When you run a small business, it can be tempting to think that the more people you reach, the better.  

More followers. More views. More likes. More shares.

But there’s an important question to ask:

Are the people seeing your business actually potential customers?

For many small and local businesses, reaching 10,000 people who live miles away isn't nearly as valuable as reaching 1,000 people who live right in the area you serve.

That’s where local advertising can make a real difference.

Your customers could be closer than you think

Think about the services people need every day.

A decorator. A cleaner. A tutor. A beauty therapist. A gardener. A children's entertainer. A solicitor. A photographer. A local restaurant.

When someone needs one of these services, they will often start by looking close to home.

They may ask friends for recommendations, search online or post in their local Facebook community group:

“Can anyone recommend someone local?”

You want your business to be one of the names they already recognise.

Local communities build trust

There is something powerful about seeing a business regularly within your own community.

Perhaps someone doesn't need your service today.

They see your advert and scroll past.

A few days later, they see you again.

Then they see one of your customer reviews.

A couple of weeks later, they suddenly need exactly what you provide.

Now your business name looks familiar.

That familiarity can be incredibly valuable.

You've gone from being a business they've never heard of to a business they recognise.

Don't just advertise when you're quiet

One mistake small businesses can make is waiting until they desperately need customers before they start advertising.

Marketing works much better when you're consistent.

Keep showing people what you do.

Share photographs of your work.

Tell people about your services.

Share reviews from happy customers.

Introduce yourself.

Answer questions.

Show the person behind the business.

You don't have to make every post a hard sell. You're simply reminding your local community:

“We're here when you need us.”

That's why I created Promote2u

Promote2u is all about connecting businesses with local communities.

Our network currently includes 17 Facebook community groups with a combined audience of more than 68,000 members across London, Essex and Hertfordshire.

Promote2u members can advertise daily across the groups throughout their membership, helping them build the regular local visibility that is so important for a growing business.

Members are also added to our online business directory, and we help give their businesses additional exposure across the Promote2u network.

Think local. Be consistent. Be remembered.

You don't necessarily need thousands more followers.

You need the right people to know your business exists.

And sometimes your next customer isn't hundreds of miles away.

They could be just around the corner. 💗💙