It’s time to present the next article in our local marketing series for franchise businesses!
Throughout this series, we’ve been on a fascinating journey discussing how you can boost visibility and sales for your franchise using local marketing techniques. We started out discussing digital tactics, including local SEO, local content (blogs, emails, social), and local online advertising. Next, we turned to offline strategies, starting with strategically using print marketing materials.
Now it’s time to talk about another impactful way to market your franchise: local events. Local events are a unique way for franchises to show their commitment to the community, increase visibility, and have meaningful interactions with prospects and customers. If you’re looking for ways to engage with your community through local events, read on!
15 Ideas to Engage with Your Community
Joining or hosting local events is a smart way to make a positive impact on the community while also attracting new customers right in your backyard. Here are 15 fun ideas to try.
1. Community Workshops
Host workshops that teach skills or knowledge related to your business, such as cooking classes for a restaurant franchise or DIY home improvement techniques for a home services business. These events position your franchise as an expert and thought leader in your community. Plus, they offer a hands-on way to engage with your product or service, creating memorable experiences.
2. Sponsorship of Local Teams
Sponsoring local sports teams, from youth leagues to adult recreational clubs, supports the community and places your brand in front of a diverse audience. It’s an effective strategy to increase brand loyalty among local families and sports enthusiasts. Every game becomes an opportunity to showcase your commitment to the community’s well-being and fun.
3. Charity Fundraisers
Organize or participate in charity fundraisers to align your franchise with causes that matter to your community. This shows your business cares about more than just profits and helps build a strong emotional connection with your customers. Events can range from donation drives to gala events, and your participation provides ample opportunities for visibility and engagement.
4. Seasonal Events
Take part in or organize seasonal events. Whether it’s a summer barbecue bash, a fall harvest festival, or a winter holiday market, these events can draw attention to your franchise while offering fun and enjoyment for all ages. Plus, they’re great for collaborative promotions with other local businesses.
5. Local Art Showcases
Partner with local artists to showcase their work at your location, turning your space into a vibrant community hub for art lovers. This can attract a different demographic to your business and offer cross-promotional opportunities. Art showcases can be themed around community stories, landscapes, or events, making them personal and engaging.
6. Community Clean-Up Days
Lead or sponsor community clean-up days in local parks, beaches, or other public spaces. This type of local event highlights your franchise’s investment in the community’s health and environment. Branded materials like t-shirts and bags can also boost your visibility during the event.
7. Local Festivals and Fairs
Local festivals, fairs, and markets are the heartbeat of community engagement. By setting up a booth, providing samples of your products, or offering fun activities at these events, you can interact directly with the community. This presence lets you showcase what makes your franchise unique while engaging in the local culture and traditions.
8. Food and Drink Tastings
If your franchise is in the food and beverage industry, consider hosting tastings or “meet the maker” events featuring your products. This can be an engaging way to introduce new items, receive direct feedback, and interact with your customers more personally. Partnering with local producers or suppliers for these events can further highlight your investment in the local economy.
9. Collaboration with Local Schools
Partner with local schools for educational events, career days, or sponsorships. This can introduce your franchise to families and teachers, creating brand ambassadors within schools. Events can be educational or fun, like science fairs or sports days.
10. Cultural Celebrations
Celebrate cultural events and holidays significant to your community’s diverse population to show appreciation for the different cultures in your area and attract a diverse audience. From Lunar New Year to Diwali, participating in or hosting cultural celebrations can enrich your community engagement.
11. Expert Q&A Sessions
Offer Q&A sessions with experts from your franchise on topics of public interest. This could be anything from home security tips from a locksmith franchise to pet care advice from a pet services business. These Q&As are an excellent way to demonstrate expertise and interact directly with community members. You can host the session live at a location in your community or make it a digital event using software like Zoom.
12. Charity Runs or Walks
Get involved in charity runs or walks by having a team from your franchise participate or offering sponsorship. These events are highly publicized in the community and attract a wide demographic. Participation shows your franchise’s commitment to health, wellness, and charitable causes, enhancing your local image and allowing you to connect with potential customers in a positive setting. If your team participates, you can even wear branded shirts or hats to advertise the franchise.
13. Volunteer Day
Organize a day where your employees and community members volunteer for a local cause, such as preparing meals at a homeless shelter, assisting at an animal rescue center, or visiting a hospital or nursing home. This shows your franchise’s commitment to giving back and encourages community participation in meaningful activities. Promoting the event can attract attention to the cause, while the event itself can provide an excellent team-building experience and a bonding opportunity with the community.
14. Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Lead or participate in eco-friendly initiatives like tree-planting days, sustainable living workshops, or recycling drives. These events highlight your franchise’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, which will resonate with eco-conscious consumers. It’s also an excellent opportunity to educate the community on your franchise’s own green practices.
15. Chamber of Commerce Involvement
Engaging with your local Chamber of Commerce can open doors to numerous networking opportunities and local business events. Participation in Chamber events allows you to connect with other local businesses, gain insights into community needs, and introduce your franchise to a broader audience. It’s also the perfect platform to suggest and collaborate on new community events, leveraging the chamber’s resources and network to amplify your impact in the local area.
Making a Big Impact with Local Events
Hosting or participating in a local event offers an unbeatable opportunity to strengthen community ties and boost your franchise’s visibility. These activities show your commitment to the local area and open new avenues for brand exposure and customer engagement. By aligning your franchise with community values and interests, you can attract new patrons who appreciate your involvement and are more likely to support your business. It’s a strategy that enriches the community and solidifies your place within it.
As we continue to explore local marketing, our next article (the last in our series!) will focus on local media outlets like newspapers, radio, and TV and how they can enhance your franchise’s community presence further. Stay tuned for insightful tips on making the most of these traditional yet powerful channels.
