When Alex first opened his car hire company, specialising in electric vehicles, he believed that his modern fleet of eco-friendly cars would be enough to draw in customers. The idea was great—more people were interested in sustainable transport options, and his service provided the convenience of renting electric vehicles without the hefty price tag of owning one. But as the months went by, Alex realised that while his business had potential, it wasn’t getting the traction he had hoped for.
Despite offering something truly unique, people just didn’t seem to know his business existed. It wasn’t enough to have the right product; he needed to connect with his local community in a way that made his business top-of-mind whenever someone needed to hire a car. That’s when Alex made the decision to focus on building a strong local presence—and it made all the difference.
Realising the Importance of Local Connections
Alex’s first step towards growing his customer base was to take a look at his competition. He noticed that many of the larger car hire companies were heavily focused on online advertising, targeting people across cities, but not many were engaging directly with the local community. He realised that for his small business to thrive, he needed to build relationships with the people around him, making his service a trusted local option.
So, instead of investing heavily in online ads that would blend into the noise, Alex turned his attention to local engagement. He knew that building a strong local presence wasn’t about flashy campaigns—it was about becoming a part of the community and earning the trust of those nearby.
Getting Involved in Local Events and Networking
One of the first things Alex did was get involved in local events. Whether it was community fairs, eco-friendly living expos, or car shows, Alex made sure that his business had a visible presence. He set up a stall at the local farmers' market, offering small discounts on first-time rentals and allowing people to explore one of his electric cars up close. Many passers-by were curious and appreciated the opportunity to ask questions about electric vehicles in a casual, no-pressure environment.
By being present at these local events, Alex not only introduced people to his car hire service, but he also showed that his business was committed to supporting the community. He wasn’t just trying to make a sale—he was building relationships. Over time, people began to recognise Alex and associate him with electric vehicles, making him their go-to option when they needed to hire a car.
Collaborating with Local Businesses for Mutual Growth
After attending a few events, Alex realised that local partnerships could also be key to building a strong presence. He started collaborating with nearby businesses that shared similar values. For instance, he teamed up with a local eco-friendly hotel, offering guests a discount on electric vehicle rentals during their stay. This partnership not only gave Alex’s business more visibility but also aligned perfectly with the hotel’s commitment to sustainability.
He also reached out to local car dealerships that didn’t offer electric vehicles as part of their hire services. Whenever a customer asked about eco-friendly options, the dealerships recommended Alex’s car hire company. In return, Alex referred customers to these dealerships when they were interested in purchasing an electric vehicle after experiencing one through his service.
These collaborations weren’t about complicated contracts or big advertising spends—they were about building genuine relationships that benefited both businesses. By working together, Alex and his partners helped each other grow, while offering their customers more value.
Making His Business a Familiar Name
Alex didn’t stop at events and partnerships. He knew that in order to build a strong local presence, people needed to see his business regularly. So, he made sure his branding was visible throughout the community. He placed well-designed flyers and postcards at local cafés, gyms, and even the town library, offering a special rate for local residents. These small touches made his business more familiar to the people who lived nearby.
But Alex knew that visibility wasn’t just about getting his name out there—it was about trust. So, he made sure that every interaction with his customers was memorable. Whether it was a simple enquiry over the phone or a vehicle pick-up, he ensured that his team offered friendly, helpful service. He understood that word-of-mouth referrals could be one of his most powerful tools, and by consistently offering great customer experiences, he encouraged people to recommend his business to others.
The Impact of a Strong Local Presence
As the months went by, Alex noticed a shift. People who had seen him at the farmers' market or heard about his collaboration with the hotel started coming through the door. Local businesses were recommending him to their customers, and residents were choosing his service over larger, well-known companies because they trusted him and felt connected to his business.
Building a strong local presence didn’t happen overnight, but it was the foundation of Alex’s customer growth. He no longer had to rely on expensive online ads to compete with big companies—instead, he had a loyal base of local customers who valued his commitment to the community and appreciated the personal touch his business offered.
Why a Local Presence Matters
Alex’s story shows that for many small businesses, building a strong local presence can be the key to driving growth. It’s not just about being visible—it’s about being trusted and connected to the people around you. Whether you’re a car hire company, a café, or a fitness studio, engaging with your community and building relationships can make all the difference.
By focusing on local events, collaborations with other businesses, and creating a familiar presence in the area, Alex was able to grow his customer base in a way that felt authentic and sustainable. And the best part? His success wasn’t built on aggressive marketing tactics—it was built on relationships, trust, and real engagement with the community.
Ready to Build Your Own Local Presence?
If Alex’s story resonates with you and you’re ready to start building a stronger local presence to drive customer growth, now is the time to take action. Mark A Preston, THE Customer Growth Coach & Speaker, can help you develop a strategy tailored to your unique business and local community. His coaching and training will show you how to create meaningful connections, build trust, and grow your customer base in a sustainable, impactful way. Reach out to Mark today and start growing your business through the power of local presence.
