If recent events have taught us anything, it’s that communities tend to come together during difficult times. As a local business, you make up part of the fabric of Kansas City. As the city begins to come back to life, we have an opportunity to work with other businesses and organizations to help everyone come out ahead. Being actively involved in your community can have long-lasting benefits for your business. Kansas City is a community that values relationships. Supporting causes that are important to you and your staff will not only help you build more brand recognition. It will also encourage customers to shop locally. When you forge deeper connections with buyers you build a loyal consumer base that knows you value them too. Use your brand to support and engage your local community right now with these for tips.
1. Call Attention to Milestone Moments
For the past year, the milestones that are important to your community members haven’t gotten as much recognition as they normally would. One way to build connections is by helping celebrate these milestone moments. There are tons of organizations, people, and occasions to celebrate. Business anniversaries, graduating high school and college seniors, local athletic events, weddings, birthdays, and so much more. For those going above and beyond the call of duty, local heroes are also deserving of love. Healthcare workers, veterans, firefighters, teachers, and others appreciate the encouragement. Offering your customers ways to participate in your celebration by getting them involved in spreading positivity. Connecting with customers on a common milestone will help make them feel extra special. A great way to bring recognition to these moments is with storefront signage. Customized banners and flags, window clings, yard signs, and sidewalk signs call attention to your chosen milestones from customers and passersby. These can also be updated relatively cost-effectively to match the season or celebration. Small in-store giveaways like stickers, pens, and postcards spread your message. Or for clients who are celebrating a milestone, send a gift like
agBox to mark the occasion. Not only will these be special take-home items for the people you’re celebrating, but they’ll serve as a tangible reminder of your brand and the trust you’ve built.
2. Sponsor a Local Cause or Event
Kansas City has some amazing organizations and businesses in need of extra support right now. Sponsorships allow you to support causes that are important to you while also getting your brand in front of potential customers. AlphaGraphics KC partners with several local organizations by providing free and discounted services. In the last year, we have sponsored organizations such as
UnitedWe,
Oakhill Day School, and
Junior Achievement. There are lots of ways a partnership will bolster both the local event and your business. Sponsoring a nonprofit fundraising event or gala is one popular choice. In doing so, you might have the opportunity to place your logo or company name on programs, event graphics, and gifts. You will likely also have an opportunity to attend the event which will give you face time with the decisions makers that you might not otherwise get to see. You could also sponsor a club, sporting team, school, or another community event or organization. Most sponsorships allow you to place your logo and branding in advertisements, signage, printed materials, t-shirts, and promotional items. Sponsorships provide plenty of opportunities for brand awareness regardless of if they are virtual or in person.
3. Share Your Expertise
Over the last year as many people have been required to work at home. During that time they have become more interested in staying active, learning new skills, and bettering themselves. You can demonstrate your personal and business value beyond your typical products and services by teaching Kansas City something new. It doesn’t matter what the nature of your business is—you have valuable personal and professional knowledge you can share. Use your skills to create opportunities to educate and engage potential customers. When you teach, you build credibility and position your brand as an industry thought leader. It also makes you feel good. Haley is a
Girl Scout Troop leader which allows her to use her experiences as an entrepreneur to help explore their own leadership opportunities. Consider hosting a virtual event or webinar that people can tune into, whether as a one-off event or a series. For example, AlphaGraphics Kansas City has been
hosting monthly virtual learning classes to discuss everything from direct mail to
online ordering. You might also consider fun events, like a DIY craft workshop, a cooking class, or a virtual group workout. If events aren't your style, you could create how-to videos or written guides to generate leads on your website and social media platforms. Sharing downloadable or printable content can be as effective as videos. Create a survey to find out what your audience is interested in. Then identify what expertise you can share to fill that interest.
4. Partner with Local Brands
We know how challenging navigating the current market is. Other businesses are facing the same challenges and are likely looking for new ideas to generate new business. Now is the perfect time to get to know your neighbors and team up to help each other! Kansas City is a great place to band together as a community. Look for businesses that are not direct competitors but offer complementary services to yours. Make your neighborhood a destination by brainstorming ways you can work together. A joint promotional offer or a “shop local” campaign can be achieved by utilizing
agMail+ to combine direct mail and digital advertising. Create fliers, coupons, and incentives to drive traffic to each other’s businesses. When you network with other business owners and key members of your community you can learn from and support one another. All of the businesses involved in the partnership will benefit from the extra exposure, which will help strengthen your community as a whole.
Community Participation Is Key for Your Business
As local businesses, it’s important for us to have a presence in Kansas City. When we support our neighbors during difficult times, our businesses and the KC community will be stronger today and in the future. Consider community support an opportunity to gain brand recognition. You will build a loyal customer base and make a positive local impact when you involved in your community.