KPMG Spark Blog
How to Market Your Startup Locally
You just brought the business of your dreams to life, but you’re just not interested in opening up shop in a sprawling city. You’d rather trade in the pricey rent and taxes for somewhere more affordable and less densely populated, like a small town. Here are some practical tips on how to market your startup locally.
However, let’s be practical about the reality of your arrival to a new neighborhood. Customers may be hesitant to visit simply because they don’t know anything about what you have to offer. A lack of foot traffic means you might go through a few months of middling sales — but that can all change with the right marketing approach. Make and leave your mark with these tips that’ll encourage the community to warm up to you and your business.
1. Put a plan of action together
What can you offer that will make a big impression on locals and encourage them to visit, make a sale, and spread positive word of mouth? Strategize your goals and objectives for your target audience and its market and tailor them specifically for a smaller area. In between planning for ways that your business can get involved with the community and establish a presence, focus on what makes your business special and highlight what sets it apart instead of blending into the crowd.
2. Create a unique, consistent logo
Consider your storefront for a moment. What makes it memorable? While the primary goal for a brick and mortar business is to draw customers inside, they might be hesitant to make the first move when they don’t know anything about you. One of the best ways to advertise what you do and leave behind an impression that sticks? Create and trademark an original business logo.
If you need some design advice, our personal tips include keeping the design and color palette simple and consistent to brand your company and easily convey its message. The logo should be able to translate across all mediums including on your website, packaging, and marketing materials and using the same colors helps establish trade dress to further distinguish your product and company. From snagging the attention of window shoppers to giving your shop some built-in recognition, your logo brands your business more than you might think it does!
3. Advertise in the local newspaper
In the era of blogs and Facebook advertising, placing an ad in the newspaper may seem antiquated and unnecessary. Before you judge too much though, take into consideration that local papers have loyal readers. In small towns especially, these readers are looking for news on what’s happening with their local government and community announcements about new store openings and upcoming event celebrations. Take out and customize an ad to give your startup some early buzz and great local press!
4. Meet and greet with the locals
Ultimately, the most effective marketing tip is the one where you get up and go outside to meet and greet with members of the community. Here are just a few ways you can make your welcome to the neighborhood a warm one:
- Host an open house for your new business. Offer freebies and raffle giveaways, bring in a food truck and some live music, and encourage everyone in the community to bring their friends along for the event.
- Head to a networking night to mingle with other professionals or local events where potential customers may be. If you’re not sure what events are coming up, inquire with your local Chamber of Commerce.
- Take your business cards with you wherever you go and strike up a conversation with passerbys. Even if you’re waiting in line at a coffee shop, you can still introduce yourself with a friendly, enthusiastic attitude that’ll encourage everyone to visit you and get to know more about you — and your business — one-on-one.
Deborah Sweeney is the CEO of MyCorporation.com. MyCorporation is a leader in online legal filing services for entrepreneurs and businesses, providing start-up bundles that include corporation and LLC formation, registered agent, DBA, and trademark & copyright filing services. MyCorporation does all the work, making the business formation and maintenance quick and painless, so business owners can focus on what they do best. Follow her on Google+ and on Twitter @mycorporation.
Please note that KPMG Spark’s sponsorship of this blog article is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any particular individual or entity and does not constitute an endorsement of any entity or its products or services. This content represents the views of the author, and does not necessarily represent the views or professional advice of KPMG Spark.
6 ways to make customers the keystone of your business
KPMG Spark's online accounting service provides personal customer service to every client. Learn tips on how to make your customer service into a tool for your startup.
.png)
Client highlight: Otter Learning
KPMG Spark is so proud to be able to work with many amazing businesses and brands. Discover the secret to success in business through our client, Otter Learning.
KPMG Spark Launches Website Focused on CPA Firms and Accounting Practices
Today, KPMG Spark launched a website that shows how CPA firms and accounting practices can gain a competitive advantage by using Spark's online accounting platform. Featuring a savings calculator, demo video and additional information about Spark's technology and service platform, the site demonstrates how KPMG Spark helps CPA firms serve their clients more profitably.
KPMG Spark Helps Small Businesses
The variety of services offered by KPMG Spark allows our clients to grow, develop, and focus on things that matter most. Our services take the responsibilities of bookkeeping and give you all your necessary financial information at the touch of a button or from a quick call to your dedicated bookkeeper. Our contributions not only help you save time so you can focus on other aspects of your business, but it also gives you the information you need in an efficient, presentable, and tax-ready format.
How To Find New Customers Remotely
In an increasingly online world, finding new customers as a small business is essential for growth. It can be difficult to find customers that will use your service or product and stay loyal to your company. Here, we outline ways to find new customers in a competitive online space.
Deciding What Social Media Platforms Are Best For Your Business
Starting your own business is a daunting task in itself, but by adding in the complexities of finances, bookkeeping, employees, payroll, customer service, and so many more it’s easy to drown yourself in responsibilities. One aspect of the process of starting a business that is crucial to its growth is the use of social media.
Why Do I Have To Do Bookkeeping?
Starting a business can be a busy time for any entrepreneur and to some, worrying about bookkeeping can seem like an unnecessary task. But, as intimidating as it may be to have a bookkeeper, there are many benefits to online bookkeeping and a strong accounting platform; and several problems can arise when a business does not keep their bookkeeping up to date.
Differences between Accounting and Bookkeeping
Picking up the skills of bookkeeping and accounting can be time-consuming and difficult. Understanding the difference can help you focus your spending on what is most necessary, what you can do yourself, and what KPMG Spark can help you with. Here, we’ve laid out the differences between bookkeeping and accounting so you can get back to your business and do the things you enjoy.
Subscribe
Join over 50k people who receive our monthly digest!