Email Marketing for Local Businesses: Drive Traffic to Your GBP

Why Local Businesses Should Use Email

Local businesses often overlook email marketing. But it's one of the highest ROI channels available.

For a local business with an email list of 1,000 customers, that's powerful.

Building Your Email List

You already have customers. Start there.

1. 1Collect emails during the checkout/payment process
2. 2Offer a reason to sign up ("Get exclusive deals!" or "Join our loyalty program")
3. 3Add an email signup form to your website
4. 4Ask in-person at the end of a transaction
5. 5Include your email signup link in your GBP About section

What to Send (Content Ideas)

• ✓ Monthly tips relevant to your industry
• ✓ Special offers exclusive to your email list
• ✓ Upcoming events or new services
• ✓ Behind-the-scenes content about your business
• ✓ Customer success stories or case studies
• ✓ Reminders to leave a Google review

Email Templates for Local Businesses

Template 1: Review Request Email

Subject: "Your feedback matters to [Business Name]"

Hi [First Name],

Thanks for choosing [Business Name] last week! We loved working with you.

If you had a good experience, we'd genuinely appreciate a quick Google review. It helps other [city] residents find us and tells us we're doing something right.

[Direct Google Review Link]

Thanks,

[Your Name]

Template 2: Monthly Tips Email

Subject: "Pro tip: How to [solve problem relevant to your industry]"

Hi [First Name],

This month, I want to share a tip that saves our customers hundreds of dollars...

[Content with valuable tip]

Have a question? Reply to this email or call us at [phone].

[Your Name]

When and How Often to Send

Recommended schedule:

• Service businesses: 1 email every 2 weeks (2x per month)
• Retail/restaurants: 2 emails per month (special offers + tips)
• Professional services: 1 email per month (thought leadership)

Measuring Email Performance

Track these metrics:

• ✓ Open Rate: % of people who open your email (aim for 20-30%)
• ✓ Click Rate: % who click a link (aim for 5-10%)
• ✓ Unsubscribe Rate: Keep below 0.2%
• ✓ Conversion: Did this email drive sales or reviews?

Conclusion

Email is underutilized by most local businesses. Start by collecting emails from your current customers, then send valuable content regularly. Even a simple monthly tip email positions you as an expert and keeps customers coming back.