In a down economy your local market becomes critical to your business success. Your local market is where most of your loyal customers come from, and establishing a strong local market foundation allows your business to grow outwards.

Here are some tips to build your local market:

  1. Join your local chambers of commerce and every community group you can to network.
  2. Reach out to your local newspaper and local media outlet and offer story ideas.
  3. Become your town’s know it all and resource person. (One local business person used this idea to create a spreadsheet that got mailed around with everyone’s teacher assignments in town.)
  4. Create referral and loyalty incentive programs.
  5. Use cause related marketing and sponsor local events and causes for exposure.
  6. Offer to be a speaker or teach a class related to your business. For example, if you sell home decorating products, offer to speak about home decorating.
  7. Partner with other local businesses to promote each other’s businesses.
  8. Create a Facebook page and post current events, coupons, and information about other businesses in your town as a free community service site.
  9. Connect and network with people who live locally on social networks.
  10. Get testimonials from locals and use them to become your “celebrity” spokespeople.
  11. Make sure your business comes up on local search engines and directories.
  12. Make each interaction memorable. Turn your car into a moving billboard, give out magnetic business cards with a free branded pen, distribute T-shirts with your business name and logo, and most importantly become known for incredible customer service that generates praise.

Using these tips will help you create a sustainable business relying on a whole town of loyal customers that will weather any economic storm.

So how are you connecting to your local market?