The Local Business Challenge
“How do I get more customers in my area without spending a fortune?”
If you run a local business, you know that getting noticed in your community is key.
But with so many advertising options, how do you choose what actually works?
Let’s simplify it.
Written by Indiana Hamilton-Brown: Managing Director of A&I Media
Years of relevant experience: Twelve
Published on: 11/02/2025
Why Local Advertising Matters
Unlike online businesses, local businesses depend on nearby customers. The right advertising strategy gets you in front of people who are already looking for what you offer—without wasting money on people who will never visit.
Quick Takeaways
✅ Google My Business & Local SEO → Essential for being found in local searches.
✅ Community involvement & sponsorships → Builds strong local connections.
✅ Social media marketing → Free and effective when done right.
✅ Local partnerships & collaborations → Expands your reach without big spending.
✅ Targeted paid ads → When done strategically, they can be highly cost-effective.
What We’re Covering Today
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The best local advertising methods
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What works for different types of small businesses
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How to get the most visibility without wasting money
The Best Ways to Advertise a Local Small Business
1. Google My Business & Local SEO (FREE & High Impact)
Your Google My Business (GMB) profile is often the first thing people see when searching for a local business. A well-optimized GMB listing can put you at the top of search results—for free.
💡 How to optimise GMB:
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Ensure your business info (name, hours, services) is complete and accurate.
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Get customer reviews—Google prioritises businesses with positive feedback.
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Post updates, offers, or events to keep your profile fresh.
2. Community Involvement & Sponsorships (Great for Brand Awareness)
Being active in your local community builds trust and visibility. Whether it’s sponsoring a school event, joining a local business network, or donating to a charity, people remember businesses that give back.
💡 Ways to get involved:
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Sponsor a local sports team or event.
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Join local business networking groups.
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Offer discounts to community organisations.
3. Social Media Marketing (Free & Highly Engaging)
Most people in your area are already on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. A strong social media presence helps you stay top of mind without spending a penny on ads.
💡 How to get results:
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Post about local events, behind-the-scenes moments, and customer success stories.
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Engage with local customers through comments and messages.
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Use local hashtags to appear in searches (#HastingsBusiness, #EastSussexFood, etc.).
4. Partnering with Other Local Businesses (Low-Cost & Effective)
Collaboration is one of the smartest ways to expand your reach without spending extra money. Partnering with complementary businesses lets you tap into their audience and vice versa.
💡 Ideas for partnerships:
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Run joint promotions (e.g., a coffee shop and a bakery offering a combo deal).
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Cross-promote on social media.
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Co-host an event or workshop.
5. Targeted Local Ads (Affordable & Measurable)
When done right, small, targeted ad campaigns can be very effective for local businesses. The key is only spending money where it matters.
💡 Best budget-friendly ad options:
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Facebook & Instagram Ads: Target by location, interests, and behaviors.
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Google Ads (Local Service Ads): Shows up for searches like “best hair salon near me.”
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Local print & radio ads: Only if they have a strong local audience.
What Doesn’t Work Well for Local Businesses
🚫 Untargeted online ads → You’ll pay for clicks from people who will never visit.
🚫 Relying only on social media → Without consistency, your reach will be limited.
🚫 Expensive billboard/TV ads → Often too broad and pricey for small businesses.
Choosing the Best Strategy for Your Business
Not every strategy works for every local business. Here’s a quick guide:
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Retail & restaurants → Google My Business, social media, local sponsorships.
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Service providers (plumbers, salons, consultants) → Google Ads, partnerships, local SEO.
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Gyms & fitness studios → Community events, referral programs, Instagram marketing.
Final Thoughts – The Best Local Advertising Strategy?
The best advertising for your local business is one that:
✔ Reaches local customers who are actively looking for what you offer.
✔ Doesn’t require a huge budget to maintain.
✔ Helps you build trust and long-term relationships with your community.
What’s Next?
Which of these advertising methods have you tried? What’s worked best for you? Let’s chat in the comments!
👉 Need help creating a local marketing strategy that actually works? Book a 30-minute strategy session with us: Marketing Consultancy.
Let’s make your business the go-to choice in your community!
Last updated
This post was last updated on 11/02/2025.
And reviewed by: The A&I Media Team.
To make sure it meets our editorial standards.
Written by
Indiana Hamilton-Brown
Indiana Hamilton-Brown is the founder of A&I Media, a marketing agency based in Hastings, East Sussex, that helps purpose-driven small businesses simplify and scale their marketing.
With 12 years of experience in digital marketing and filmmaking, Indiana has worked with major clients like the NHS, Kaspersky, and The Science Museum. Passionate about empowering small businesses, Indiana combines creative storytelling with strategic marketing to turn business media into real results.