Running a local business is hard enough without wondering why more people don't know you exist. The good news is that if you want to get your business noticed in Grimsby, it rarely comes down to one big campaign. It's usually lots of small things done well and done consistently - so that when someone needs what you offer, your name is the one they already know. Here are five places to start.
The first way to get your business noticed is making sure people can find you on Google.
When someone searches for a service near them, your Google Business Profile is often the first thing they see - before your website, and sometimes instead of it. Make sure it's claimed and complete, with the right opening hours, a clear description, real photos of your work and your premises, and a steady trickle of reviews. Replying to those reviews, good or bad, shows people there's someone behind the business who cares.
The second is looking like the business you are.
People make snap judgements, and a tired logo or mismatched colours can make a great business look like a risky choice. A clear, consistent brand identity helps you look established and makes you easier to remember - so the person who saw your van on Monday recognises your post on Wednesday and your sign on Friday. Recognition builds trust, and trust is what turns a passer-by into a customer.
The third is giving your website a job to do.
Once someone has noticed you, they'll almost always look you up before getting in touch. Your website should tell them what you do, where you work and how to contact you within a few seconds, and it should work properly on a phone. A well-built website also helps you show up for local searches, especially when each service you offer has its own clear page. If you're not sure yours is pulling its weight, our post on five signs your website is holding you back is a good place to start.
The fourth is showing up where your customers already are.
You don't need to be on every platform. Pick the one or two places your customers actually spend time - for many local businesses that's Facebook, Instagram and community groups - and post regularly. Consistency matters more than volume - a couple of genuine posts a week will do more than a burst of activity followed by silence. Behind-the-scenes photos, finished jobs, the team and happy customers will almost always outperform polished adverts, because people want to see the real business behind the name.
The fifth is being seen out and about.
Some of the best ways to get your business noticed never go near a screen. Signage, vehicle livery, uniforms, printed leaflets and branded merchandise all put your name in front of people as they go about their day. In a town like Grimsby, where word of mouth carries a long way, a well-signwritten van parked outside a job or a tee worn at the gym can do as much as a paid advert.
You don't need a huge budget to get your business noticed. Most of it is about being clear about who you are, showing up consistently and making it easy for people to choose you.
If you only have time for one thing this month, start with your Google Business Profile. It's free, it's where a lot of local searches begin, and a few hours spent getting it right can make a real difference.
The businesses that get noticed aren't always the biggest or the loudest. They're the ones that look the part, are easy to find and keep turning up - online and on the street.
We help businesses across Grimsby and North East Lincolnshire with exactly this, from branding to web design. If you'd like help to get your business noticed, get in touch for a chat.
