Be honest: when was the last time a customer found you online and walked in the same day?
For many franchise owners, the answer is… rarely.
Here’s the hard truth: if your franchise doesn’t show up online, you’re invisible. Competitors are eating up the customers who are searching right now for what you offer.
And customers aren’t patient. Google found that 76% of people who search for something nearby visit a business within 24 hours.
That could be you, or the store across the street.
Let’s fix that. Here are five fast ways to market your franchise online so more people find you, trust you, and choose you.
1. Show Up First on Google (Local SEO)
If your store doesn’t appear when someone searches “pizza near me” or “UPS near me,” you don’t exist in their world.
Here’s what you can do today:
- Claim your Google Business Profile (if you haven’t already).
- Add photos, hours, and your best-selling services.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews right after checkout.
- Post weekly updates (Google treats them like mini social posts).
👉 One UPS Store we worked with went from 3.8 stars to 4.6 in under six months. Reviews exploded from 118 to 420. Suddenly, they weren’t just another store in the map pack, they were the store.
2. Post Social Content That Customers Actually Care About
Let’s call it out: your last few posts probably got 2 likes. One from an employee. One from your cousin. That’s not marketing, that’s noise.
Social media for your franchise should do one thing: give people a reason to stop in today.
Here’s what actually works:
- A quick video of your team doing what they do best.
- A customer shoutout (“Thanks to Sarah for celebrating her birthday with us!”).
- Today’s deal, loud and clear.
- A funny or relatable behind-the-scenes moment.
Not complicated. Not expensive. Just human.
And here’s the kicker: franchises that actually engage online see up to 40% more revenue growth than the ones that post stale stuff once in a while.
3. Run Simple, Local Ads (Without Wasting Money)
You don’t need a huge ad budget to get results. A small spend targeted at people near your franchise can bring in fast wins.
Where to start:
- Facebook & Instagram Ads → target by zip code or radius.
- Google Local Ads → show up when people search “near me.”
- Start small ($10–$20/day) and test what works.
Why it matters:
- Google reports that 4 in 5 consumers want ads customized to their city or local area.
- Local targeting ensures your money goes only toward nearby customers.
4. Collect and Share Reviews
Think about it: would you go to a restaurant with no reviews? Neither will your customers.
Reviews are the new word-of-mouth. And they’re free.
How to get more reviews:
- Ask in person right after a good customer experience.
- Get a QR code in your store, drive thru or in your receipts for people to scan and leave their review
- Reply to every review (yes, even the bad ones).
👉 Remember that UPS Store? Reviews jumped after we rolled out a simple QR code and fast replies.
That’s not just numbers, that’s dozens of new customers every single month who already trusted them before walking in.
5. Partner With Your Local Community
Here’s the mistake most franchise owners make: they try to market in a bubble.
But your local community is your biggest amplifier. If you’re not showing up in their feeds, groups, and events, you’re missing free exposure.
Here’s how to tap in:
- Team up with another local business for a giveaway (cross-promotion = double reach).
- Post in local Facebook groups or community boards (where people actually look for recommendations).
- Highlight local events, schools, or charities you support.
Picture This
- Imagine your store’s Google profile glowing with 5 stars.
- Imagine new customers walking in because they saw a local ad this morning.
- Imagine your regulars coming back twice as often because of one quick text.
- That’s not “maybe someday.” That’s what’s already happening for franchises who stop ignoring online marketing and start getting visible.
Ready to See How Your Store Could Show Up First?
Want to know exactly how your franchise stacks up online, and how to beat the competitors near you?
We’ll:
- Show you where your store is winning (and where it’s invisible).
- Point out the exact gaps competitors are leaving open.
- Give you a simple plan to start bringing in more customers this month.
Because your franchise deserves to be the one locals find first, not the one they scroll past.
