How to Turn Local Foot Traffic into Online Customers
Charles Rose
Table of Contents
Local businesses have a fantastic advantage: the people who live and work nearby. These neighbors are often your best potential customers because they already know the area, are likely to trust local brands, and want convenience. But in today’s digital-first world, turning that local foot traffic into online engagement and, ultimately, more sales is essential.
Why Local Businesses Need to Think "Online"
Even if your focus is on in-person sales, most customers still research, compare, and make decisions online. If they walk by your store but never see you in their social feed or find you in search results, you’re missing out on valuable touchpoints that drive loyalty and conversions.
Explore five simple ways local advertising can help boost your business.
Ways to Encourage Local Online Engagement
- Offer locals-only deals they can claim online
- Encourage reviews and social follows in-store
- Promote events or classes with online sign-ups
- Use QR codes in your windows or menus linking to your website or special offer
Small Steps to Connect Local & Digital
Blending your in-person and online presence doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s often as easy as running a short campaign in your neighborhood, adding QR codes to your signage, or promoting a digital coupon that only locals see.
Tools like HeyNeighbor let you easily target ads to people within 1-5 miles, but there are plenty of low-cost or no-cost ways to reach your local digital audience, like social media or Google Business Profile posts.
Ideas to Get Started Today
- Run a quick neighborhood awareness campaign using flyers, social posts, or local ads
- Invite foot traffic to join your email list with a QR code and incentive
- Launch a "locals-only" promotion promoted in-store and online
- Highlight your neighborhood love in social posts and encourage locals to share photos
Blending Local and Digital is the Future
Customers today expect businesses to be both local and digital. Even if they shop in person, they want the convenience of online browsing, easy ordering, and social connection. The businesses that win are those that meet customers where they are — both on the street and on their screens.
More Resources for Local Businesses
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Charles Rose
Charles founded HeyNeighbor and writes about local marketing, ad strategy, and smart ways small businesses can reach the right people nearby.