As more small businesses migrate to the internet by establishing websites there is an opportunity for small, local marketing firms to network their customers together, so they can leverage each other’s customer base.
Local business networking isn’t a new concept, but it’s typically managed by large international marketing firms that offer local chapters where small businesses work together to give each other customer leads.
This same concept can be done by small marketing firms working a local geographic area. Over time, a small marketing firm may build a fairly sizable client base that serves a wide range of local markets, offering a variety of products and services.
Many small marketing firms overlook the opportunity to bring their clients together, to form their own local business network via forums, blogs, or actual meeting places. This concept offers several advantages for not only the marketing firm, but for their clients:
- Customer referral opportunities (as mentioned earlier)
- Cross linking (back linking) websites across the network, resulting in better search engine results.
- Better customer visibility for each business within the network
- A support network for information and idea sharing for countless general business topics.
- Improved business branding by getting a business’ name more visibility across the network.
- A sense of loyalty and belonging to a local business community.
- This is also a much cheaper alternative to a chamber of commerce membership, or other business networking service.
Small business marketing firms can take a leadership role in establishing the network by simply organizing their own client base, and providing the necessary tools and forums for their customers to communicate.
