Establishing a good reputation in the local community is arguably the best small business marketing strategy. When people recognize your name—and only associate it with positive things—they’ll be a lot more inclined to use your products or services. As such, making a name for yourself as a reliable, honest, and trustworthy company will help you both get new customers and keep existing ones. Exactly how do you go about building a good reputation organically, though?

3 Tips for Establishing a Good Reputation in the Local Business Community

1. Monitor Online Reviews

You don’t have to be active on social media to see what people are saying about you — although maintaining Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts should certainly be part of your small business marketing strategy. Nowadays, consumers value online reviews highly when choosing where to shop, what to buy, and whom to hire. While at least a few negative reviews are inevitable as your company grows, they shouldn’t make up the majority of your online presence. Monitor posts by past customers to determine how you can improve—and prevent the same complaints in the future—and consider your words carefully before responding to any negative reviews.

2. Go the Extra Mile

If you promise to fulfill an order within 10 days, try to deliver after just 7 or 8. And if someone places a large order that qualifies for a 10% discount, consider if giving them 15% off is worth their repeat business. Regardless of your industry, there are probably at least a dozen ways you can go the extra mile for various customers every single day. Doing so will not only ensure these customer return to you time and again but will also make them inclined to refer you to their friends.

3. Give Back

Sponsoring sports teams, hosting festivals, and donating to local nonprofits will both get your name out there and help your community thrive. If your company is still relatively new, you may not have the means to make sizable donations yet, but as charity organizers will tell you, every little bit helps. Giving back is one of the best small business marketing strategies because it fosters goodwill and demonstrates that your company cares. This, in turn, lets potential customers know they can trust you.

To connect with like-minded entrepreneurs who want to give back to the community as well, turn to the Mebane Business Association. Businesses throughout Mebane, NC, and the surrounding area can rely on this organization for all kinds of networking opportunities. For over 25 years, the MBA has fostered community relations between local businesses and the residents. To learn how sponsoring them can contribute to your small business marketing strategy, visit their website or call (919) 304-3737.