Picture this: It’s a chilly fall day and you’re in the mood for a warm latte from a local coffee shop. You whip out your phone, open Google Maps, and within seconds you’re presented with a list of nearby options. 

But here’s the catch, only the businesses with the most compelling and accurate profiles will grab your attention. According to Safari Digital, 86% of customers use Google Maps to find local businesses. With customers relying on Google Maps to discover local gems, you must make sure that your business stands out.

Here are some local marketing strategies that will not only boost your visibility, but also convert curious searchers into loyal customers. 

Polish Your Business Information Online 

First impressions count, and this is especially true online! Your Google Business Profile is like your digital storefront, so here’s what you need to do to make it shine: 

•    Business Hours: Make sure your hours are correct and up to date. There’s nothing worse than a customer arriving only to find your doors closed. 

•    Contact Information: Making sure your phone number and website links are current is important. If customers can’t reach you or access your website easily, they might just move on. 

•    High Quality Visuals: Use professional photos and videos to show off what makes your business unique. High-quality visuals not only attract attention but also help build trust. 

Reviews Are Powerful - Utilize Them!

When it comes to your online presence, reviews are your business’s word of mouth. Here’s how to make them work for you: 

•    Encourage Feedback: Ask your satisfied customers to leave positive reviews. Their experiences can be powerful endorsements! 

•    Engage with Reviews: Respond to your reviews - both good and bad. Showing that you’re actively engaged can improve your reputation and show your commitment to customer satisfaction.

•    Sometimes Customers Search for Negative Reviews: This sounds bad, but it doesn’t have to be! Another interesting statistic from Safari Digital, is that 84% of customers seek out negative reviews. Customers often want to know how businesses handle negative reviews from dissatisfied customers. Are they ignoring them or making it right? The study they shared found that businesses with an unrealistic number of 5-star reviews are less credible than businesses with some negative reviews. 

Optimize Your Website for “Near Me” Searches

There’s been a surge in “near me” searches. According to Safari Digital “near me” mobile searches increased by a staggering 136% last year! This goes to show just how important local SEO is. Here’s how you can optimize for these types of searches: 

•    Location Keywords: Sprinkle in location-based keywords throughout your website’s content. This helps search engines match your business with relevant local searches. 

•    Address Common Questions: Don’t overlook your FAQ page. Provide clear, concise answers to frequent questions about your services, policies, and other important details. This not only helps customer decision making, but also improves local SEO.

Engage with Local Audiences on Social Media 

Social media is a great tool for local engagement. Here’s how you can use it: 

•    Localized Content: Share posts about local events, promotions, and community initiatives. This shows that you’re an active part of the local scene, and creates a deeper connection with your audience. 
•    Interactive Campaigns: Run contests or special offers that target your local community. This will boost engagement and drive more foot traffic into your business. 
•    Track Trends: Stay updated with industry trends, and best practices to make sure your local marketing practices are on point. Know when it’s time to adapt and evolve! 

Need Help Optimizing for Local Searches? Call Our Experts in Social Media in Ann Arbor, Michigan!

Mastering local marketing is all about capturing the attention of your local audience and turning those interactions into lasting customer relationships. With accurate business information, stellar reviews, optimized local searches, and engaging social media content, you’ll be well equipped to rise above your local competition! 

Use these strategies, and watch your local business thrive! If you need help from our experienced team with social media in Ann Arbor, MI, we’re more than happy to work with you. Contact us today to get started.