(Photo by Green Melinda)

If you’re looking to grow your client base, look no further than well-organized communities. Think about what you offer and see if your product or service can honestly also be labelled as “special community-friendly”. For example:

• If you run a small cute B&B. You’re already listed with the local Chamber of Commerce, on Yelp, on various touring listings that serve your area. How can you get more guests? Advertise your B&B with “friendly” services. For example, Betty’s List serves the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) community and Access Travel Center serves the Handicap-Accessible community.
• If yours is a home-based service business, then consider becoming Green-Certified (your local community development agency may have the staff to teach you what it would take). You’ll be listed as “Green-Certified” and will be easy to find.
• If you sell women’s clothing. If the clothing you sell is modest, there are communities that are looking for you: Modest Clothes, Junees, or Funky Frum. If you sell smaller or larger sizes, there are online directories serving these communities as well.
• If you’re a military veteran, get listed in a Veteran’s Owned Business Directory and/or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).
• If you’re a woman who owns her own business, get listed in women-owned business directories (such as Ladies Who Launch).

By marketing to tight-knit/well-defined communities, you’re efforts are likely to be well-rewarded by the members. People want to do business with those that welcome them with open arms. The more you can open your arms to special groups, the more the groups will respond in kind to you.