If you’ve been wondering how to get more customers, the answer might be closer than you think: local business listings.
You will agree with me that just having a great product or service isn’t enough for success in the competitive market of today—you need to get it in front of the right people, especially those in your area who are ready to buy.
This customer pursuit goes both ways for both small and well-established businesses, as customers are never too much for a business, whether big or small.
When you list your business where locals are looking, you’re increasing the chances they’ll walk through your doors, pay for your product(s)/service(s), and return another day and a day after next.
This article is aimed at equipping you with the very first step in the direction of how to get more customers—ensuring your business shows up when customers search for it.
Sounds exciting, right? Now let’s get you in front of the right people and get you more and more customers.
Why Do Local Listings Matter?
We all know that people are constantly searching for things nearby, whether it’s a café, a hardware store, or a pet grooming service.
You’re taking the first step in how to get more customers by ensuring your business shows up when they’re searching.
Local listings make sure your business is on the map—literally—helping you reach customers who are ready to make a purchase right now. In a nutshell, local listings improve your business’s visibility, build trust, and allow you to highlight what makes you unique.
When people see your business on multiple platforms with consistent, detailed information, they’re more likely to visit, leave positive reviews, and even tell their friends. And the best part? Many of these listing services are free!
How to Get More Customers by Listing Your Business Locally
There are several ways of getting more customers by listing your business locally, among which are:
#1. Claim and Optimize Your Google My Business Listing
Let’s start with the basics: Google My Business (GMB). This tool is invaluable when learning how to get more customers.
GMB listings appear in local searches and on Google Maps, making it easy for people to find your location, read reviews, and even see photos of your business. If you’re not yet using GMB, now’s the time to set it up.
How to Claim Your Listing: Visit the Google My Business website, sign in with your Google account, and search for your business. If it’s already listed, you can claim it. If not, simply follow the steps to create a new listing.
Optimizing Your Listing: Include essential details like your business hours, address, and contact information. Don’t forget to add high-quality photos of your storefront, products, and even your team. Businesses with photos get more clicks, which means more potential customers are finding their way to you.
Gather Reviews: Customer reviews are essential for building trust and encouraging new customers. Encourage happy customers to leave a review on your GMB page. Not only does this improve your online presence, but it also helps in how to get more customers by showing social proof of your quality.
For example, Bella, the owner of a boutique bakery, added her business to GMB and consistently updated it with new menu items and seasonal hours. She saw a 30% increase in foot traffic, with many customers saying they found her via Google.
#2. Get Listed on Popular Review Sites
After you’ve set up Google My Business, expand your reach by listing on other popular review sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and industry-specific platforms. Listings on these sites often appear at the top of search results, increasing your chances of being seen by customers who are searching for businesses like yours.
Choose the Right Sites: Look for review sites that cater to your industry. Restaurants, for example, perform well on Yelp and TripAdvisor, while service-based businesses can benefit from Angie’s List.
Complete Your Profile: Like GMB, it’s essential to fill out every part of your profile. List your hours, address, and a detailed description of what makes your business unique. Don’t skip the photos; visuals are key in how to get more customers by making your business more appealing.
Engage with Reviews: Responding to reviews, especially negative ones, shows potential customers that you care about feedback. This responsiveness builds trust and demonstrates that customer satisfaction is a priority.
Let’s look at a real-life example of this strategy: A local Italian restaurant, “Mamma Mia’s,” used Yelp to share photos of their cozy interior and delicious dishes. When people searched for “Italian food near me,” they found the restaurant with great reviews and photos, making it easier for new customers to make a reservation.
#3. Make the Most of Social Media Check-Ins and Location Tags
Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram allow users to check in or tag locations, which can be powerful for how to get more customers. Each check-in is like a mini-advertisement for your business, helping you reach the friends and followers of your customers.
Encourage Check-Ins with Incentives: Offer a small discount or a free item if customers check in on Facebook or tag you on Instagram. People love to share where they are, especially if there’s an incentive involved.
Host Events and Promote Them: Special events give people a reason to visit, and they’re more likely to check in when they’re excited about attending. For example, if you run a bookstore, host a “meet the author” night and encourage attendees to share their experience online.
Post Engaging Content: Posting on your own social media channels keeps your business top-of-mind. Share behind-the-scenes moments, introduce your team, or give followers a peek at new products. This can increase engagement and give people a reason to come in and see things for themselves.
