Buying local and buying small (business) is one of those concepts that everyone can agree to as being good in theory, like the pursuit of happiness, for instance. But “in theory” doesn’t apply to people’s pocketbooks. We are emotional purchasers largely driven by wants. Motivating people to buy local requires Read more…
Shop local and small business campaigns are trending right now but unlike the popularity of the Khardashians, they’re a trend we want to see stick around. (Sorry, Kim.) In order for local shopping and spending to increase, you have to have a strong marketing campaign that lasts longer than a Hollywood Read more…
Ideally as a merchant you belong to an organization — like a chamber, local merchant’s association or Main Street group — that helps bring customers in by running shop local campaigns throughout the year. Those types of programs help, so do the contests and incentives they usually run in conjunction Read more…
Gift cards are extremely convenient but they’re not all the same. That’s obvious. There are gift cards for specific stores, restaurant gift cards, credit card gift cards that can be used anywhere, and gift cards to specific services that can be used at several locations nationwide. There’s also our personal favorite Read more…
If you have a shop local program, or are thinking of starting one, you’ll quickly realize that marketing is one of the most important things you can do to ensure success. It’s also important that you employ all types of marketing including digital marketing, content marketing, event marketing, direct mail, Read more…
We’ve talked about impediments to shop local and Main Street programs before. You can create a fabulous shop local campaign and local currency program, but if your community isn’t positioned for growth, you’ll be swimming upstream against hurricane tides. Does Your Community Have…. Ample parking. Visitors won’t come if Read more…
Dear Small Business Owner: Thank you. Thank you for being part of what gives our town the flavor it has. Thank you for giving people a reason (outside of family) to come visit. Thank you for making sure the kids have a sponsor for their sports teams because it helps Read more…
Online ordering has become a multi-billion dollar industry in the US and is growing at a rate of about 10% each year. About 80% of Internet users have purchased something online. This isn’t a fad. As digital natives age, we’ll see these numbers continue to grow. If you’re a mom Read more…
Part of the success in a shop local program is in the marketing. Shop local campaigns that spotlight the unique offerings of their local shops through social media and other avenues are more likely to inspire action than those that merely tell people to “buy local.” The “Why” Is a Read more…
Shop local programs are really hot right now and it’s a great way to bring prosperity to your community. However, even though your intentions are good, there are a lot of stumbling blocks you can face along the way. These obstacles can make your shop local program less successful than Read more…
