10 Secret Tips to Advertise Your Business Locally and Drive Foot Traffic
Advertising your business locally can bring in more customers and help establish your brand within the community. Platforms like Facebook can make this easier, but only if you know how to use them effectively. Here, we share 10 valuable tips to attract local customers, as well as a guide to understanding Facebook’s algorithm for maximum visibility.
1. Leverage Facebook’s Local Awareness Ads
Facebook’s Local Awareness ads are designed to connect your business with people nearby, making them perfect for boosting foot traffic. These ads can target people within a specified radius of your business, and they allow you to create ads featuring real-time offers or discounts. According to Facebook, ads with location targeting see an average engagement boost of 25%.
Tip: Customize your ad copy to include phrases like “near you” or “right in [City Name]” to make it more relevant to local audiences.
2. Optimize Your Facebook Page for Local SEO
Optimize your business page with updated contact information, address, hours, and a description that includes keywords related to your area, like "best café in [City]." By optimizing for local SEO, you improve your chances of showing up in searches by people near you. Local SEO has been shown to increase visibility by up to 60% for local businesses.
Pro Tip: Add keywords naturally into your “About” section, business description, and services offered.
3. Create a “Check-In” Incentive
Encouraging customers to check in on Facebook when they visit can increase your business’s visibility on their timelines, extending your reach to their friends and followers. Offer small incentives like a 10% discount or a free item. Businesses that incentivize check-ins see up to 30% more engagement from their local audience.
Example: "Check in on Facebook and enjoy 10% off your next coffee with us!"
4. Host and Promote Local Events
Events help local customers connect with your business in a more personal way. Hosting events and promoting them on Facebook can attract attention from locals and increase your page engagement by up to 60%. In-store promotions, workshops, or even community gatherings can draw more people in.
Tip: Encourage attendees to share the event, which can expand your reach and bring in new customers.
5. Use Facebook Reels to Showcase Local Appeal
Facebook Reels (short-form videos) are excellent for showcasing your business in a quick, engaging way. According to statistics, Reels receive 22% more engagement than standard posts. Use them to show a behind-the-scenes look at your store, introduce team members, or highlight unique offerings that make your business special.
Actionable Advice: Hook viewers within the first 5-10 seconds to keep them watching, and include location tags for better reach.
6. Target Neighborhood-Specific Ads
Narrowing down your ad radius to specific neighborhoods allows you to focus on the areas where you want the most visibility. For example, if your business serves a particular community, target ads to that area for a more personal touch. Ads with geo-targeting have been found to increase engagement by up to 20% as they feel more relevant to the audience.
Example: If you run a pet grooming salon, run a promotion specifically in neighborhoods known for high pet ownership.
7. Partner with Other Local Businesses
Collaborating with nearby businesses can be mutually beneficial. If you’re a fitness studio, team up with a local health food store or café to cross-promote each other. Cross-promotion can drive foot traffic and increase reach by 20-30%. Plus, each business gains access to the other’s audience, leading to new customer interest.
Quick Win: Share each other’s posts and tag your partner business, creating a wider local reach.
8. Encourage User-Generated Content with Local Hashtags
Encourage customers to share photos or reviews using a specific hashtag, like #YourBusinessNameCity. User-generated content (UGC) builds credibility and attracts new followers who may live nearby. Businesses that incorporate local hashtags see an average of 10-15% more engagement on posts.
Example: If you’re a restaurant, ask diners to post with #DineAt[YourRestaurantName].
9. Utilize Facebook’s Shop Feature
Setting up a Facebook Shop allows customers to browse your products right from your Facebook page. This is especially useful for local businesses because you can optimize product descriptions with local keywords (e.g., “[City]’s favorite bakery treats”). Businesses with a Facebook Shop report an increase in foot traffic by 30-40%, as it makes browsing and purchasing easy for local customers.
Insider Tip: Include keywords like “handmade in [City]” or “locally sourced” in product descriptions for better reach.
10. Run Contests Exclusive to Your Community
Contests create buzz and excitement around your brand. To run a successful local contest, require participants to like your page, tag friends, or share the post. Prizes could be local products or gift cards, making it easy for winners to visit. Contest participation has been shown to increase page engagement by up to 65%. This spike in engagement often leads to more people discovering and visiting your business.
Example: Host a “Like and Share” contest to win a free product, encouraging local users to participate.
Analyzing Facebook’s Algorithm for Maximum Visibility
To maximize your business’s reach on Facebook, understanding the platform’s algorithm is key. Here’s how Facebook’s algorithm works currently and tips to increase your content visibility:
1. Engagement is Key
Facebook’s algorithm rewards posts that generate meaningful interactions, including likes, comments, and shares. Posts that spark engagement are more likely to be shown on followers’ feeds. However, avoid “engagement bait” (e.g., “Tag a friend!” or “Like if you agree!”), as these tactics are often penalized.
Stat Insight: Posts that inspire meaningful conversations see an average reach boost of 20-30%.
2. Utilize Video and Reels
Video content is favored on Facebook, especially Reels and Live videos, as they keep viewers engaged. Videos that hold attention within the first few seconds perform best. Reels, in particular, are prioritized by the algorithm and receive 22% more engagement than other content types.
Pro Tip: Keep videos between 15-30 seconds and make them visually captivating from the start.
3. Focus on Relevant Hashtags
Hashtags, especially local and niche hashtags, help increase the reach of your posts. While not as powerful on Facebook as on Instagram, relevant hashtags can give posts a visibility boost. Use 1-3 targeted hashtags that relate to your business and location.
Example: A boutique in Portland might use #PortlandFashion or #ShopLocalPDX.
4. Timing Matters
Facebook’s algorithm prioritizes fresh content. Posting when your audience is most active improves the chance of engagement. Peak engagement times for many businesses are between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., but use Facebook Insights to find your specific audience’s peak hours.
Quick Tip: Aim to post when your audience is online to get a quick engagement boost.
5. Consistent Posting
Posting regularly signals to the algorithm that your page is active, resulting in better reach over time. Aim for 3-4 quality posts per week to keep your business visible without overwhelming your audience.
Frequency Boost: Consistency improves reach and keeps your business top of mind for followers.
6. Leverage Facebook Stories
Stories appear at the top of the Facebook app and are a great way to stay visible. Posting daily Stories, especially ones related to local landmarks or current promotions, keeps your brand in front of your audience. Stories can improve engagement by 15-20% on average.
7. High-Quality Images Matter
Posts with visually appealing, high-quality images get more visibility. The algorithm prioritizes clear, well-lit images that capture attention. For example, if you run a bakery, show off your best-selling pastries with local scenery in the background.
8. Encourage Reviews and Recommendations
Positive reviews add credibility and help improve your ranking in search results on Facebook. Encourage customers to leave reviews, as they can boost visibility by 20-25%.
9. Run Retargeting Ads
Retargeting keeps your business top-of-mind by showing ads to people who have visited your website or interacted with your posts. Retargeting campaigns are particularly effective for encouraging return visits and converting online interest into foot traffic.
10. Monitor Your Insights
Regularly reviewing Facebook Insights helps you see what works best. Track which posts, times, and content types lead to the highest engagement, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Conclusion
Using these tips, you can leverage Facebook’s algorithm to increase visibility, engage local audiences, and drive foot traffic to your business. Local advertising on Facebook can be a game-changer, and by applying these strategies, you’ll be better positioned to grow your community presence and attract new customers.
