Local Ads That Work—A Beginner’s Guide to Smart Spending
Running ads can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve tried it before and didn’t get the results you hoped for. But when done right, local digital advertising can bring in steady leads, foot traffic, and brand awareness without wasting your budget.
Here’s how to make every dollar count:
1. Start with a Goal
Before spending a cent, ask: What do I want from this ad?
Common goals:
Get more calls or bookings
Drive traffic to a landing page
Promote an event or special offer
Build brand awareness in a specific zip code
Clarity on your objective guides the rest of your setup.
2. Focus on Local Targeting
Use geographic filters to show your ads only to nearby users.
Tips:
Target by zip code, city, or radius
Exclude areas you don’t serve
Add interests or behaviors that match your customer profile (like “foodies” or “small business owners”)
3. Keep It Simple (and Mobile-Friendly)
Whether it’s a boosted post or a Google ad, simplicity wins.
Make sure your ad has:
A clear headline and visual
A single call-to-action (CTA)
A link that leads to a mobile-optimized page
4. Test, Measure, and Improve
Start with a small budget ($25–$100) and see how it performs. Look at:
Click-through rate (CTR)
Cost per click (CPC)
Conversions (calls, form fills, visits)
Adjust and improve based on what you learn.
5. Use the Right Platforms
Each ad platform has strengths. Start with the ones that make sense for your business:
Facebook/Instagram: Great for visuals, local engagement, and events
Google Search: Ideal for high-intent leads (e.g., “plumber near me”)
Nextdoor: Perfect for neighborhood targeting and word-of-mouth
Waze or Yelp: Smart for driving foot traffic to physical locations
Final Thought: It’s Not About Spending More—It’s About Spending Smart
Local ads are one of the fastest ways to grow—but only if they’re targeted, tested, and tailored to your goals.
Want help crafting your first (or next) campaign? Galley Marketing builds ad strategies that fit your business and your budget. Let’s get your message out there.