Skip to content

The marketing tactics I’d focus on if I was starting out today

Published by Small Town Startup on

 

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel the pressure to be everywhere at once with your marketing efforts. However, the power of focus is REAL, y’all. 

Rather than spreading yourself too thin across countless digital and traditional marketing tactics, honing in on just one or two strategies that truly resonate with your audience will bring a significantly higher ROI.

For small businesses in small towns, here are a few digital and traditional marketing tactics to consider:

Digital Tactics

Local SEO

Ensuring your business is optimized for local search can make it easier for potential customers in your area to find you. This is especially important for small towns, where word of mouth and local searches drive a lot of traffic. Remember, before they follow you on social media, they have to know you exist. Google is the equalizer for all, and if they’re searching for your service or product, you need to make sure you show up!

Social Media Marketing

Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are great for building a community around your brand. Engage with your local audience through regular posts, local partnerships, and community-centered content. Be sure to show behind the scenes content and give information that your customers would want to know, versus trying to constantly sell to them on these platforms. 

Email Marketing

Staying in touch with your customers through a well-maintained email list allows you to share updates, promotions, and build a loyal customer base. Email marketing is cost-effective and can be highly personalized. Once you have a lead, that doesn’t mean they’ll remember you when the time is right to purchase. It’s up to you to keep yourself top of mind.

Google Ads

If your town has a decent online search presence, running targeted Google Ads can help capture the attention of those actively looking for the services or products you offer. It's a quick way to get noticed by potential customers, and can help you get in front of a crowd who had no idea you existed before.

Traditional Tactics

Local Newspaper Ads

Small towns often have strong community ties, and local newspapers remain a trusted source of information. A well-placed ad can reach a dedicated readership that’s likely to support local businesses.

Community Sponsorships

Now, this comes with a caveat. Sponsoring local events, sports teams, or charity drives is a fantastic way to give back to your community while also getting your business in front of a supportive audience. However, I never sponsor something where just my logo will show up. Instead, I want to invest in something where I can get in front of the crowd in a meaningful way that will build relationships. Sponsorships that include booths or the ability to mix and mingle with the audience will make your dollars go much further than just a printed banner on a gate. 

Direct Mail

Sending postcards or special offers directly to homes in your area can be a personal way to reach potential customers, especially when you target specific neighborhoods. We’ve had clients who have had incredible numbers come from a mailer - it’s definitely not a dead tactic! Just make sure that you include an incentive for folks to want to visit you within a specific timeframe so you can measure the results.

Choosing just one or two of these tactics allows you to maximize your impact, maintain consistency, and build deeper connections with your customers. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing what works best for your business and doing it well.

Now that we’ve walked through this, I want you to start thinking about Q4 marketing, which is always the busiest season for businesses. This year, I want you to capitalize on every single thing you can and have your best quarter yet.

On September 16th, we’re launching our Ultimate Q4 Marketing Plan & Toolkit. This comprehensive package includes everything you need to finish the year strong for just $99 including:

  • A complete social media plan for Facebook and Instagram with customizable captions for your business
  • Nextdoor and Google ad setup instructions and plans
  • Website audit worksheet
  • Community event ideas for a variety of industries
  • Partnership ideas
  • Competitive analysis worksheets 
  • And more!

We are only selling it to a limited number of folks so if you’d like to be in line to get it when we launch it, sign up now here.

You got this,

Lisa