How to use local SEO and social media to attract more customers in Chicago

Nov 13

In Chicago’s competitive food scene, drawing in local customers starts with having a strong online presence. Leveraging local SEO and social media can bring more customers through your doors and drive awareness in a market full of unique food options. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of local SEO and social media to grow your customer base in Chicago—and why setting up your kitchen at Nimbus’s River North location can help.

Optimize for local SEO: attract customers searching for nearby options

Claim and optimize your Google My Business (GMB) listing: A GMB profile is crucial for any Chicago-based food business. Claim your profile, add accurate contact information, address, hours, photos, and encourage customer reviews.
Use Chicago-specific keywords in content: Keywords like “Chicago food business,” “River North catering,” or “Best Chicago food trucks” will help your business rank higher in local searches.
Leverage Nimbus’s location for added credibility: If your kitchen operates out of Nimbus’s River North location, include this in your GMB profile and website content to boost your local SEO and attract nearby customers.

Create localized content for your website

Write blog posts focused on Chicago audiences: We use this in our own marketing strategy by writing about topics like “Where to source local ingredients in Chicago” and “Exploring Chicago’s hidden culinary gems”.
Showcase Chicago events you’re involved in: If you’re participating in local events, pop-ups, or farmers markets, post about them on your website.
Feature Nimbus as part of your Chicago story: Use Nimbus’s River North location as part of your story to show your commitment to Chicago’s food culture. Link to posts or videos featuring your kitchen setup and production space at Nimbus. Stellar Granola is one of our members who has done a great job using this technique!

Engage with local customers on social media

Use Chicago-specific hashtags: On Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, use hashtags like #chicagoeats, #rivernorthfood, or #chicagofoodies. Tag locations and use relevant keywords that reflect your brand and the city.
Collaborate with Chicago influencers: Partnering with local influencers can boost visibility. Choose influencers whose audience aligns with your target customers, like food bloggers or local event hosts.
If you operate at Nimbus, add us as a collaborator on Instagram so we can reshare your post! Showcasing your professional kitchen in River North can attract customers who prioritize quality.

Build a local review strategy

Encourage happy customers to leave reviews: Google reviews influence local SEO rankings, so prompt satisfied customers to leave positive reviews.
Respond to reviews promptly and engage with both positive and negative reviews to show you care about customer experience.

Share user-generated content to boost credibility

Ask customers to tag your business on social media: Encourage customers to tag you when they post about your food or events. Sharing user-generated content builds trust and shows that locals enjoy your offerings.
Run local giveaways or contests: A giveaway or contest exclusive to Chicago residents can increase engagement and attract new followers. Use local hashtags and offer a prize that highlights your food.

Develop a social media content strategy with Chicago in mind

Post about Chicago seasonal events: Share content that aligns with seasonal events like big games, or summer festivals.
Use Chicago landmarks and themes in visuals: Incorporate Chicago icons, neighborhoods, or cultural references in your posts to resonate with locals.
If you’re a Nimbus member, showcase Nimbus’s connection to Chicago food entrepreneurs: Posting about your space at Nimbus can foster community and show customers that you’re connected to other Chicago-based food entrepreneurs.

Collaborate with other Chicago-based businesses

Partner with local suppliers or food brands: Collaborate with Chicago-based ingredient suppliers or neighboring businesses, or team up with fellow businesses operating in Nimbus.
Host a joint event at Nimbus River North: The event space at Nimbus is ideal for collaborations, attracting customers from both audiences.
Cross-promote each other on social media: Cross-promotions with other businesses can introduce you to new customer segments.

Use social media stories and reels for real-time engagement

Share behind-the-scenes content: Show how your food is made, especially within Nimbus’s fully equipped kitchen, to intrigue followers.
Go live during events or pop-ups: Host live videos during pop-ups or from your kitchen to increase engagement and show off your Chicago setting.
Share customer reactions in real-time: Posting feedback or reactions after events at Nimbus can build credibility and trust among potential customers.

Track your SEO and social media metrics

Monitor local SEO performance: Use tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush to track how well your website is ranking for Chicago-specific keywords.
Analyze social media engagement: Track metrics like engagement rate and follower growth to see what resonates with Chicago customers.
Adjust your strategy as needed: Regularly update your SEO and social media strategies based on what’s working, and keep incorporating Chicago-based keywords and local content.

Nimbus River North: the perfect location for Chicago food entrepreneurs

Operating from Nimbus’s River North kitchen gives you a central location that can enhance your SEO and social media strategies. With fully equipped kitchen spaces and a community of like-minded food entrepreneurs, Nimbus provides the resources to optimize production, attract customers, and grow your Chicago food business.