Local Marketing in Charlotte: Strategies for Small Businesses

Local Marketing in Charlotte: How to Grow Your Business in the Queen City

As a professional SEO content writer, I’ve seen firsthand the power of local marketing. When done right, it can help small businesses in Charlotte, North Carolina stand out in a crowded market and reach new customers. In this article, I’ll share some tips and strategies for effective local marketing in Charlotte.

What is Local Marketing?

Local marketing refers to the process of promoting a business to people in its immediate vicinity. It typically involves using online and offline channels to reach local customers, such as search engines, social media, email marketing, and local events. The goal is to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales from the local market.

Why is Local Marketing Important in Charlotte?

Charlotte is a rapidly growing city with a population of over 2.6 million people. With so many businesses vying for attention, it can be difficult for small businesses to stand out. This is where local marketing comes in. By focusing on the local market, you can build a loyal customer base and differentiate yourself from the competition.

How to Get Started with Local Marketing in Charlotte

• Claim Your Google My Business Listing

One of the first steps to effective local marketing in Charlotte is to claim your Google My Business (GMB) listing. This is a free listing that allows you to manage your business information, such as your address, phone number, website, and hours of operation. When someone searches for your business on Google, your GMB listing will appear in the search results, along with other information such as reviews and photos.

• Claim your Bing Listing

While Google My Business is undoubtedly the most popular local business directory, it’s important not to overlook Bing Places for Business. Here’s why:

Bing is More Popular than You Think

Bing is the second most popular search engine after Google, with a market share of over 6% globally. In the United States, Bing’s market share is even higher, at around 12%. This means that millions of people are using Bing to search for local businesses in Charlotte and beyond.

Bing Offers Unique Features

Bing Places for Business offers several unique features that are not available on Google My Business. For example, you can add up to 10 photos or videos to your Bing listing, compared to just 5 on Google. You can also include links to your social media profiles and customer reviews from other sites like Yelp.

Bing is Integrated with Chatbots Bing has recently integrated chatbots into its search results, making it easier for users to find local businesses and get quick answers to their questions. This means that having a complete and accurate Bing listing can help you show up in chatbot searches and drive more traffic to your website or storefront.

To claim your Bing Places for Business listing, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Bing Places for Business website and sign in with your Microsoft account (or create one if you don’t have one already).
2. Search for your business by name and location. If it’s already listed on Bing, you can claim it by clicking the “Claim Business” button. If it’s not listed, you can add it by clicking the “Add New Business” button.
3. Verify your ownership of the business by phone, email, or postcard. Once you’re verified, you can update your listing with accurate information, photos, and more.

If you’ve already claimed your Google My Business listing, you can also claim and update your Bing Places for Business listing through your Google account. Just follow these steps:

1. Go to the Google My Business website and sign in with your Google account.
2. Click on “Manage Locations” and select the location you want to manage.
3. Click on the “Info” tab and scroll down to the “Google Updates” section. Here, you’ll see an option to “Create a Bing Places for Business Account.”
4. Follow the prompts to claim and verify your Bing listing, and update it with accurate information, photos, and more.

• Optimize Your Website for Local SEO

Another important aspect of local marketing is optimizing your website for local search engine optimization (SEO). This involves using keywords and phrases that are relevant to your business and location, such as “Charlotte pizza restaurant.” You can also include your business address, phone number, and other local information on your website to help search engines understand where you’re located.

• Attend Local Events and Sponsor Local Organizations

Attending local events and sponsoring local organizations is another great way to get your business in front of a local audience. You can set up a booth at a local festival or market, or sponsor a local sports team or charity event. This can help you build relationships with potential customers and demonstrate your commitment to the local community.

• Offer Local Discounts and Promotions

Finally, offering local discounts and promotions can be a powerful way to attract and retain local customers. You can offer a discount code for customers who mention a local event or landmark, or create a loyalty program that rewards local customers for repeat business. This can help you build a loyal customer base and drive repeat sales.

• Use Social Media to Engage with Local Customers

Social media is another effective channel for local marketing in Charlotte. You can use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with local customers, share information about your business, and promote special offers and events. Make sure to use local hashtags and geotags to increase your visibility among local audiences.

Here are some tips for using social media to engage with local customers:

• Identify Your Target Audience

The first step to effective social media engagement is to identify your target audience. Who are your ideal customers in Charlotte? What are their interests, needs, and pain points? Once you have a clear understanding of your target audience, you can tailor your social media content to meet their needs and engage with them on a more personal level.

• Use Local Hashtags and Geotags

Using local hashtags and geotags is a great way to increase your visibility among local audiences. You can use hashtags that are relevant to your business and location, such as #CLTRoofer #CLTTopDoc, or #CharlotteNC. You can also use geotags to tag your location in your posts and stories, which can help you reach people who are searching for businesses in your area.

• Share Local Content

Sharing local content is another effective way to engage with local customers. You can share news and events happening in Charlotte, as well as photos and videos of your business in local settings. This can help you build a sense of community with your customers and demonstrate your commitment to the local area.

• Respond to Comments and Messages

Engagement is a two-way street, so it’s important to respond to comments and messages from your followers. This can help you build relationships with your customers and show them that you value their feedback and input. Make sure to respond promptly and professionally to all comments and messages, even if they are negative.

• Run Social Media Contests and Promotions

Running social media contests and promotions can be a great way to engage with your followers and attract new customers. You can offer a prize or discount for people who share your post, tag a friend, or follow your page. This can help you increase your social media reach and generate buzz around your brand.

By using social media to engage with local customers in Charlotte, you can build a loyal following and grow your business. Just remember to be authentic, relevant, and responsive in your social media content and interactions.

Get a handle on your local marketing by calling an expert

Local marketing is essential for small businesses in Charlotte that want to stand out in a crowded market and reach new customers. By claiming your Google My Business listing, optimizing your website for local SEO, using social media to engage with local customers, attending local events, and offering local discounts and promotions, you can effectively market your business to a local audience and grow your brand in Queen City.  Contact SCD Consulting Services today, your Charlotte concierge online marketing team for top SEO results.