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Asheville, a city known for its scenic beauty, vibrant local businesses, and diverse cultural offerings, presents a unique opportunity for businesses across various sectors to thrive through strategic digital marketing, emphasizing the importance of local SEO, social media engagement, Google Business Listings, and other tailored strategies in capturing the essence of the Asheville spirit

Digital Marketing in Asheville: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Dominance

asheville digital marketing business city
Nicholas Braylan
Nicholas Braylan
10 years of digital marketing and international corporate consulting. Esports enthusiast, coffee obsessed, married with child.

Table of Contents

Digital Marketing in Asheville: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Dominance

Asheville, known for its scenic beauty, rich cultural tapestry, and vibrant local businesses, is a city where many industries can benefit greatly from strategic digital marketing. Ranking high on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs) is not just a vanity metric; it can be the lifeline for businesses in sectors where competition is fierce. Here’s a look at some of these sectors:

  1. Tourism and Hospitality: With landmarks like the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a major tourist hub. Hotels, B&Bs, and tour operators greatly benefit from online visibility.
  2. Arts and Crafts: Asheville’s artisan community is vast. Artists, galleries, and craft workshop providers can attract both tourists and locals with a strong online presence.
  3. Craft Breweries: Known for its craft beer scene, breweries in Asheville can increase foot traffic and brand awareness by ranking high for beer enthusiasts’ searches.
  4. Real Estate: As Asheville becomes an increasingly attractive place to live and invest, real estate agents and developers can gain leads through online search dominance.
  5. Restaurants and Culinary Businesses: Asheville’s culinary scene is eclectic and burgeoning. Restaurants, cafes, and local food producers can attract foodies by optimizing their online presence.
  6. Health and Wellness: With many seeking retreats, spas, and wellness centers in the picturesque settings of Asheville, this sector can thrive with good search engine rankings.
  7. Education and Workshops: From pottery classes to yoga retreats, Asheville offers various educational experiences that can gain more enrollments through online visibility.
  8. Retail and Shopping: Boutique stores, antique shops, and other retail businesses can benefit from tourists and locals alike by ensuring they’re easily found online.
  9. Local Agriculture and Farmers Markets: Asheville prides itself on local produce and organic farming. These businesses can reach more customers by optimizing for terms that eco-conscious consumers might use.
  10. Events and Festivals: Asheville hosts numerous events, from music festivals to craft fairs. Event organizers can ensure higher attendance by ranking well for event-related searches in the region.

1. Understanding SEO for Asheville-Based Businesses

When you zoom into a community as distinct and vibrant as Asheville, NC, the importance of local SEO becomes even more pronounced. With a perfect blend of arts, tourism, and local businesses, Asheville presents a competitive digital landscape. So, how can businesses ensure they get noticed?

The Asheville Factor

What makes Asheville special is its unique blend of culture, arts, and natural beauty. As a business, you must tap into this local essence when devising your SEO strategy. This means going beyond generic keywords and diving deep into what the local populace and tourists seek.

Local Keyword Optimization

Instead of just optimizing for broad industry terms, businesses should integrate Asheville-centric keywords. This not only ensures higher rankings in local search results but also increases the likelihood of attracting the right audience – those specifically looking for Asheville-based services or products.

Example: A boutique hotel in Asheville, rather than just optimizing for “boutique hotel”, should incorporate specific terms like “luxury accommodation in Asheville”, “Asheville historic boutique hotel”, or “best hotel views in Asheville”. This strategy draws in visitors who are specifically looking for an Asheville experience, leading to higher conversion rates.

Engage in Local Link Building

Backlinks, or links from other websites to yours, are a significant ranking factor. An Asheville business should prioritize getting links from reputable local sources. This could be local news websites, Asheville directories, or partnerships with other Asheville businesses.

Real-world tip: An Asheville craft brewery might collaborate with local artists for label designs. Both businesses can then link to each other’s websites, enhancing local relevance and authority.

Prioritize Google My Business

Ensure your business is listed and verified on Google My Business. Regularly update your listing with fresh images, respond to reviews, and ensure your business hours and contact information are accurate. This step is crucial as it’s often the first thing a user sees when they search for a local business.

Practical Step: If you run an Asheville restaurant, regularly post pictures of your daily specials on your Google My Business profile. Engage with customer reviews, both positive and negative, showcasing your commitment to customer satisfaction.

Stay Updated with Local Trends

Asheville, with its dynamic socio-cultural events and ever-evolving populace, is always on the move. Ensure your content strategy aligns with local happenings, be it the Asheville Music Festival or the annual Craft Fair.

Pro Tip: A local bookstore could write a blog post on “Top 10 Reads from Asheville Authors” during the Asheville Literary Festival, drawing in readers and festival attendees.

