Shop Local Marketing

A successful strategy for promoting your business is from the shop local angle. It's an idea that has increased in popularity over the years due to a growing interest in ideas like going green, community participation and school funding. Below are just a few ways you can promote shopping locally to your customers:

#ShopSmall
American Express has recently started their own Shop Small events and has invited communities from all over the country to participate. American Express still provides many free resources you can take advantage of for your own business.

How to Apply to Be a Shop Small Community - Includes ideas for simple things you can offer at your business that will draw in more business.
Spread the Word Online - Tips on how to get your online shop local campaign started.

#ShopMiCo

As alternative to AmericanExpress' Shop Local campaign, or to further expand on it, you can join Miami County businesses in promoting the #ShopMiCo campaign. Using a more specific hashtag in your social media materials will help you further track and target your marketing to shoppers who are interested in the Miami Count area. Below are images that were created with Adobe Spark, a free website that allows you to design and customize images that can be used across a broad spectrum of social media platforms. Feel free to use the ones that have been provided below, or create your own.

#ShopMiCo for the Holidays Instagram Image
#ShopMiCo for the Holidays Facebook Image
#Shop MiCo for the Holidays Sample Text
#ShopMiCo Holiday Selfie Sign - Setting up a specific corner of your store so that customers can take a selfie, encourages them to share their experience with their friends. You can also ask to take a photo of a customer with their purchase and share it on your own social media. Print out the #ShopMiCo sign and offer it to customers as a prop whenever they take a photo. Make sure your selfie station has good lighting and an uncluttered background.

Here are some other free resources you can deploy to maximize the shop local message:

American Independent Business Alliance -
One of the originals in the national shop local effort, this website offers free bag stuffers, web ads and radio spots. With a paid membership, even more resources are available to business owners.
Business Alliance for Local Living Economies -
While this is a membership-based organization, there are several online resources offered for free.
KCSourceLink -
This Kansas City resource has a small business locator map - which is a free listing for your business.

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