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For any company looking for to increase visibility and market share, local marketing and social media are essential tools. Considering that 46% of all searches are location-based, the importance of local search marketing in increasing your visibility on Google is undeniable.
Local listings provide customers looking for products or services with key information about the company, which significantly improves the company’s presence in search results. Combined with social media, these tools create a comprehensive strategy that ensures not only easy finding of the company, but also energetic interaction from potential customers.
Optimizing social media profiles for local marketing
Local entrepreneurs who use social media for marketing should include information on their profiles akin to their address, some contact information and a link to their website.
By entering such data, customers living nearby will have the opportunity to easily find and call the company. With a noticeable increase in mobile searches for “near me” by 136% last 12 months, taking these details into account is more essential than ever for local discovery.
Additionally, using location tags in social media posts and events can further increase your local visibility and drive customers to your store or website.
In addition to the above, it is crucial to be certain that NAP (short type of name, address and telephone number) information is consistent across all platforms.
Search engines and social media platforms use NAP data to confirm a company’s authenticity and trustworthiness. Any differences in NAP confuse potential customers and harm your company’s search engine rankings.
To ensure consistency, it’s best to conduct frequent checks and updates of your NAP information on social media, local listings and company web sites, as this may not only improve your search engine optimization (search engine marketing), but will even build trust with your customers and maintain your brand’s repute.
Tagging locations as a way to increase visibility
Geotagging on social networks like Instagram and Facebook can increase your visibility in local search engine results and location-based channels. As a business, it’s best to all the time tag your locations in posts and stories to attract local users.
To encourage customers to check in or tag your location, try creating an attractive photo-optic spot in your establishment, akin to a unique mural or interior. Providing check-in rewards, akin to discounts or prizes, may also be an effective way to instill this habit.
And when a customer tags your business, all the time highlight their posts on your company’s social media, as this is a wonderful means to encourage more visitors to share their experiences, which in turn increases community engagement.
Promotion of local events on social media
Social media is one of the handiest tools for building buzz around local events and promotions. By creating, say, a Facebook event page, firms can centralize information and efficiently manage invitation responses.
To increase event engagement, you should utilize live video during the event for real-time interaction, attracting those that were unable to attend the event in person. Frequent event updates ahead of the day also can help keep the local community in the loop, keeping them larger and informed.
Using user-generated content to promote local listings
You can encourage your customers to share their stories and include your business location tag in your posts to fill your content pool with real customer reviews. These user-generated segments are highly effective and will be used across a number of online platforms akin to social media and local listings.
Sharing stories and photos of real customers is a wonderful means to showcase interactions while increasing credibility and attracting recent customers. You can further leverage this engagement by running competitions and offering prizes for the best shared photos or customer stories, thus increasing your reach and engagement on social media platforms.
Collaboration with local influential people and social groups
Connecting with local influencers and community groups is the most authentic way to increase your brand visibility and community engagement levels. By establishing meaningful relationships with people whose values align with your brand and actively participating in local events, you give your brand the opportunity to build a deeper sense of community and a loyal customer base.
Monitor and respond to reviews across platforms
You can use social media to track and respond to reviews on local listings, which can have a positive impact on how people feel about your business. So if you would like to improve your customer relationships and repute management, make sure to include responding to reviews in your social media strategy. Also remember to all the time respond constructively to each positive and negative reviews.
Combined local listing and social media marketing strategies offer a holistic approach to digital marketing that increases local visibility, engagement and search engine marketing. As a company, you may implement this comprehensive approach to strengthen your local presence and develop stronger community connections.