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More InfoRunning a small business can feel like a constant juggling act—handling day-to-day operations, planning for growth, and keeping customers happy. But one of the most meaningful ways to grow your business is to get involved in your local community. It’s not just about selling; it’s about building relationships, creating trust, and becoming part of the fabric of your neighborhood.
For small businesses in Texas metros or St. Louis, MO, getting connected locally can bring in new customers and help keep your existing ones coming back. Plus, it’s often easier and more rewarding than you might think. Let’s look at ten ways to get started and why they matter.
1. Sponsor a Local Event
Ever notice how much attention local events get? From school carnivals to 5K runs, these gatherings are prime opportunities to connect with the people in your area. Sponsoring an event doesn’t have to break the bank—you could provide bottled water with your logo at a charity walk or donate prizes for a raffle.
Example:
A St. Louis lawn care business sponsored a local park clean-up event, bringing volunteers coffee and snacks with their branded cups. It gave them a chance to meet locals while showing off their community spirit.
2. Partner with Local Organizations
Joining forces with your neighborhood groups, like a Chamber of Commerce or a small business association, is a fantastic way to stay visible and relevant. These organizations host events, provide resources, and help small businesses like yours thrive.
Example:
In Dallas, a bakery partnered with the local Chamber to host a holiday cookie decorating event. The bakery gained exposure while the Chamber appreciated their help in creating a fun community experience.
3. Give Back To Loyal Customers
Offering discounts to specific groups in your community is a simple but powerful way to show appreciation. Think about offering deals to teachers, first responders, or long-time residents. Not only does this foster goodwill, but it also makes people feel valued.
Example:
A Houston coffee shop gives teachers a 15% discount every Friday. They’ve built a loyal following by acknowledging the hard work teachers put in each week.
4. Advertise in Local Publications
Advertising locally isn’t just about getting your name out—it’s about connecting with people where they already are. Community magazines or newspapers are trusted sources of information, and being featured there reinforces your presence.
Example:
A restaurant in Plano ran an ad in a community magazine featuring a coupon for a free appetizer. Not only did it bring in new customers, but those customers returned for full meals.
Pro Tip: Add a personal touch by including a story about your business in the ad, like how you started or what makes your service special.
5. Be Part of Farmers’ Markets or Local Fairs
Farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and neighborhood festivals are perfect for meeting people face-to-face. You don’t have to sell products to participate—you could simply set up an info booth, hand out samples, or host a fun activity to draw in visitors.
Example:
A St. Louis pest control company set up a booth at a local fair with free bug-repellent candles. They also had a wheel of prizes to draw crowds, which got people talking about their services.
6. Show Up Online in Local Groups
Not every interaction needs to happen in person. Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and other platforms are treasure troves of local engagement. Share helpful tips, answer questions, and (sparingly) mention your business.
Example:
A landscaping company in Austin regularly posts lawn care tips in local Facebook groups. When group members need yard work done, guess who they think of first?
7. Support Schools and Nonprofits
Schools and nonprofits are cornerstones of every community. Even small gestures, like donating products for a school auction or hosting a nonprofit fundraiser, can make a big impact.
Example:
A San Antonio restaurant offered to cater a local nonprofit’s gala at cost. Not only did they give back, but they also gained exposure to hundreds of potential customers.
8. Host Your Own Community Event
Hosting a workshop or event is a great way to bring people into your space and show what you’re all about. If you’re a restaurant, you could host a cooking class. If you’re in home services, offer a free Q&A session on seasonal maintenance.
Example:
A roofing company in St. Louis held a free seminar on storm preparedness. Attendees appreciated the practical advice and became loyal customers when they needed roof repairs after a storm.
9. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses
Team up with businesses that complement yours to offer something unique. It could be a joint discount, a bundled service, or even a co-hosted event.
Example:
A Plano car wash teamed up with a local coffee shop to offer a free drink coupon with every car wash. Both businesses gained new customers and positive word-of-mouth.
10. Use Direct Mail to Stay Personal
While social media is great, nothing beats the personal touch of direct mail. A beautifully designed postcard or coupon delivered right to someone’s door feels tangible and thoughtful.
Example:
A Houston-based cleaning service sent out postcards offering a free one-room cleaning for first-time customers. The campaign brought in dozens of new clients and led to long-term contracts.
Pro Tip: Use direct mail to highlight your involvement in the community, like announcing your sponsorship of a local charity event.
Why Local Connections Matter
When your business is part of the community, it’s not just about growing revenue (though that’s a bonus). It’s about building trust and relationships that go beyond transactions. Customers are more likely to support businesses they know and trust.
Some Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
- “I don’t have time for all this!”
Start with just one or two strategies that feel manageable. Even small efforts can have a big impact. - “I’m on a tight budget.”
Many options, like engaging in online groups or hosting small events, are low-cost or free. - “I don’t know where to start.”
Look around—what’s already happening in your community? Jump into an existing event or partnership to get your feet wet.
Uncommon Challenges and Creative Solutions
Sometimes the challenges are less obvious:
- Seasonal Traffic Slumps: If your business sees seasonal peaks, focus on off-season community activities to stay top of mind.
- Reaching the Right People: Direct mail or targeted social ads can help you connect with your ideal local audience.
Example:
A St. Louis HVAC company faced a slow summer, so they ran a “Beat the Heat” campaign through direct mail. They offered discounted AC tune-ups and built lasting relationships during what’s usually their off-season.
Wrapping It Up
Getting involved in your community doesn’t just grow your business—it builds lasting relationships and trust. Whether it’s sponsoring events, running local ads, or hosting workshops, every effort adds up.
At Ad Pages Solutions, we’re proud to be a magazine that helps small businesses thrive locally. By showcasing your business in our pages, you can connect with your neighbors in ways that matter.
Ready to make your mark locally? Let’s work together to highlight your story, build connections, and grow your business. Reach out to Ad Pages Solutions today to get started.
