketing into your complete plan for maximum results and growth.