5 Unconventional, Low-Cost Ways to Attract More Customers to Your Rural Business

Marketing in a rural area isn’t the same as marketing in a city. You don’t have thousands of people walking past your storefront daily, and your customer base isn’t endless. So, if you’re relying on traditional marketing strategies, you’re probably blending in rather than standing out.

You don’t need a big budget—you need the right strategy. Here are five unconventional ways to get more customers in the door, tailored specifically for small-town businesses.

1. Turn Your Business Into the Town’s Best-Kept Secret

Small towns love inside knowledge. When people feel like they’ve “discovered” something exclusive, they want to share it with others. You can turn your business into something people have to talk about.

✅ How to Do It:

• Create a secret menu or hidden deal that only certain customers know about (like “Ask for the Backroom Special” to get 10% off).

• Launch an invite-only event for people who spend over a certain amount or refer a friend.

• Offer an exclusive "locals-only" product that tourists can’t buy.

💡 Why It Works: People love feeling like insiders. By making customers part of something special, they’ll bring others in just to prove they know the secret.

2. Create a “Rural Business Takeover”

In rural areas, customers tend to visit the same businesses over and over again. Instead of competing for attention, partner with another business and swap places for a day.

✅ How to Do It:

• If you own a coffee shop, take over the local bookstore’s counter for a day and serve customers inside their space.

• If you run a boutique, team up with a hair salon and set up a “pop-up” rack of clothing inside their store.

• A farmers' market vendor could sell a small selection of products inside a hardware store for a weekend.

💡 Why It Works: This puts you in front of a new customer base instantly. Plus, it adds a novelty factor—people are naturally drawn to what’s different and unexpected.

3. Make Customers "Earn" a Discount in a Fun Way

Instead of running a standard “10% off” sale, turn your discount into something fun that customers want to engage with. The more interactive it is, the more they’ll remember you.

✅ How to Do It:

• Offer a “Pay by the Weather” discount—if it’s 32°F outside, customers get 32% off one item.

• Let customers roll dice or spin a wheel for a random discount at checkout.

• Create a “Local Trivia Challenge” where customers answer a town history question to get a deal.

💡 Why It Works: Instead of a boring sale, this makes the buying experience memorable and shareable—which means more customers talking about you.

4. Introduce a "Community Contribution" Option

People in rural areas care about their neighbors. Instead of offering discounts, let customers directly support their community by shopping with you.

✅ How to Do It:

• Let customers round up their total to donate to a local cause.

• Offer a “Buy One, Give One” promo where for every item purchased, you donate one to a local school, shelter, or nonprofit.

• Let customers nominate a person in need to receive free products or services.

💡 Why It Works: People will choose you over competitors when they see that their dollars go beyond a purchase. It also builds long-term goodwill in the community.

5. Start a “Hometown Hall of Fame” Featuring Your Customers

People love seeing their name (or their family’s name) in lights. Make your customers the star of your business.

✅ How to Do It:

• Feature a “Customer of the Week” on your social media, bulletin board, or website.

• Create a photo wall of longtime customers or notable community members who have supported your business.

• Start a “Hometown Stories” campaign where customers share how they’ve used your products or services in their daily lives.

💡 Why It Works: People will visit just to see themselves (or someone they know) featured. This taps into small-town pride and builds stronger connections with your business.

Final Thoughts: The Key to Standing Out in a Small Town

RP+ Members ONLY: Click here to read the advanced version of this article with specific strategies, templates, and a downloadable document.

In a rural business, you don’t need to outspend competitors—you need to outthink them. By creating experiences, exclusivity, and community engagement, you can bring in more customers without spending a fortune.