5 Tips for Finding More Local Parents

WHERE ARE ALL THE PARENTS?

Sometimes when you're a local business trying to reach parents, you feel like you're all alone out there. 

The phone isn't ringing.  Social media posts get crickets.  The inbox isn't filled with new requests for information. 

So where are the parents?  How do you spread the word about your business?

Like most things in life, there isn't just one easy answer.  But there are a number of methods you can use to tell your community about your biz.

FOUNDATION MARKETING

First things first, you've got to make sure your online presence is top-notch. 

When you get "found" by parents, your marketing efforts need to be consistent and connected to your brand and overall goals. 

This means making sure you have a website, that is easy to navigate and provides all the information parents are looking for.

It also means you need to have a Facebook page that is updated and contains a complete profile. 

You don't need to post every day, but make sure you've posted recently so visitors will know you're an active business that's ready to serve them.

Set up your Google My Business profile so local parents can find you when they're searching for local businesses online.  

PUBLICITY

An article in a local print or web publication or a TV spot can provide some great exposure for your business and also helps with building your trust and credibility among parents. 

Send press releases to local media outlets when you have something new to announce or a great story they might want to cover. 

No need to hire a PR firm here, they're looking for great content so if you can make their jobs easier, they'll be happy you've reached out.

ADVERTISING

The shoestring marketing budgets of most local businesses might make paid ads seem like a pipe dream.

But sometimes it is necessary to run some paid ads to really boost exposure for specific events or promotions. 

It's important to consider where your audience is before you throw money behind paid advertising.  Make sure your efforts will actually be seen by your audience. 

Some options that usually work for local businesses are: Facebook and Instagram Ads, Online Ads (graphic or other) on local websites or media outlets, Google Ads or even Digital Flyer Distribution Programs through local schools.

Always make sure you can track the success of your ads so you know what's working and what isn't.

REFERRALS

You already have plenty of happy customers, put them to work! 

Setting up a referral program within your business is an easy and low-cost way to reach parents beyond your current audience and boost the loyalty of your existing tribe. 

Need another reason to consider a referral program? A study by Nielsen found that referrals are the most trusted form of advertising. 

Provide incentives to encourage your customers to bring in new parents and everyone will reap the rewards.

PARTNERSHIPS

Joining up with another local business that targets parents can be a very effective strategy for reaching a new audience of moms and dads in your area.  

By tapping into their customer list or social media following and vice versa, both businesses can benefit in an easy and low-cost way. 

Interested in some specific ideas for setting up local partnerships?  Check out these tips we recently wrote about.