Ever felt like the big city businesses have all the marketing magic? Think again! Small Town Big Impact is the go-to guide, tailored just for businesses in regional and smaller communities. From the charm of storytelling to the power of community engagement, this book is packed with real-world examples, actionable tips, and heartwarming anecdotes. Whether you run a cozy café, a family-owned hardware store, or an emerging tech startup in a regional hub, there's something in here for you. In this comprehensive guide, you'll uncover 107 actionable marketing strategies, each designed to amplify the unique charm and potential of businesses outside the bustling metropolis. These aren't just generic tips rehashed for the umpteenth time; these are strategies born from understanding the essence of regional businesses and their deep-rooted connections to their communities. They are tried and tested by author Jenn Donovan and the thousands of clients she’s dealt with over her almost 10 years of coaching and mentoring small regional businesses and she shares all the results in a “no-fluff” way that country business owners will appreciate. Discover how to:
* Leverage the unique strengths of your community.
* Build genuine, lasting relationships with your customers.
* Harness the power of local partnerships.
* Stand out in a digital world without losing your local touch.
* And so much more!
In a world where big brands often dominate the conversation, Small Town Big Impact is a testament to the idea that with the right strategies, passion, and community spirit, regional businesses can not only compete but thrive and leave an indelible mark. Remember, it's not about the size of the town, but the impact of your brand. So, whether you’re a seasoned business owner looking for a fresh perspective or a newbie just starting out, this book is your beacon.
Jenn Donovan is a global marketing strategist and Australia’s sought after speaker on all things marketing with a big heart for helping rural and regional small businesses (being a rural girl herself). She is the founder of Social Media and Marketing Australia, the viral Facebook Group Buy From a Bush Business and an original co-founder of Australia’s rural answer to Amazon – Spend With Us. Jenn offers her clients strategic and creative marketing and is renowned for making small business simple (which just happens to be the name of her super successful podcast – Small Business Made Simple!). Jenn understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with running a business in a regional setting. Her passion for community and local small business is evident in every project she undertakes. With a keen eye for strategy and a heart full of genuine care, she has transformed countless businesses, turning them from local gems into regional powerhouses. She's an advocate for meaningful connections, both in business and life, and is a testament to the idea that with the right guidance, every regional business can shine brightly. Jenn is a no-nonsense, fluff free marketer and someone you definitely want to know in business.
* Local Expertise: Written by Jenn Donovan, the founder of Social Media and Marketing Australia, this book offers unparalleled insights tailored specifically for regional businesses. Drawing from her vast experience and deep understanding of what it’s like to start, grow and maintain a small business a regional area. Jenn provides actionable strategies that resonate with the unique challenges and opportunities of small-town businesses.
* Comprehensive & Actionable: With 107 simple marketing strategies, "Small Town Big Impact" is a treasure trove of practical advice. From digital marketing to community engagement, each strategy is presented with real-world examples, making it easy for readers to implement and see tangible results. It's not just a book; it's a hands-on guide to transforming small regional businesses.
* More Than Just Marketing: Beyond the strategies, this book delves deep into the heart of community-driven business. It's peppered with heartwarming anecdotes, success stories, and interactive exercises that not only educate but also inspire. It's a testament to the power of community, storytelling, and genuine connections in the world of business.
* Tailored for the Underrepresented: In a market saturated with big-city business advice, "Small Town Big Impact" stands out as a beacon for regional and smaller community businesses. It addresses the unique nuances and strengths of operating outside major urban centres, ensuring that regional small business owners no longer feel overlooked or underserved but feel seen and empowered to build the business they’d dreamed of when they started.
* Interactive & Engaging: Unlike traditional marketing books, "Small Town Big Impact" engages readers with interactive exercises, encouraging them to actively participate and apply their learnings in real-time. This hands-on approach ensures not just theoretical understanding, but practical application, making the journey from reading to executing seamless and effective.
** Note the marketing has already started. I’ve been sharing the writing journey with my audience since March 2023. Including many of them in the process of choosing titles, covers, sharing the ups and downs of writing a book and so forth. I’ve mentioned it several times on my podcast and many other podcasts I’ve been featured on since May this year.
Publicity:
* Social Media Campaigns including a launch countdown series to the books release - teasing content, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses, and building anticipation.
* Social Media channels will be Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and LinkedIn.
* Interactive posts and challenges doing polls and quizzes on the book, including, as mentioned above, having my audience share in the front cover design, name of the book and so forth.
* Live Q&A Sessions and just live social media in general talking about the excitement of the book coming out and obviously the reveal of the book when it arrives. I’ll host AMA lives answering questions, and sharing success stories.
* The social media campaign just won’t be through my own socials but through other communities as well such as Buy From a Bush Business (with over 369,000 members), through One Roof and She’s the Boss (combined 5k+ community) and through numerous other targeted Facebook groups.
* Traditional Media Outreach:
* Press Releases – I’ve joined Handle Your Own PR which is a PR engine with direct access to many different press types and their content creators. I will distribute press releases to newspapers, TV, and radio stations highlighting the book's unique focus on regional businesses.
* Media Appearances (hopefully) on popular TV and radio shows, particularly those with a focus on business, entrepreneurship and/or have a regional focus.
* Book Reviews: Send advance copies to prominent business owners and thought leaders in my world for reviews.
* Speaking Engagements:
* Book Launch Event: Organise a launch event in a regional setting (I hope to do several of these but most of them will probably be in 2024 given the tight run into the end of 2023), inviting local business owners, media, and influencers.
* Guest Speaker – reach out to councils, chambers and other business groups across regional Australia guest speaking events (paid and unpaid potentially), workshops, or seminars focusing on regional business marketing and book sales.
* Podcast Interviews – I have my VA lined up to start to reach out the regional community podcasters for interviews about the book and will go back to my community (podcasts I’ve been a past guest on) and organise another chat. I would like to do 20-30 of these between November 2023 and November 2024.
* Collaborative Promotions:
* Content Marketing:
*Blog Series: Release a series of blogs on the Social Media and Marketing Australia website, delving deeper into some of the book's strategies, supplemented with case studies and recent developments.
* Infographics: Create visually appealing infographics summarizing key strategies, making them easily shareable across platforms.
* Book Tours & Signings:
* Regional Focus: Prioritise book signings in regional areas, reinforcing the book's core message and directly connecting with the target audience.
* Collaborate with Local Bookstores: Partner with independent bookstores in regional areas for special events, readings, and promotions.
* Email Marketing:
* Newsletter Features: Regularly feature book excerpts, testimonials, and success stories in the Social Media and Marketing Australia newsletter.
* Exclusive Offers: Provide special discounts or bundled offers for subscribers, encouraging early purchases and reviews.
