As lockdown measures continued to be reviewed against scientific advice, the high street of Twickenham has started to come back to life. For our local business owners, this has to be very good news. The lockdown measures have not been easy for any business owner, and this is no different in Twickenham.
According to Newsmedia Association (formerly The Newspaper Society) research called, “Loving Local”, consumers will spend their money locally with 76% buying from within five miles of their home and 92% buying from within ten miles of their home. A massive 93% of consumers outlined that they liked companies who involve themselves in their local communities and 84% of consumers outlined that they were more likely to buy from local brands that gave something back to the community.
For local businesses here in Twickenham it has never been so crucial for your brands to be visible within the community. Your neighbours want to buy from you but they need to know you are open for business, and that you can provide a safe environment.
Having a website is a good conduit for your business to provide up to date information that can really help your local community to engage with you. This information could be a sale message, it could be your delivery options, it could be how you are supporting key workers.
Having a business presence on social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram is another way that your business can talk directly to people that you want to do business with. Sometimes it is as simple as saying, “we are open” to generate interest in what your business is doing.
Finally, taking out advertising space in your local TW Magazines is another way to reach your consumers in Twickenham as it has a consistent presence in your locality and is trusted. But it also cuts down on costs to your business such as leaflet printing, leaflet delivery costs, and time. TW Magazines provide one piece of relevant messaging delivered to many households in Twickenham.
Getting your digital presence organised and identifying your route to market is a message that local Twickenham residents want to hear. After all, life is truly local right now so make sure your business capitalises.
Steve Hamilton is the Director of Media in a Box, a digital, media and creative consultancy. Steve has held senior positions with companies including KM Media Group, Reach Plc (Formerly Trinity Mirror) and now supports local businesses with media and marketing consultancy. www.mediainabox.co.uk