Stand out with the unique marketing tactics
Standing out as a small business can feel like an uphill battle. The market’s crowded, competition’s fierce, and sometimes it feels like you’re just another drop in the ocean. But here’s the good news: with the right tactics, you can make waves. Being unique isn’t about being flashy—it’s about using smart, tailored strategies to grab attention and make meaningful connections. Below, we’ve rounded up seven actionable ways to break through the noise and thrive in your community.
1. Leverage Local Partnerships
Why go it alone when teaming up can double the impact? Partnering with other local businesses is a simple yet effective way to expand your reach while sharing resources.
Example:
A bakery partners with a coffee shop to offer “Morning Fuel Combos”—a discounted coffee and pastry bundle. They cross-promote on social media, introducing each other’s customer bases to their offerings.
Tools to Try:
- Alignable: Connect with local businesses in your area.
- Canva: Easily create co-branded materials for flyers, social posts, or window signage.
Pro Tip: Run joint social media giveaways to maximize reach. Example: “Tag a friend and win breakfast for two!”
2. Host Community Events
Hosting an event puts your business at the center of the action and shows you care about the community. It’s a great way to create goodwill while building connections.
Example:
A fitness studio hosts a “Free Yoga in the Park” session. Attendees get a flyer with a special discount for class memberships.
Tools to Make It Easy:
- Eventbrite: Simplify event RSVPs and ticketing.
- SurveyMonkey: Collect attendee feedback to improve future events.
Pro Tip: Team up with local food trucks or musicians to make your event more exciting—and spread the promotional load.
3. Create Engaging Social Media Campaigns
Social media is more than a megaphone—it’s a place to interact with your audience. Use it to run creative campaigns that spark conversations and build relationships.
Example:
A florist runs an Instagram contest: “Post a photo of your favorite arrangement using #BloomLocal for a chance to win a free bouquet.” They share entries in their stories, building buzz and strengthening their brand.
Tools for Campaign Success:
- Later: Schedule posts and track engagement metrics.
- Hashtagify: Find trending hashtags to extend your campaign’s reach.
Pro Tip: Keep it fun and authentic. People love behind-the-scenes peeks, so show how your team creates those beautiful floral arrangements!
4. Personalize Marketing Efforts
People love feeling seen. Personalization makes your customers feel like you get them, and that’s a great way to build loyalty.
Example:
An online bookstore sends tailored recommendations: “Based on your last purchase, you might enjoy these new releases.” Tools like Shopify plugins make it easy to offer personalized suggestions.
Tools for Personalization:
- HubSpot: Segment your audience and automate personalized email campaigns.
- ActiveCampaign: Deliver recommendations based on customer behavior.
Success Story: Spotify’s “Wrapped” campaign nailed personalization, showing users their top songs and artists. It’s a viral hit every year.
5. Embrace Outdoor Advertising
Outdoor marketing doesn’t have to mean expensive billboards. Think small-scale and creative to make a big splash.
Example:
A neighborhood café commissions a local artist to paint a vibrant mural on their exterior wall, featuring their branding. Customers take photos, tag the café on Instagram, and generate free buzz.
Tools to Make It Affordable:
- Fiverr: Hire freelance designers to create custom artwork or outdoor signage.
- PosterMyWall: Create posters for events or promotions.
Pro Tip: Temporary sidewalk chalk art can be just as eye-catching—and much cheaper!
6. Harness User-Generated Content (UGC)
Turn your customers into your biggest advocates by encouraging them to share their experiences. UGC is free, authentic, and incredibly effective.
Example:
A gym runs a monthly photo challenge: “Post your workout pic using #SweatWithUs, and the most creative entry wins a free session!” The gym shares these posts, showcasing happy customers and building trust.
Tools to Track and Share UGC:
- Hootsuite: Monitor hashtags and schedule reposts.
- Yotpo: Collect reviews and display them on your website.
Pro Tip: Always credit and thank users who share content—this encourages more people to join in.
7. Leverage Local Influencer Marketing
Micro-influencers are the secret sauce for building buzz without breaking the bank. Their smaller, highly engaged audiences can do wonders for your brand.
Example:
A restaurant partners with a food blogger to showcase their new menu. The influencer posts mouthwatering photos and exclusive promo codes for their followers.
Tools to Find Influencers:
- Aspire: Connect with influencers who align with your brand.
- Heepsy: Filter influencers by location and niche.
Pro Tip: Give influencers creative freedom—it’ll feel more authentic to their audience and work better for you.
Stay Agile and Experiment
The best marketing strategies evolve. Use tools like Google Trends to keep an eye on what’s popular and adapt your tactics accordingly.
Example:
A bakery notices an uptick in searches for “gluten-free desserts” and adds a gluten-free line to their menu. They promote it with Instagram stories and see a boost in foot traffic.
Final Thoughts: Start Small, Think Big
You don’t need a massive budget to make an impact. Start with one or two of these tactics, measure your results, and adjust as you go. Whether it’s teaming up with a local business, hosting a fun event, or letting your customers spread the word for you, the key is staying creative and connected to your community.
Your business isn’t just another fish in the ocean—it’s the one that’s making waves. Ready to dive in? Start testing these strategies today, and watch your small business grow into a local sensation.