Using Live Events to Boost the Shop Local Card Program

In the digital age, where online marketing dominates, it's easy to overlook the immense value of live events as a powerful marketing tool.

For the Shop Local Card program and its 160 participating businesses, live events offer a unique opportunity to connect with the community, showcase offerings, and drive customer engagement.


In this blog post, we will explore why live events are an exceptional choice for marketing the Shop Local Card program and how they can effectively promote local businesses.

1. Creating Memorable Experiences: Live events provide a platform to create immersive and memorable experiences for attendees. By participating in events such as local markets, trade shows, or community festivals, the Shop Local Card program can leave a lasting impression on potential customers. Through engaging displays, interactive activities, and personalized interactions, the program can effectively communicate its value proposition and generate interest.

2. Targeted Audience Reach: Live events often attract a specific target audience interested in exploring local products and supporting small businesses. By strategically choosing events that align with the values and interests of the Shop Local Card program, businesses can reach a concentrated audience of potential customers who are already inclined to shop locally. This targeted approach enhances the program's visibility and increases the chances of attracting new cardholders.

3. Face-to-Face Connections: In an increasingly digital world, personal connections hold significant value. Live events provide a unique opportunity for businesses and customers to interact face-to-face, fostering trust, building relationships, and establishing a sense of community. Through genuine conversations and demonstrations of their offerings, participating businesses can create memorable connections with attendees, ultimately driving customer loyalty and advocacy.

4. Showcasing Local Products and Services: Live events serve as a platform for local businesses to showcase their products and services in a tangible way. By setting up attractive booths, businesses can display their unique offerings, allowing customers to see, touch, and experience the value firsthand. This tactile experience can significantly impact purchasing decisions and entice attendees to become Shop Local Cardholders, knowing they can access exclusive discounts and perks.

5. Leveraging Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Live events are conducive to word-of-mouth marketing, which remains one of the most powerful forms of recommendation. Satisfied customers who attend events can become enthusiastic advocates for the Shop Local Card program and the businesses involved. By providing exceptional experiences, offering exclusive discounts, and engaging attendees, the program can generate positive word-of-mouth buzz, leading to increased awareness and participation.

6. Creating Buzz on Social Media: Live events offer endless opportunities for social media engagement and user-generated content. Attendees often share their experiences, discoveries, and best finds on social media platforms, amplifying the reach of the event and the participating businesses. By incorporating branded hashtags, encouraging photo opportunities, and running social media contests during events, the Shop Local Card program can leverage the power of social media to further extend its reach and influence.

7. Building Brand Awareness: Participating in live events allows the Shop Local Card program to build brand awareness and recognition within the local community. By consistently showcasing its presence at various events, the program becomes synonymous with supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement. Attendees are more likely to remember and seek out the Shop Local Card program, leading to increased cardholder acquisition and overall brand growth.

Marketing the Shop Local Card program and its 160 participating businesses through live events has been effective and will continue to be a marketing and awareness strategy we utilize.

From creating memorable experiences to targeting specific audiences, live events offer unique opportunities to connect with the community, drive engagement, and foster long-term customer relationships.

By leveraging the power of face-to-face interactions, word-of-mouth marketing, social media engagement, and brand-building, the Shop Local Card program can maximize its visibility, attract new cardholders, and empower local businesses.

Embracing live events as a key marketing strategy will undoubtedly contribute to the success and growth of the program, creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits the entire community.