At BeLocal, we pride ourselves on connecting people with the best dining, shopping, and local tips to help them thrive in their new homes. But it’s not just about print publications—having a strong digital presence is just as important for small businesses looking to make an impact in their community.

With insights from the experts at Hyport Digital, BeLocal's in-house digital marketing agency, we’ve rounded up five essential strategies to help you grow your business and engage with new residents who are eager to discover what you have to offer.

As we head into 2025, now’s the time to implement these strategies and start making connections with the people who will become your loyal customers.

Improve Local Visibility with Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

SEO is the cornerstone of any successful online marketing strategy. When people search for services near them, you want your business to be easily found. Optimizing your website with SEO ensures you show up in local search results, allowing new homeowners and residents to find you when they need you.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Local Visibility: SEO helps your business appear in search results for people in your area, increasing local traffic.
• Trustworthy Reputation: Being at the top of search results boosts your credibility with potential customers in your community
• Long-Term Impact: SEO is a cost-effective way to drive sustainable growth over time.

BeLocal Insight: Use free tools like Google Search Console to track your website’s performance and make adjustments to ensure your business stays visible to new residents.

Gain Immediate Attention with Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

SEO takes time, but SEM, including pay-per-click (PPC) ads, allows your business to show up at the top of search results immediately. SEM is a great way to capture the attention of newcomers actively searching for services in your area.

Key Benefits:

• Instant Visibility: SEM puts your business at the top of search results as soon as you launch your campaign.
• Targeted Advertising: Tailor your ads to specific demographics, locations, and search queries to ensure they reach local residents.
• Clear Metrics: Track your campaign performance and adjust to improve ROI in real time.

BeLocal Insight: Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to pinpoint relevant local search terms, ensuring your ads target people who are moving to your area and looking for the services you offer.

Bring Visitors Back with Retargeting Ads

If someone visits your website and doesn’t take action, it’s not the end of the story. Retargeting ads help you stay top of mind by showing targeted ads to visitors who didn’t convert the first time. This is especially useful when trying to engage newcomers who may still be exploring options in their new c.ommunity

Key Benefits:

• Higher Conversion Rates: Retargeting ads remind potential customers of what you offer, encouraging them to return and complete a purchase.
• Maximized ROI: By focusing on people who’ve already shown interest in your business, retargeting ensures efficient use of your ad spend.
• Personalized Ads: Tailoring ads based on previous website visits creates a more relevant and compelling experience for your audience.

BeLocal Insight: Combine retargeting with local offers, discounts, or community events to encourage conversions and further establish your presence in the area.

Build Connections with Video Advertising

Video content is one of the most engaging ways to tell your brand’s story, highlight your products, or even share tips and local information with newcomers. Whether it’s a virtual tour of your business or a friendly introduction to your services, video helps you connect on a more personal level.

Key Benefits:

• Increased Engagement: Video content grabs attention and encourages viewers to learn more about your business.
• Stronger Local Connections: Videos that showcase your business within the local context (e.g., community events, collaborations with other businesses) build trust with newcomers.
• Wider Reach: Platforms like YouTube and social media allow you to extend your visibility to a broader audience, including residents who may not have heard of you yet.

BeLocal Insight: Keep your videos short, authentic, and community-focused to capture the attention of new residents quickly and effectively.

Foster Relationships with Paid Social Media Ads

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching new residents in your community. With billions of active users, platforms like Facebook and Instagram give you the ability to target specific demographics, interests, and locations, ensuring your ads reach the people who are most likely to benefit from your business.

Key Benefits:

• Targeted Reach: Social media ads allow you to connect with newcomers in your area based on their interests, behaviors, and location.
• Increased Brand Awareness: Social media platforms offer an opportunity to boost your brand’s visibility among new homeowners and residents.
• Interactive Content: Eye-catching and engaging posts can lead to increased interaction, helping your business stand out in a busy digital space.

BeLocal Insight: Invest in visually appealing content that showcases your products or services in the context of your local community. If you’re unsure where to start, Hyport Digital offers free consultations to help you optimize your social media ad strategy.

These five digital advertising strategies are essential for engaging with new homeowners and residents who are eager to find the best local businesses. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your approach, BeLocal and Hyport Digital are here to help you build a strong online presence and connect with the local community.

Current BeLocal Advertiser?
Connect with your local publisher to learn more about how Hyport Digital can boost your local marketing.

Not (Yet) Advertising with BeLocal?
Visit hyportdigital.com to book a FREE consultation!