Get to Know Your Local Crowd
A. Identify Your Services & Hotspots
- List Your Services:
Hey, grab a pen (or your phone) and jot down every service you offer. Whether you’re the plumbing guru or the go-to electrician, list it all—think of it like making your very own superhero lineup.
- Pinpoint Your Target Areas:
Now, decide where you want to work your magic. Is it the bustling streets of Cape Town, the sunny vibes of Durban, or the cool corners of Pretoria?
- Action: Create a simple list or table pairing each service with a location. For example:
- Emergency plumber Cape Town
- Leaky tap fix Pretoria
You’re basically mapping out your territory—like planning your next big braai spot!
- Check for Local Demand:
Fire up Google and type in your service paired with the location (e.g., “emergency plumber Cape Town”).
- Action: Notice any extra words or phrases that pop up in the search results. These are clues to what your local crowd is really asking for. Write them down, and you’re one step closer to understanding your neighbors’ needs.
B. Speak the Local Lingo
- Research Local Terms:
Time to slip into your detective hat. Visit local forums, social media groups, or community pages where people talk about your service. Do they say “fix a tap” or “repair leak”?
- Action: Write down the common phrases and any local slang you notice. It’s like learning the secret handshake of your community!
- Check Out Your Competitors (Legally, of Course):
Take a peek at the websites of your local competitors. See what language they’re using in their headlines and descriptions.
- Action: Jot down any catchy, region-specific terms they use. No need to copy—they’re just giving you a taste of what resonates with your audience.
- Verify with Google Trends:
Head over to Google Trends, set it to South Africa, and enter the local terms you’ve gathered.
- Action: Compare similar terms to see which one is hotter. It’s like checking the weather forecast before you plan your weekend—it helps you pick the best option.
- Get Some Real-World Feedback:
Finally, talk to actual people—your customers or local colleagues. Ask them what words they’d use when searching for your services.
- Action: Use their input to refine your list. If they throw in a term you hadn’t considered, add it in. After all, who knows your local lingo better than your neighbors?
