Marketing a Small Business in a Mountain Town

Our home base is in a small mountain town in Central Oregon, which has made us uniquely qualified to help other small businesses who operate in mountain towns market their businesses more effectively. We understand that shoulder season, mud season, the season of the sticks, whatever you want to call it, can be extremely challenging for most business owners and that finding a way to do more than break even during your off season is often your number one priority. We have put together a short blog with some of the strategies that we have seen be most effective for our mountain town clients.

Marketing for businesses in mountain towns requires a unique approach that resonates with both locals and visitors. Here are key strategies to consider:

1. Emphasize Local Culture and Community

Highlight what makes your business part of the mountain town identity. Use local imagery, stories, and themes in your marketing materials to connect with residents and tourists who value authenticity. Showcasing products that tourists cannot get anywhere else is also incredibly useful.

2. Leverage Outdoor Activities

Many visitors are drawn to mountain towns for outdoor adventures. Tailor your promotions around popular activities like hiking, skiing, or biking (you can do this too fashion and furniture stores!). Offer packages or discounts for gear rentals, guided tours, or local experiences.

3. Utilize Social Media

Social media platforms are excellent for showcasing the beauty of the landscape and your unique offerings. Share engaging visuals of your products, community events, and customer experiences. Many travelers take to Instagram and search the local hashtag to see what stores, restaurants and attractions they might want to visit, using location tags and local hashtags can work to increase your businesses visibility.

4. Collaborate with Other Local Businesses

Form partnerships with other local businesses to create joint promotions. This could include cross-promotions with outdoor outfitters, hotels, or restaurants, fostering a network of support that benefits everyone involved. In a small mountain town incentivizing customers to stop at more than the local coffee shop is crucial, creating partnerships that encourage locals and tourists to walk from business to business can help an entire community of businesses see positive growth.

5. Partner with Local Markers and Influencers

Showcasing local makers and artists products in your store can help to expand your offerings of unique products but also works to help create partnerships with other businesses. Likewise working with local influencers can give your business exposure to thousands of new potential customers.

6. Attend Local Events and Festivals

Get involved in community events to raise awareness of your business. Participate in local festivals, farmers' markets, and fairs where you can showcase your products or services and engage directly with potential customers.

7. Optimize for Local Search

Make sure your online presence is optimized for local searches. Use Google My Business to update your information and encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, improving your visibility in search results. Not sure why this is helpful? Check out our blog on SEO for Small Businesses.

8. Create Engaging Content

Develop content that connects with the lifestyle of your audience. This could be blog posts, videos, or newsletters about local happenings, outdoor tips, or business milestones. Engaging content helps establish your authority and keeps your audience informed.

9. Invest in Email Marketing

Maintain a relationship with your customers through email newsletters. Share updates about your business, special deals, and local events. Regular communication helps keep your brand top of mind. Many tourists love to keep in touch with or continue purchasing special items from businesses they find while traveling. Capitalizing on tourists feelings of nostalgia for a specific trip can lead to years worth of sales for many mountain town businesses.

10. Understand Seasonal Trends

Mountain towns often experience seasonal fluctuations in tourism. Prepare your marketing campaigns around these trends, offering promotions that cater to the specific needs and interests of visitors during different seasons.

Incorporating these strategies can help businesses in mountain towns not only attract customers but also build stronger ties within the community.