Why Local Ads Are Essential for SMBs to Get More Bookings (And How to Get Started)

If you’re running a small or medium-sized business, you’ve probably wondered: “How do I get more local customers?” The answer is here, now with our guide “Ad campaigns for beginners”, Maybe you don’t have to try flyers, post on community boards, or rely on good old-fashioned word-of-mouth. Because, while all that helps, there’s one game-changer that SMBs often underestimate—local online advertising.

Think of local ads as digital neon signs guiding potential clients straight to your front door. If you want your neighbors to book their next yoga class, haircut, or massage with you instead of the competition down the street, you need ads that scream “We’re here and we’re amazing!”

Grab your favorite coffee, get comfy, and let’s talk about how you can make local ads your new best friend.

The Power of Local Advertising for SMBs

Why going local gives your SMB a competitive advantage.

Here’s a fact: most customers prefer businesses that feel like they’re part of their community. People like to know they’re supporting real neighbors instead of giant corporations. By creating ads targeted specifically at your neighborhood, you instantly become a relatable local hero rather than just another business on the internet.

Going local also means fewer wasted dollars. You only pay to reach people who can realistically walk through your door, not someone browsing from a café in a city 300 miles away.

Real-world examples of SMBs successfully using local ads.

Take Jenny’s Café, a charming local coffee shop. Jenny used geo-targeted Facebook ads offering 20% off breakfast to people living within a mile of her café. Result? A packed café every morning and customers who keep coming back.

Or consider Mike’s Fitness Studio, who used Google Local Ads to appear right at the top whenever locals searched “best gym near me.” Mike saw a 30% increase in new member sign-ups within weeks. No magic—just smart, localized advertising.

Choosing the Best Channels for Local Ads

Not all ad platforms are created equal, especially when you’re targeting a specific neighborhood. Here are the easiest and most effective:

Google Local Ads and Google Maps listings.

Google is often your first touchpoint with potential local clients. Google Local Ads ensure your business shows up prominently whenever someone nearby searches for your service. Even better, your Google Maps listing makes it incredibly easy for them to find directions, opening hours, and (best of all) book appointments directly.

Facebook and Instagram geo-targeted campaigns.

Facebook and Instagram ads are like virtual flyers delivered straight into your neighbors’ pockets. With advanced location targeting, you can make sure your message reaches exactly who it needs to—right down to specific neighborhoods. Want to target busy professionals within 2 miles of your massage studio? Consider it done!

Crafting Ads That Resonate Locally

Use local keywords and neighborhood-specific messaging.

Think of what locals care about. If your business is in Brooklyn, use “Brooklyn’s favorite yoga studio.” If you’re in Austin, let your ads reflect Austin’s vibe: “Keep Austin chill with our relaxing massage.”

Highlight testimonials and reviews from local clients.

There’s nothing locals trust more than reviews from their neighbors. Include quotes or snippets of positive reviews from your regulars in your ads. Hearing “Best coffee in town—hands down!” from a familiar local resident is marketing gold.

Create offers or discounts specifically for locals.

Consider offering a discount or special perk for your immediate community. “15% off for our Downtown neighbors” not only boosts bookings, it also makes your community feel special and connected to your business.

Local Ad Campaign Setup: Step-by-Step

Ready to start running local ads? Here’s your quick-and-easy guide to making it happen.

Setting precise geographical targeting in your ads.

First, choose your ad platform (Google, Facebook, Instagram), then set your location targeting carefully. Platforms typically allow you to select a radius around your business or specific ZIP codes. Start small and expand as needed—it’s easy to adjust as you go.

Optimizing landing pages for local search.

Make sure your website or booking page mentions your location prominently. Include your address, phone number, and local keywords (“haircuts in Denver,” “Pilates in Santa Monica”) to boost your visibility in local searches. Your landing page should also make it ridiculously easy for visitors to book instantly.

Tracking and Improving Local Ad Performance

Launching an ad isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. Like tending a garden, local ads require a bit of care.

Essential local advertising metrics to track (Clicks, CTR, Local Conversion Rates).

Focus on a few key metrics:

• Clicks: How many locals are clicking on your ads?
  
• CTR (Click-Through Rate): A higher CTR means your ads are connecting.
  
• Local Conversion Rate: How many visitors actually book after clicking?
  

These metrics help you know what’s working, what’s not, and where to make improvements.

How to quickly adjust campaigns based on local performance.

If your campaign isn’t getting many clicks, try adjusting your headline or visuals. If you’re getting clicks but no bookings, tweak your landing page or offer. Ads aren’t a static billboard—they’re a dynamic tool you can adjust anytime, so stay nimble and test often.

Integrating Local Ads with SimplyBook.me

Now, if you’re worried about juggling yet another tool, don’t panic—SimplyBook.me has you covered.

How SimplyBook.me’s built-in features simplify local advertising.

SimplyBook.me integrates local ad management directly into your booking platform, so you don’t need to be a tech wizard or marketing guru. Within a few clicks, you can create and manage targeted ads that directly lead clients to book appointments at your business. Simple!

Monitor local bookings directly from your dashboard.

Ever wondered exactly how effective your ads are? SimplyBook.me lets you track bookings generated by your local campaigns right in your dashboard. Instantly see how many new clients your ads bring in, making it easy to celebrate wins (and make smarter ad decisions next time).

Time to Go Local!

There’s a reason why SMBs thrive when they advertise locally: people like to support businesses they feel connected to. By creating smart, engaging local ads, you’ll boost your bookings, build loyal clients, and become an essential part of your community.

Feeling ready? Take the next step with SimplyBook.me’s Social Media & Ads feature, and let your neighbors know you’re just around the corner. After all, local success never goes out of style!