-
When engaging in social media, be sure to use the #BankLocally hashtag to be a part of the conversation.
-
Offer to do an information session for local prospective entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a small business. Outline how the application process works and how community banks like yours have the local expertise to help them get started.
-
Partner with the local chamber of commerce or county government, hold a small business forum to help connect successful local small businesses with start-ups.
-
Partner with the local chamber of commerce to host “Go Local” mixers to help connect small business owners with local providers to reward customers who shop locally.
-
Profile your small business customers in your local advertising. Demonstrate that you are making a real difference in the community by supporting local small businesses.
-
Work with your small business customers to host guest blog posts where you can share content and speak to new audiences on your blog as well as theirs.
-
Set up a place in your lobby to highlight local small businesses your bank supports.
-
Use “Go Local” as a way to open a conversation with new small businesses in town. By doing so, you can help differentiate your community bank from other financial institutions in your area.
-
Have a contest to encourage your consumer banking customers to use as many local merchants as possible. Offer prizes supplied by the small business owners.