Growing Rural: Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
Growing Rural: Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
Are you a rural business owner, local service provider, or community entrepreneur trying to grow your customer base—but not sure where to begin with marketing? Growing Rural is your step-by-step guide to reaching more people, building stronger relationships, and turning small-town loyalty into sustainable growth.
This powerful resource is designed specifically for businesses operating in rural communities—where budgets are limited, competition is local, and word of mouth still reigns supreme. Whether you’re running a retail shop, starting a side hustle, promoting a farm stand, or launching a service business, this book gives you the tools to get noticed and stay connected.
You’ll learn how to:
- Craft a strong local brand that reflects your values and attracts the right customers
- Use low-cost digital tools like social media, email, and Google to build visibility
- Design marketing plans that actually fit your time, budget, and customer habits
- Create buzz around your business through events, seasonal promotions, and community partnerships
- Engage with your current customer base in ways that build loyalty and referrals
- Develop a consistent message across platforms, flyers, and in-person conversations
- Avoid common marketing mistakes small-town businesses make—and what to do instead
What sets Growing Rural apart is its real-world focus. This isn’t marketing theory or big-budget corporate advice. It’s grounded in the realities of rural business—where your customers might also be your neighbors, your competition is personal, and every dollar (and minute) matters.
Whether you're just starting out or trying to refresh your outreach efforts, this guide helps you build a realistic and effective marketing strategy without sacrificing your authenticity. It's about more than advertising—it's about telling your story in a way that resonates, builds trust, and grows your presence in the community you call home.
If you're ready to stop guessing at what works and start growing your rural business with purpose and confidence, this book is for you.