As a small business owner in the Lehigh Valley, you understand the importance of effective marketing strategies. Digital marketing offers a wealth of opportunities to reach your target audience, improve brand visibility, and drive sales. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the top 10 digital marketing strategies tailored for Lehigh Valley small businesses.
If you need help with marketing your business to customers in the Valley, reach out to us here. We know that running a small business takes enough of your time and energy, without having to worry about digital marketing. We’re here to help.
1. Optimize Your Website for Local SEO to show up in web searches in the Lehigh Valley
The foundation of any digital marketing strategy should begin with a well-optimized website. Local search engine optimization (SEO) ensures your business ranks higher in Google searches specific to the Lehigh Valley. Start by conducting keyword research to identify terms potential customers use, such as “best coffee shop in Allentown.” Incorporate these keywords into your web content, meta descriptions, and image alt tags.
2. Google My Business: show up on the map in the Lehigh Valley
Setting up a Google My Business listing is crucial for local businesses. It’s free, and it allows your business to appear on Google Maps and the local search results for anyone looking for a business like yours in the Lehigh Valley. Make sure to fill out all relevant details, including your business address, phone number, hours of operation, and website. Regularly updating your listing with photos and engaging posts can also enhance your visibility in local searches.
You’ll also want to do the same for Apple Maps, especially if your target customer finds you from a last minute search on the map (this is especially applicable for restaurants).
Pro tip: one of the best ways to make your Google My Business (and Apple Maps) listing stand out – and show up in the top of the search results – is by getting 5-star reviews, especially reviews that use keywords relevant to your business.
3. Utilize Social Media Platforms
Social media remains one of the most cost-effective marketing tools available. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok enable you to engage directly with your community. Create a content calendar that includes posts about your products, customer stories, and local events in the Lehigh Valley. By maintaining a consistent social media presence, you’ll not only attract followers but keep your existing customers engaged.
4. Start a Blog with helpful information, specific to the Lehigh Valley
Content marketing is an excellent way to provide value to your audience while improving your website’s SEO. Starting a blog allows you to share industry insights, local news, and tips relevant to your target customers. For example, if you run a landscaping business, you could write about the best plants for the Lehigh Valley climate.
Regularly posting high quality, keyword-optimized articles can drive organic traffic to your site. It also establishes your brand as a local expert. Imagine searching for local gardening tips, and every article your read is from Joe’s Landscaping. Joe must really know what he’s talking about, right? You’ll probably call him when you’re ready for your next project!
5. Email Marketing Campaigns
Email marketing is still an effective strategy for small businesses, especially because growing your email list makes you less reliant on a social media platform’s algorithm.
Email marketing platforms like Mailchimp or Constant Contact are cheap, affordable tools to build your email list and send newsletters. Share exclusive promotions, local events, or blog posts. Personalizing your emails can significantly improve engagement and conversion rates.
If you want to build a really effective email marketing strategy, a drip campaign with a tool like Klaviyo is a great way to build trust, stay relevant, and drive conversions with very little upkeep.
6. Collaborate with Influencers in the Lehigh Valley
Partnering with local influencers can give your brand a much-needed boost. Identify social media personalities, bloggers, or well-known people in the Lehigh Valley whose values align with your business. Reach out to them to promote your products or services through sponsored posts or collaborations. This approach not only grows your brand awareness but also taps into the trust they’ve built with their followers.
7. Create Engaging Video Content
Video marketing is growing increasingly popular, because it captures more attention than text or photos. While you definitely can hire a video team (we do video production), you can also easily create short videos showcasing your products, behind-the-scenes looks at your business, or customer testimonials with your phone. Sharing these videos on social media will increase engagement and make your followers feel more invested in the day-to-day of your business.
8. Host Workshops or Events
Hosting workshops or events is a fantastic way to build community and attract local customers. The Lehigh Valley is a tightknit community, so word can spread quickly about events.
These events can be anything from a free seminar on DIY repairs to a tasting event at your restaurant. Promote these events through your website, social media, and local event calendars. This strategy will not only showcase your expertise but will also allow you to connect with your audience in person.
9. Use Social Media and Google Ads
Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer targeted advertising options that allow you to reach a specific audience in the Lehigh Valley. Define your target demographic according to location, interests, and behaviors, and create ads that resonate with them. Even a small budget can lead to significant results if done right, especially when promoting special offers or events.
Google Ads are also very effective for getting in front of customers who are specifically looking for a business like yours. For example, if someone searches Google for “best Italian restaurant in the Lehigh Valley,” and you own a gourmet Italian restaurant, you want to be the first result they see.
10. Encourage Online Reviews
Positive online reviews can significantly impact a new customer’s decision to use your services – or to choose a competitor instead. Encourage happy customers to leave reviews on Google and Yelp (like I said before, this is very important for your Google My Business and Apple listings).
You might include a small incentive, like a discount on their next purchase, for customers who take the time to review your business. Responding to reviews – both positive and negative – also shows you value customer feedback.
Conclusion
Implementing these digital marketing strategies can significantly improve your small business’s visibility in the Lehigh Valley. By focusing on local SEO, leveraging social media, and creating engaging content, you can reach your target audience and build lasting relationships within your community.
Remember, the key to successful digital marketing is consistency and engagement—don’t be afraid to experiment and find which strategies resonate best with your audience! We are also here to help if managing your own marketing efforts sounds too daunting.
By putting these strategies into action, you can not only compete with larger businesses but also establish your brand as a trusted option within the Lehigh Valley community. Happy marketing!