How to Design a Website That Brings Local Customers to Your Door

How to Design a Website That Brings Local Customers to Your Door

It is widely believed that digital marketing and website promotion are only effective for attracting online and distant customers. Well, that assumption is incorrect, and as a business owner, if you believe it, you may be doing yourself a disservice. In fact, there are simple ways to reach out to local customers and have people literally knocking on your door by optimising your website.

In this article, we will share tips and practices on how to turn your website visitors into physical customers walking through your door, using straightforward, easy-to-implement techniques.

So, hang on tight—let’s get into it.

Optimising your website to attract local customers primarily involves focusing on local search and incorporating specific tools that put your website at the forefront when locals search for your products or services. To achieve this, you’ll need to:

Go Heavy on Local SEO

If you want to rank on search engines, use search engine optimisation (SEO); if you want to increase your foot traffic, do SEO with a local focus. Here’s what we mean:

When optimising your website, use local keywords and phrases like “Best Pastries in London” or “Top Electronic Appliance Store in Birmingham.” This way, when people located in Birmingham search for places to buy electronic appliances, your website will be among the top results, bringing you one step closer to your goal.

Another good idea is to create a location page—or multiple pages if you serve various neighbourhoods or cities. You can add a map to your website for easy access and navigation, so that people can easily locate your store if they decide to do business with you in person.

Offer In-Store Deals and Promotions

Another way to attract visitors to your physical shop is by making it an enticing destination. Use pop-ups or announcement bars on your website to promote in-store specials. You could offer discounts or other exclusive deals, making sure they’re conditional on visiting your physical store.

For instance, you could say, “Buy a wig and get another free when you visit our store in person,” or “Free coffee on Mondays for customers in Bristol. Visit our shop to claim yours.” This is a highly attractive call to action, making any nearby customer feel like the chosen one. This way, you’re promoting your physical shop alongside your online presence—a win-win! And customers get a great deal by shopping with you. Win-win-win!

Go Heavy on Social Media

It’s a good idea to link your social media platforms to your website. Social media offers more flexibility with images and videos than a website typically does, so go all out and include photos of happy customers leaving your store, or highlight the wider selection available in-store, making it easier for people to pick the perfect choice. This can encourage customers to visit your store to see “what the hype is all about.”

However, this only works if you integrate your social media into your website. You can do this by adding social media icons with links on your website, subtly encouraging visitors to check them out and engage with you.

Add a Link to Your Google Business Profile

Google Business Profile is a free tool from Google that allows businesses to create a profile so that customers can easily find them on Google Search and Google Maps.

When setting up your business profile, make sure to include all essential information about your business, such as your business name, address, opening hours, customer reviews, website link, phone number, and photos and videos of your business.

Provide as much information as possible. This improves your SEO because when you integrate your business profile with your website, people nearby who search for your products and services will find your website, which contains more detailed information about your business. Since they’re already nearby, they may be convinced to visit your physical store.

Display Clear Contact Information at the Top and Bottom

If you’re trying to encourage more walk-ins, make it easy for customers to find you. One way to do this is by placing your address, phone number, and opening hours prominently at the top of the page and in the footer. This way, customers have all the information they need and are more likely to visit you.

Use CTAs to Encourage Visits

You’re likely already aware of the importance of using Calls to Action (CTAs) on your website. Take it a step further by using compelling CTAs to encourage visitors to come in person.

For example, “Free samples for in-store customers only” or “Visit us to view our complete collection in person.” The goal is to create a sense of exclusivity for in-store experiences. Make your invitation more appealing by offering benefits that aren’t available to online shoppers.

Keep Your Website Easy to Navigate

One factor that can deter visitors from exploring your website is poor navigation. Make it enjoyable for visitors by using clear sections. Have “About Us,” “Our Products,” “Directions,” and “Contact Us” pages prominently and clearly displayed. Visitors appreciate easy-to-navigate sites, so keep it simple and intuitive.

And Then What?

We know you may have been conditioned to think your website is only meant to attract online customers. But by following these simple tips and steps, you can not only encourage website visitors to knock on your physical door but also connect with local customers by making it easy for them to find and choose you.

Only implement these strategies if you’re ready to welcome everyone in your community, because these methods don’t fail.

Enjoy your newfound popularity. Until next time!