Tuesday, January 17, 2012

It's Loco Not to Be Local

Here's some good news for SMBs:  According to a recently released survey from American Express, an overwhelming majority of Americans place a high value on small local businesses.  Of those surveyed, 89% said they believe that small businesses contribute positively to their local communities; 93% said they believe it’s important for people to support the small businesses they value in their community, and 87% believe that small business success is a critical element of overall U.S. economic health.


But the survey respondents also offered more than warm and fuzzy feelings towards small businesses.  The study also indicates that consumers are putting their money where their mouths are when it comes to spending at local small businesses.  Nearly one third of monthly discretionary spending is done at locally-owned, independent businesses, with just over $100 per month spent at their favorite store.


Consumers are clearly demonstrating a commitment to local SMBs, so take every opportunity to utilize marketing streams that are local-centric. Register at sites that showcase local commerce and can influence a buyer's decision such as Yelp, Yahoo Local Listings, Google Places, Citysearch, MerchantCircle, Insider Pages and many more.


Help grow this blog.  Subscribe to Daily Mentions, comment and tell a friend.

2 comments:

Les said...

As usual, a good word, Deb.

When I had my unique business in New Hampshire, I had a somewhat similar competitor (with tons more cash) about 40 minutes away--the second largest of it's kind in the nation.

I was able to help more local people out of their place--and in mine--by purchasing exclusive advertising--that which limited the category to one vendor per category. It helped to keep me afloat through the more lean times.

Deborah Rowe said...

Hi Les,

I love the idea of there being just one vendor per category. I understand that your business was unique, but I'd imagine that the competition for the ad space was pretty fierce.