If you have a local business, you may think online advertising isn’t for you, but you would be missing a huge opportunity to get new customers and boost your sales.

Because the internet can reach people across the country and around the world, many people overlook it for reaching their own backyard. But more and more local businesses – from restaurants to travel agencies to local stores – are discovering easy ways to advertise online to just the areas they serve.

What are their secrets? Here are 4 helpful tips to get you started with low-cost, high-impact banner advertising for your local business:

1. Think local

Is there a popular website for your city, state, or region? Attract people who live in your hometown and visitors to your area by advertising on local websites. Because they serve a smaller audience, many local websites offer affordable rates for banner advertising.

Check out this list of local newspaper websites for ideas on where to place your banner ads.

2. Put local pride in your banner ads

If you serve a certain area, make it known in your banner ad to get more clicks. Many people like doing business with someone local. You’ll catch their eye by mentioning their hometown (“Best Jeweler in Dallas”) over a more generic ad (“Best Jeweler in Town”). Ask your banner ad designer to include this text in your ad.

And, you’ll reduce the number of clicks from people who you don’t serve. If you’re paying for your banner advertising on a CPC (cost per click) basis, this can save you money.

3. Try ShopLocal

ShopLocal is a company that allows you to target your advertising to just the customers you care about. You can advertise in a specific geographic location and by demographics and categories that match your business such as apparel, electronics, travel, and many more.

Sites like this show that it’s possible to drive more traffic online can turn into more foot traffic in your local store. According to ShopLocal, 56% of visitors bought the item(s) they saw on ShopLocal.com at the store.

4. Make Your Banner Ad a Coupon

People love discounts and smart shoppers seek out coupons whether they’re offline or online. Make your local business stand out by making your display ad look like a coupon you might find in the newspaper – dotted lines around it and all. And make sure to have the special offer – “30% Off”, “Buy One, Get One Free”, “Free Car Wash”, etc. – written in large bold letters.

Instead of clipping out this coupon, people will click your banner ad to arrive at your website where you’ll have a version of the coupon that they can print and bring to your shop or restaurant. Make sure to put directions to your local store near the website coupon so people know how to find you.

Use these tips today and start turning online shoppers into real-world customers in your local business. Don’t have a banner ad? Order the web ads you’ll need to advertise online from adcherry’s banner ad design service. We’ll create a custom-made banner ad just for you at budget-friendly prices.

Ready to get started? Make a free banner ad at adcherry now

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