How to Market a Small Town: Practical Tips for Local Marketing Teams
So, you’ve been given the task of marketing your small town. Whether you’re part of a city department, the Chamber of Commerce, or just the person who raised your hand that one time in a meeting (oops), we’ve got you covered.
Because let’s face it: small-town marketing isn’t about billboards on I-95 or hiring an influencer with a million followers. It’s about charm, community, and making people think, “Why haven’t I been there yet?!”
Here are practical (and actually fun) tips to help you market your small town like a pro.
1. Be Where the People Scroll
Social media is your best friend. Facebook, Instagram, even TikTok (yes, really). Start by sharing what makes your town unique:
The mural downtown
That one donut shop everyone loves
The town dog (every town has one, right?)
Post consistently and with heart. People don’t just want to see your events; they want to feel your vibe.
2. Spotlight the Locals
Locals are your secret weapon. Interview business owners, longtime residents, high school sports heroes, and anyone who makes your town tick.
Feature them in blog posts, reels, or a weekly “Humans of [Your Town]” series. It builds community pride and makes outsiders curious about the people behind the place.
3. Make Your Events Impossible to Miss
Small towns are event goldmines. Farmers markets, fall festivals, parades with way too many tractors—people love it.
But marketing them takes more than one flyer in the post office. Try:
A countdown series on social media
Spotlighting vendors and behind-the-scenes peeks
Creating a hashtag for your event and encouraging attendees to use it
4. Update Your Digital Real Estate
Your website and Google listings matter more than you think. Before anyone plans a visit, they’re Googling you.
So:
Make sure your town website is updated and mobile-friendly
Encourage businesses to optimize their Google Business listings
List events, places to eat, and reasons to visit all in one easy place
5. Embrace the Quirks
Does your town host a Possum Parade? Do you have the world’s largest butter churn? Perfect.
Lean into the weird. People love discovering one-of-a-kind experiences. Quirky stories are sharable, memorable, and often press-worthy.
6. Partner Like a Pro
Marketing doesn’t have to fall on your shoulders alone. Partner with:
Local businesses (cross-promote!)
Schools (student projects can turn into cool content)
Regional tourism boards (get more eyes on your town)
Collaboration = more content, more ideas, and more fun.
7. Inspiration from HGTV’s Home Town Takeover
If you need proof that marketing and revitalization can completely transform a town, look no further than HGTV’s Home Town Takeover. This feel-good series has traveled to small towns across America—like Wetumpka, AL and Fort Morgan, CO—showcasing their charm while bringing in design, development, and marketing help. What started as television magic sparked real, lasting economic development. It helped these communities build momentum, attract visitors, and most importantly, reignite pride in their hometowns. While not every town gets a TV spotlight, you can create a similar buzz with strategic marketing, local involvement, and a little creative flair.
8. Track the Good Stuff
You don’t need to become a full-blown data analyst, but keep an eye on what works:
Which posts got the most engagement?
Which events had the biggest turnout?
Where did your website traffic come from?
Adjust as you go. Marketing is part art, part science, and part "let's just see what happens."
Final Thoughts: Your Town Is a Big Deal
Here’s the thing: small towns are full of big stories, passionate people, and unique experiences. Your job is to package all of that up and put it out into the world in a way that feels real.
You don’t need a massive budget or a fancy agency. You just need creativity, consistency, and a little bit of love for the place you call home.
And if you ever need help? You know where to find me.
📧 hello@thesocialhandle.com
📍 thesocialhandle.com