1. Only advertise where your customers live
Facebook, Instagram and Google all let you show ads within a set distance of an address. If you run a hair salon in Elverum, there is no point showing your ad to people in Bergen. Start with the area most of your customers come from today.
2. Show real photos and real people
Local customers want to see who you are. Photos of you, your staff, your premises and your products build more trust than stock photos. A phone camera is plenty, as long as the light is good.
3. Give people a reason to buy now
“We have good products” is not enough. A concrete offer, a season, an event or a deadline makes people act instead of thinking “another time”.
4. Be easy to find on Google
Create and fill in a free Google Business Profile with opening hours, photos and phone number. Ask happy customers for a review. It is free and means you show up on the map when people nearby search.
5. Reach people who have already shown interest
People who have visited your website or watched your video are far more likely to become customers. You can show them a separate ad – for example, an offer – to remind them of you. Remember to ask for cookie consent on your website.
6. Follow the seasons and what’s happening locally
Winter season, summer holidays, back to school, Christmas parties and local events are great opportunities. Plan your ads around what is happening in your area.
7. Measure what matters
Impressions and likes are nice, but it is enquiries, bookings and sales that pay the bills. Decide what counts as a result for you, and look at what each new customer costs.
Would you like help with this? We work with businesses in Elverum, Innlandet and the rest of Norway. Get in touch, and we’ll look at what suits you.
FAQ
How large an area should I advertise in?
Start with the area most of your customers come from today. For a shop or a restaurant that might be a few dozen kilometres; for a tradesperson, the whole region.
Do I need a website to advertise locally?
It helps a lot, but it is not a requirement. For example, you can let people call, send a message or fill in a form directly in the ad.
Is Google Business Profile free?
Yes, it is free to set up and use.
Founder of Campaign Shark in Elverum. Helps businesses and agencies get visible online, with our own technology and ads on Facebook, Instagram, Google and more channels.
