6 Genius Marketing Tips for Franchise Owners

Encourage online reviews and testimonials

It’s important for consumers to hear about the experiences of others through reviews and testimonials. In fact, 79 percent of consumers trust online reviews as much as a recommendation from a friend, according to a Search Engine Land study. You may not have full control over online reviews, but you’re completely in charge of the testimonials you place on your website. If you have a recurring satisfied customer or one you know well, ask them to write a positive testimonial and tell them they’ll be featured on your site.

Get creative with a toll-free number

A toll-free number may seem like a tool for a big, established company, but they work just as well for franchises. A vanity toll-free number provides an easy way for customers to reach you and remember how to contact you. As a local company, you need to establish trust with your customer base, and a vanity number is just the tool to help you out. You can search for your very own custom toll-free number here:customtollfree.com/search.

Build awareness among local media

Local TV stations and newspapers are always looking to find out what’s happening in the community, so it’s important to keep in touch. Send out press releases for upcoming newsworthy events or promotions happening at your location. Before you pitch a story, make sure the information is relevant to the specific station or newspaper.

Work with other local franchises

If several franchise locations exist in the area, get together with the other owners and pool your resources. After all, there is strength in numbers. A promotion idea may be too expensive for just one franchise, but if a few or more come together, you’re more likely to succeed.

Boost your social media presence

Your corporate headquarters most likely has its own main social media pages, but having your own will allow you to connect with the customers who are walking through your door. You should be commenting on local events, as well as sharing discounts, coupons and photos from events, all to create a more personalized experience.

Get active in the community

Stay up to date on local events and opportunities to get involved in your surrounding area. For example, you can work with local sports teams, churches or school groups to set up fundraisers to generate some free advertising. It’s also a great way to draw people to your location, even if they’re simply there to make a donation.