7 Things You Should (Or Shouldn't) Do When Marketing Your Business Online

Internet advertising isn’t just for the big guys. If you're a small-town or rural business, online ads can be a goldmine—if you know how to play the game. You don't need fancy budgets or complex strategies. You need simple, clear, and effective ads that speak directly to your audience.

Below are seven straight-to-the-point tips that can help you stand out, connect with your local community, and get results. And just like any solid offer, we’re throwing in pro tips to give you that extra edge. Let's dive in.

1. Be Honest & Clear
   Make sure your ads are transparent about your deals, partnerships, or testimonials. This builds trust with your audience and avoids any misunderstandings.

   • Pro Tip: Always include a simple disclaimer or note about any deals, partnerships, or testimonials. Phrases like "As seen in [Local Newspaper]" build trust and credibility.

2. Talk to Your Audience
   If people already know you, be direct with your offer. If they’re new to your business, tell a story about how your product or service solves their problem in a way that makes sense to them.

   • Pro Tip: Use language and stories that reflect your community. For example, mention local events, weather, or other relatable topics in your ads to create a connection.

3. Use Local Stories & Images
   Highlight real stories from your town or community in your ads. Use local photos and relatable experiences to grab attention and create a strong local connection.

   • Pro Tip: Use customer testimonials from people in your town—especially well-known community members. Familiar faces make your ads more trustworthy and relatable.

4. Know Your Customers
   Think about who your customers are (e.g., families, farmers, small business owners) and what they need. Tailor your ad message to speak directly to their needs and concerns.

   • Pro Tip: Create different ads for different groups of customers. For example, target ads for farmers during early morning hours and families in the evenings when they're likely online.

5. Stand Out in Your Market
   Emphasize what makes your business different—whether it’s quality, customer service, or local roots. Make sure people see what sets you apart in your small market.

   • Pro Tip: Use a clear call-to-action (CTA) like “Visit Our Store Today!” or “Order Now for Local Delivery!” to make it easy for people to take the next step with you.

6. Adapt to Each Platform
   Use direct messaging for people who know you and softer, storytelling-based ads for those who are just learning about your business. Adjust your approach based on whether you’re using Facebook, Google, or other sites.

   • Pro Tip: For Facebook, create ads with lots of visuals and short text. For Google, make sure your headlines are catchy and directly answer what someone might be searching for.

7. Use Good Visuals
   Use engaging visuals and videos that represent your business well. Authentic photos of your business, community, and staff are powerful and work across all platforms.

   • Pro Tip: Keep your visuals bright, clear, and people-focused. Photos of happy customers, staff, or recognizable local places get more attention than generic images.

With these tips and pro tips combined, you'll create internet ads that are engaging, trustworthy, and tailored to your small-town and rural audience!