Email Marketing Tips to Bring in More Local Business
Simple Tips for Local Business Owners Who Want More Leads and Customers
If you're a local business owner—whether you run a salon, plumbing company, cleaning service, or anything in between—you know how important it is to stay in touch with potential and current customers. But are you using email marketing to its full potential?
Email marketing isn’t just for big companies. It’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to stay top of mind, build trust, and turn interest into sales. The key is knowing what to send, when to send it, and who to send it to.
Here’s how to use email marketing in a smart, simple way to guide people through your sales process and bring in more business.
1. Segment Your Email List Based on Interest or Stage.
Not every customer on your list is in the same place. Some just found your business. Others are ready to book. By grouping your contacts based on where they are in the buying process, you can send more helpful, targeted emails—and get better results.
Let’s say you own a local landscaping company:
Someone who just downloaded your free “Spring Lawn Care Tips” guide is likely in the “just looking” stage.
A lead who asked for a quote is in the “thinking about it” stage.
A past customer might be ready for seasonal maintenance or a new service.
Here’s how to break it down:
New leads – Send them helpful tips or a welcome email so they get to know you.
Warmed-up leads – Share before-and-after photos, testimonials, or reasons why your service stands out.
Past customers – Send reminders, seasonal offers, or loyalty rewards to bring them back.
You don’t need fancy software—just the ability to tag or group your list based on actions (like filling out a form, clicking a link, or making a purchase).
2. Write Emails That Actually Get Read (and Clicked).
Once your list is segmented, it’s time to write emails that people actually want to open—and act on.
Here are a few simple tips to write better emails:
Keep it short and friendly. Talk like a real person, not a sales robot.
Focus on one thing at a time. Each email should have one main message or goal.
Make it local and personal. Mention your town or service area to connect with your audience.
Example for a local HVAC company:
“Hey [First Name], with temps rising here in [Your Town], now’s the perfect time to get your AC checked. Our spring tune-up special is still available—book now before it heats up!”
Always include a clear call-to-action—something like “Book Now,” “Get a Free Estimate,” or “See Our Work.”
3. Automate Your Follow-Ups to Save Time.
You don’t have to write every email by hand. With automation, you can set up a few key emails to send automatically when someone joins your list or takes a certain action.
Here’s a simple automated email flow for a local service provider:
Day 1 – Welcome Email
Thank them for signing up and introduce yourself.Day 3 – Helpful Tip or Resource
Share a blog post, guide, or service spotlight.Day 5 – Testimonial or Case Study
Show how you helped another customer in their neighborhood.Day 7 – Offer or Booking Reminder
Give them a reason to take the next step.
Setting this up once can save you hours later—and it keeps leads moving through your sales funnel without you having to chase them.
Why This Matters for Location-Based Businesses
As a local business, you rely on trust, reputation, and relationships. Email helps you build all three.
Your potential customers are busy. They may not remember your business name off the top of their head—but if you stay in their inbox with helpful content and timely offers, they’re far more likely to choose you when they’re ready to buy.
Staying in touch shouldn’t feel like a sales pitch—and with email marketing, it doesn’t have to. It’s just smart, simple connection with valuable content that keeps you top of mind.
Whether you need help with the best email marketing platform, copywriting, or creating email campaigns, we offer consultation and done-for-you services.