5 Ways to Build Community Around Your Small Business

When it comes to making a name for your local business, your marketing efforts don’t have to follow a traditional route. While a beautiful website and a great overall online presence is essential, given that most people shop for products and services online these days, there are other things you can do to show your biz is all about making an impact on the community. Here’s a few ways you can attract new customers by connecting with your neighbors.
Sponsor a Youth Sports Team
Many local kids’ sports leagues rely on small businesses for uniforms and other gear. Sponsoring a team is not only a great advertising opportunity, but it also supports healthy activities for the youth in your town.
Host an Open House
No matter what sort of business you operate, an open house is a great way to engage with your neighbors and inform them of your products and/or services. Consider offering light bites and drinks, conduct demonstrations and have games available. These types of events generally draw a healthy crowd. Be sure to shake some hands!
Offer Discounts to Local Heroes
How you define heroes is up to you, but by providing a discount, such as 5 percent or 10 percent off for teachers, first responders, veterans or otherwise, indicates that you care about those who are making an impact on the town in which you have built your business.
Tell Your Story Via Local News
Many local newspapers seek stories of triumph. If you or your business has an interesting start up story, consider pitching it to the local news. Not only will the piece help them fill their columns, it will put your business right in front of their readers.
Staff Volunteer Days
A great way to illustrate that your business is engaged with the community is to hold staff volunteer days. Helping out at a local food bank, animal shelter or other organization is sure to have an impact on the org and your business.
At MORBiZ, we love seeing small businesses engage with their communities. Our goal is to help you connect online so you can do business offline. To learn more about our web presence services, such as custom small business website building, give our small business Internet marketing agency a call at at 855-266-7249 or use this contact form. We look forward to connecting!









