How to attract local customers to your online store

Even if you have an online store, don’t ignore the results you can get when you entice local customers to buy from you online as well.

Due to the fact that your business is local, many people who want to shop online will shop through your website because they feel like they are still shopping locally with small businesses. And they are, even though they don’t have to leave the house.

Get the local keywords right

Your customers have a lot to say about the keywords you use on your website because they are the ones browsing online. Establish your target audience the same way you always do, but add geographic demographics as well. That means you’ll need to add keywords to your content, marketing, and targeting that attract local customers.

Use Facebook to target local people

Facebook advertising allows you to specifically target people who live in your area. There are several different types of Facebook Ads that you can use to promote your business and you can start and run a Facebook Ads campaign for as little as $5.

Verify your business locally on Google

Appearing on Google My Business is a good way to appear more in search engines for local results. Because of this, even if someone uses a commonly used phrase to find the products you sell, it will show up first for people who are local to you.

Ask local people to review your business

When local people buy from you, be sure to add them to your email list. After they’ve bought from you, you can send them a link that allows them to review your business. When local people leave a review on Google, Facebook, or other public places, your friends will see it. Personal recommendations are a powerful marketing tool.

Be active on social media

Replying to people, signing up for conversations, and sharing the news on social media with your friends and local connections is also a great way to get local exposure for your website.

Become a resource for local media

Your local outlet needs content for your audience. No matter what your background is, try to be a resource for them so if they have questions about your industry, they come to you. If you prove to be a trustworthy source, they will keep coming back to you.