How do we compete with bigger brands in our area?
On the things they cannot do: knowing customers by name, flexibility, response speed, and genuine local presence. Their advantage is budget; yours is proximity and relationship, and most local businesses fail to communicate either.
Other questions on this topic.
What is the first thing a local business should fix?
Google Business Profile, every time. It appears above the normal search results, it is free, and most businesses leave it incomplete. Correct categories, real photographs, accurate…
How do we rank in the local map results?
Relevance, distance, and prominence. You cannot change distance, so the work is in the other two: complete and accurate profile information, consistent details everywhere you are…
How many Google reviews do we need?
More than your nearest competitors and recent enough to look current. Fifty reviews from three years ago is weaker than fifteen from the last six months.…
Does a small local business really need a website?
Yes. Your Google listing brings people to a decision point; the website is where they check whether you are credible. It also gives you a channel…
What budget does a local business need for ads?
Less than most expect, because you are only bidding within a small radius. A tightly targeted local campaign can produce steady enquiries on a modest budget,…
Should we be on every social platform?
No. Pick where your customers are and do that well. For most local service businesses that is Google, one social platform, and WhatsApp. Five neglected profiles…