Example: A local boutique, “Chic & Unique,” encourages customers to tag their store for a 10% discount. As a result, many customers shared photos and tagged the location, leading to new followers on social media—and new customers walking through the doors.
#4. List Your Business on Local Directories and Community Websites
Many cities have online directories, tourism websites, or local business hubs. Listing your business on these platforms helps you reach local customers who are specifically searching for businesses nearby. It’s an easy, often free, method for how to get more customers.
Find Relevant Local Directories: Check with your city’s website, chamber of commerce, and other local business organizations. Sites like these often have business listings, and they’re well-visited by people interested in local services.
Include Detailed Descriptions: In addition to your basic details, add a paragraph or two about what makes your business special. Use keywords relevant to your industry and location so that your listing has a higher chance of appearing in local searches.
Update Regularly: Local directories may not be as dynamic as other platforms, but you’ll still want to keep your information current. Update your hours or add seasonal promotions to keep your listing fresh and accurate.
Example: A local pet grooming service, “Fluffy & Co.,” added their business to a community website. As a result, they saw a steady increase in local customers who found them while browsing for services in their neighbourhood.
#5. Focus on SEO for “Near Me” Searches
When people search for things like “hair salon near me” or “Mexican food nearby,” they’re usually ready to take action. Optimizing your website and listings for these types of searches can be a major factor in how to get more customers locally.
Use Consistent Information: Ensure your name, address, and phone number (NAP) are identical across all platforms. Consistency helps search engines confirm that each listing is for the same business.
Add Location-Based Keywords: If you’re a bakery in Brighton, mention “Brighton” on your website and in your GMB listing. This helps search engines understand your location, increasing the likelihood of appearing in local searches.
Create Location-Specific Content: Blog posts or special landing pages that target local searches can also help. For example, a coffee shop could write a blog titled, “Best Coffee Spots in Brighton,” including their shop as one of the top picks.
Example: A bike rental shop, “Pedal Pushers,” included the phrase “bike rentals in Lagos” on their website. This helped them appear in more “near me” searches, attracting tourists and locals alike looking to explore on two wheels.
#6. Encourage Customer Referrals and Word-of-Mouth
Encouraging referrals is one of the most tried-and-true methods in how to get more customers, and it can be as simple as offering a reward for recommendations.
Loyal customers who love your business are usually happy to spread the word—sometimes they just need a little nudge.
Set Up a Referral Program: Offer existing customers a discount or a free product for each new customer they refer. A hairstylist, for example, might offer a free treatment for every three friends referred.
Encourage Social Sharing: Ask satisfied customers to leave a review, tag your business, or post about their visit. Small incentives can make a big difference.
Feature Referrals on Social Media: Give a shoutout to customers who bring in friends. This makes them feel appreciated and encourages others to refer as well.
Example: A family-owned pizzeria launched a “refer a friend” program, offering a free slice to both the referrer and the new customer. Word spread quickly, bringing in new faces every week.
#7. Host Local Events to Attract New Customers
Hosting an event is a fantastic way to bring people in and create a memorable experience. Special occasions and events make for great social media moments and can significantly increase foot traffic, which directly supports how to get more customers in your area.
Plan Events Around Holidays or Themes: Think about what might interest your target audience. For a bookstore, a summer reading kick-off could be a hit. A fitness studio might host a “new year, new you” event.
Collaborate with Other Local Businesses: Partner with complementary businesses to expand your reach. For instance, a wine shop might team up with a cheese store for a tasting event.
Promote on Social Media and Local Listings: Make sure to post about your event on all your platforms. Use local hashtags and encourage RSVPs.
Example: A plant shop, “Green Haven,” hosted a workshop on succulent care. They promoted it on Facebook and invited a local gardening expert. The event filled up quickly, and many attendees later became regular customers.
Conclusion
How to get more customers is a goal for businesses both big and small. Listing your business locally is an option to achieve this goal with much ease.
The ways provided in this blog post are tested, trusted, and testified to by many of their effectiveness, and by following them and consistently working on your local presence, you’re well on your way to understanding how to get more customers and make a meaningful impact in your community.
Just remember, the key to growth is not just reaching more people but reaching the right people—those local customers who are ready to walk through your doors.
