4 (No Cost) Ways to Set Your Local Business Apart from the Competition

Focus on Customer Experience

Customer experience is such a crucial part of a successful business, it’s surprising how often it’s overlooked by business owners.  You may offer the newest products or use cutting-edge technology, but if your company has a reputation for providing a poor customer experience, consumers will turn to your competitors when they’re ready to make a purchase. 



Of course, the opposite effect is also true. If your company is known for consistently providing an excellent customer experience, consumers are much more likely to choose you over your competitors. Time and time again, consumers have proven they’re willing to wait a little longer or pay a little more if they know they’re going to have a great experience. 

Get Reviews

Customer experience and reviews go hand in hand. But even when a project or purchase doesn’t go exactly according to plan, it’s still important to get reviews from your customers. 

According to a 2021 report, a whopping 99% of consumers check online reviews before making a purchase. That means your potential customer is almost certainly looking for reviews of your company’s product or service. But do you need to have all 5-star reviews to gain a new customer? Definitely not.  People have different experiences and expectations and as consumers, we’re smart enough to know that. In fact, if your company has all 5-star reviews, it might look a little suspicious. 

Don’t make the mistake of inviting only your happiest customers to leave a review. Invite them all. This will not only increase the sheer number of reviews you have, it will also give you the opportunity to respond to any negative reviews. Responding to negative feedback in a public forum gives you the chance to flex your customer service muscles. 

Addressing a negative review (and making the situation right) gives consumers a sense that your company can be trusted and will work to fix problems, even after money has exchanged hands. This gives you a leg up on your competitors. 

Offer Unique and Powerful Incentives 

Sales, discounts, and special offers are nothing new.  You, your competitors, and most every other business uses this technique to attract customers. 10% off for referring a friend or a $50 coupon for your next service is great, but it’s not enough to really make you stand out from the crowd. 

The key here, the thing that will make your business attractive to consumers, is offering exclusive, compelling incentives that really add value. No one actually gets excited about a 10% off coupon. But offer a lifetime warranty or a money back guarantee on your product or service? That kind of promise makes consumers pay attention. 

Naturally, the incentives you offer should make sense for your business. You wouldn’t offer a lifetime warranty on a laptop, for example, because tech advances will eventually make it obsolete. But you could offer free software updates for 5-years, something that will be of minimal cost to you but save the consumer money down the line. 

Service guarantees are also a great incentive. A kitchen and bath remodeler might offer a discount on their fees if the project falls behind schedule.   

Powerful incentives are not only a great way to attract people to your business, they’re also a fantastic way to get people talking about your brand. This kind of word-of-mouth marketing will encourage people to pick you over the competition. 

Practice Community Involvement 

Local businesses sometimes forget that they are, in fact... local. They’re part of a community and the bulk of their customers come from that community.  Establishing your business as a trusted member of your community is really paramount when it comes to attracting customers to your company before others in the area.   

There are obvious ways of getting your name out there and demonstrating your involvement in the community.  These are things like sponsoring a local sports team or donating money to the local school. But there other, more beneficial things you can do to get your brand in front of more eyes and help your neighbors at the same time. 

If you’re in the service or skilled trades industry, consider partnering up with a local trade school or training program. Your business can offer financial and/or training support and you’re not only helping students have more opportunities, you may even be training some of your own future employees. 

In areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes or floods, consider how your business can provide support during those times of crisis. Helping your neighbor is a reward in itself, but the added exposure for your brand is a nice bonus. 



Remember, as a local business it’s a must that you get your name out in front of your potential customers. And the more they see your name, the more they’re likely to choose you over your competitors. 

Exposure Does Not Have to Be Expensive 

There are many paid marketing techniques you can use to boost your exposure and attract more people to your business. And these techniques work very well for many business owners. But you don’t have to get out your checkbook just to get your name out there. Try some of these ideas to boost your local exposure and encourage customers to choose you over the competition. 

Need some help getting in front of your local competition?  Locallogy can help - we're local digital marketing experts!