How to Build a Winning Local Digital Marketing Strategy
According to Marketing Charts, eight out of ten consumers go online to research local businesses at least once per week. Even if your only goal is to attract a local audience, you shouldn’t rely on foot traffic alone.
That said, some of the digital marketing strategies you’ll find online aren’t geared toward building a local audience. What works for an e-commerce business won’t necessarily work for your educational institution or career training program.
We’re here to share the top local digital marketing strategies for 2024 and beyond. Read on to discover the online marketing tactics to put your institution on the local map.
Start With Your Google Business Profile
If you look closer at the Marketing Charts data, you’ll see that local searches almost always start with Google. Your Google Business Profile can provide a wealth of information to local consumers, including your:
- Store hours
- Street address
- Business summary
- Reviews
- Website
Plus, having an up-to-date Google Business Profile serves two important purposes. It helps the Google algorithm understand what purpose your institution serves, which can boost your search engine ranking. It also demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, building local consumer trust.
Narrow Your SEO for Local Educational Businesses
Keywords with a high search rate can also boost your search engine ranking. You should use medium and high-ranking keywords in your:
- Landing pages
- Blog posts
- Google Business Profile posts
Did you know that local consumers tend to have a unique way of searching for information? To capture these local searches, make sure you narrow your search to local keywords, which will likely include local geotags.
Leverage Social Media the Right Way
Think of building a local customer base like building a community. Ongoing connection is key, and social media is the perfect place to keep in touch with your customers.
Use the right platforms, like Facebook and Instagram, for local promotion. Share everything from new products or services to upcoming promotions. Engage with other local businesses and events to broaden your footprint and establish your commitment to your community.
Build Your Email List
With social media algorithms and shifting user behaviors, how can you ensure that you’re reaching your entire audience? In addition to using social media for local digital marketing, make use of your email list.
According to PayPal, retail businesses have an email open rate of over 35%. This can increase when you personalize your emails and engage with customers in creative ways. For example, you can use email to send customers unique product recommendations and promotions.
Get Local Digital Marketing From Betta Advertising
Targeted advertising techniques are important for educational institutions of all sizes, from large universities to local trade schools and training centers. When you’re putting together your strategy, make sure you’re focusing on local digital marketing, which involves everything from localized SEO to up-to-date Google Business Profile information that helps prospective students find your programs in their area.
Knowing what steps to take and executing them effectively are two different things. Betta Advertising is a digital marketing agency with a 100% commitment to education and career training providers, and we have the insight into prospective student behavior and enrollment decision-making you need. Contact us to learn how we can help build your local student enrollment base and connect with the learners seeking your programs.
