This guide breaks it down into easy steps. No jargon, no big budgets needed. Just a clear, simple way to start showing up online and connecting with more local customers.
Step 1: Choose One Main Goal
Before you do anything else, decide what you want to achieve.
- Do you want more people walking through the door?
- Are you hoping to boost sales?
- Or maybe you just want more locals to know your shop exists?
✅ Pick one main goal to focus on for now. You can always add more later.
Step 2: Know Who You’re Talking To
Think about your typical customer:
- How old are they?
- Do they live or work nearby?
- What do they come to you for?
✅ Jot down a short description of your usual customer. It’ll help guide everything else you do.
Step 3: Set Up the Basics Online
You don’t need a fancy website to get started — just make sure you’re easy to find.
- Google Business Profile: This helps people find you when they search for your shop or type of business.
- Facebook Page: Useful for local visibility and updates.
- Instagram (optional): Great if you sell visual products like food, gifts, or fashion.
- Double-check your address, hours, and contact info are correct everywhere.
✅ Google “Set up Google Business Profile” to get started. It’s free and very effective.
Step 4: Plan What You’ll Post Each Week
You don’t need to post every day. Just be consistent.
Start with 2 posts a week. Ideas for what to share:
- New stock or products
- A peek inside the shop or your workspace
- Discounts or offers
- Customer stories or reviews
- Quick reminders of where you are and when you’re open
✅ Use a simple calendar to plan ahead. No need to overthink it.
Step 5: Take Better Photos
You don’t need a fancy camera — your phone is fine. But make it count:
- Good lighting makes a big difference
- Keep it clear and focused
- Show the product or person properly
✅ Great pictures catch attention — and make your posts look more professional.
Step 6: Keep It Local
Mention your area in your posts so locals know where to find you.
- “Just arrived in our [Town Name] shop”
- “This week on [Street Name]”
✅ This helps your business show up in local searches and reminds people you’re nearby.
Step 7: Ask for Reviews
Word of mouth matters — and online reviews are a big part of that now.
- Ask happy customers to leave a quick review on Google or Facebook
- Remind them with a sign near the till or a note on receipts
✅ Reviews help build trust and make it easier for new customers to find you.
Step 8: Check In Once a Week
Set aside 30 minutes each week to:
- Look at your Google listing
- Check how your posts are doing
- Note what worked well and what didn’t
✅ This little habit can teach you a lot over time.
Step 9: If You Delegate, Train First
Got someone helping you with social media? Make sure they know what you’re aiming for.
- Explain what kind of content you want
- Review it together now and then
- Share this guide with them to get on the same page
✅ Social media is part of the business — not just something for “the young ones.”
Step 10: Don’t Do Everything at Once
It’s tempting to try it all, but it’s better to start small.
- Choose one platform (like Facebook)
- Stick with one or two posts a week
- Focus on your main goal
✅ Showing up consistently is more important than being perfect.
Example: Your Next 7 Days Using This Plan
Let’s say you run a small gift shop on the high street. You want more people to know you exist and pop in when they’re nearby. You’ve decided your main goal is to increase local awareness.
Here’s what to do next:
Day 1: Set Up or Check Your Google Business Profile
- Search “Set up Google Business Profile” and follow the steps.
- If you already have one, log in and check:
- Is your address right?
- Are your opening hours up to date?
- Do you have a few nice photos of your shop or products?
- Are there any unanswered reviews?
✅ Done in 30 minutes.
Day 2: Plan Two Posts for the Week
- Open a calendar (paper or digital) and pick two days to post.
- Example Post 1 (Tuesday): A photo of your newest product with a caption like:
“New in this week at our [Town Name] shop — these handmade notebooks are perfect for spring birthdays!”
- Example Post 2 (Friday): A friendly reminder post:
“We’re open all weekend on [Street Name] — come say hi if you’re in town! ”
✅ Write captions and save them with your photos, ready to post.
Day 3: Take Some Photos
- Use your phone to snap:
- A new product display
- A quick behind-the-scenes photo of you unpacking stock
- A wide shot of the shop (inside or outside)
✅ Take 5–10 photos in good light. Use these across the next few weeks.
Day 4: Ask for a Review
- Choose one happy customer today and say:
“Hey, if you’ve got a second, would you mind leaving us a quick review on Google or Facebook? It really helps a small business like ours.”
✅ It’s simple, and a few good reviews go a long way.
Day 5: Post One of Your Planned Updates
- Use Facebook (or Instagram if you prefer).
- Upload one of the photos you took.
- Paste in the caption you planned.
- Add your location.
✅ Don’t overthink it — just post!
Day 6: Quick Check-In
- Look at how your post did:
- Any likes, comments, or shares?
- Did someone new message you or visit?
- Make a short note: What type of post got attention?
✅ Use what you learn to plan your next post.
Day 7: Rest or Prep for Next Week
- If you’ve got time, take another photo or write down ideas for next week’s posts.
- If not, take a break — you’ve already made progress.
Keep It Going
Repeat this cycle next week. Over time, you’ll build up a routine that works for you and helps your business stay visible locally.
Want me to help you create a simple content calendar or a ready-to-use post template? Just say the word.
Final Thought
Digital marketing doesn’t have to be complicated — and you don’t have to be an expert. With a few simple steps and a bit of weekly effort, you can start building a stronger online presence for your high street business.
Want help putting this into action? Save this post, print it out, or share it with your team — and take it one step at a time.
Recent Comments