In essence, SEO for Asheville-based businesses is not just about technical optimization; it’s about resonating with the Asheville spirit. By crafting an SEO strategy that celebrates this spirit, businesses can ensure they not only rank high but also forge a deeper connection with their audience.

2. Dive Deep into Social Media for Asheville-Based Engagement

In the scenic backdrop of Asheville, businesses have a wealth of local content and culture to tap into. Social media offers an unparalleled avenue for this, turning the city’s charm into engagement opportunities. It’s not just about posting; it’s about striking a conversation, understanding local nuances, and embedding them in your online strategy.

Know Your Platforms

Different social media platforms appeal to different demographics. In Asheville, where the community is a mix of local residents, artists, tourists, and young professionals, it’s vital to identify which platforms resonate most with your target audience.

Don’t know how or have time to optimize your social media? We can help: Social Media Automation. 

Example: A trendy Asheville bar targeting younger patrons might find more engagement on Instagram and TikTok, sharing vibrant cocktail videos or behind-the-scenes glimpses of a busy night.

Engage in Local Hashtags

Asheville-specific hashtags can make your content discoverable to locals and tourists alike. By tuning into what’s trending in the Asheville community, businesses can join larger conversations or start their own.

Example: An art gallery in the River Arts District could use and promote hashtags like #AshevilleArtScene or #RiverArtsMagic to showcase local art pieces and events.

Tap into Asheville’s Event Calendar

The city is always buzzing with events. Use them as opportunities to create content or collaborate. You can check for local events with the following platforms:

  1. Explore Asheville
    • Overview: The official tourism site for Asheville, it offers a comprehensive list of events happening in and around the city, from artsy endeavors to culinary experiences.
    • Link: Explore Asheville Events
  2. Asheville.com Events Calendar
    • Overview: Asheville.com provides an events calendar dedicated to events happening in Asheville and its surrounding areas.
    • Link: Asheville.com Events
  3. Mountain Xpress
    • Overview: Mountain Xpress is a local news platform for Asheville, and it features an events calendar covering various activities and happenings in the region.
    • Link: Mountain Xpress Events
  4. Asheville City Guide
    • Overview: A locally-focused guide that provides insights into Asheville’s events, businesses, and cultural happenings.
    • Link: Asheville City Guide Events
  5. Asheville Downtown Association

Example: A clothing store in downtown Asheville might collaborate with the organizers of the Asheville Music Festival, offering special discounts to ticket holders and sharing festival-themed outfit inspirations on Pinterest and Facebook.

User-Generated Content (UGC)

Encourage Asheville patrons to share their experiences with your brand. This creates a sense of community and offers you authentic content.

Example: A popular hiking trail operator could encourage visitors to share their photos using a specific hashtag, like #BlueRidgeHikesWithUs. The best images could be featured on the operator’s official pages, giving followers a real-world view of the experience.

Polls, Surveys, and Feedback

Engage with your Asheville community by seeking their input. This not only provides valuable insights but also boosts engagement.

Example: Building on the earlier idea, an Asheville café might go beyond polls about coffee blends. They could ask followers to vote on local musicians for live evening sessions or gather feedback on potential new menu items featuring local ingredients.

3. Optimize Your Google Business Listing for Asheville’s Unique Landscape

For local businesses, a Google Business Listing is pivotal. Ensure your listing is up-to-date with accurate information, reviews, and images showcasing your offerings. Checklist:

Accurate and Comprehensive Information

It’s paramount to provide updated contact information. Asheville is known for its distinct neighborhoods and winding roads. Make sure your address is spot-on to avoid confusing those relying on Google Maps. Keep your hours of operation, contact details, and business description updated. If you adjust your hours seasonally (say, extended hours during the Biltmore summer events or reduced during winter months), make sure to reflect that.

Real-world tip: For eateries close to popular Asheville spots like the Blue Ridge Parkway, mentioning proximity (“Just 10 minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway!”) can be an added attraction.

Showcase Your Asheville Spirit through Photos

Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and beautiful landscapes. Reflect this culture in your images. Pictures that display your location, the local scenery, or even neighborhood landmarks can help potential customers identify and connect with your business.

Example: If you’re a bookstore in the Battery Park area, showcase the historic Flatiron Building or other recognizable Asheville landmarks in the background of some of your photos.

Engage with Reviews

Engaging with customer reviews, both positive and negative, shows you care about your patrons. Responding with a local touch can make all the difference.

Example: If a customer praises your Asheville-based bakery’s mountain-themed cake designs, a response like, “Thank you! We love capturing Asheville’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains in our designs. Hope to see you again soon!” resonates with local pride.

Highlight Special Offers or Local Collaborations

If you collaborate with local artisans, musicians, or other businesses for special offers or events, highlight them on your Google Business Listing.

Real-world tip: An Asheville spa could promote a special “locally-sourced herbal treatment” using plants from the nearby Appalachian region, emphasizing the unique local touch.

Main Topics of Interests in Asheville, NC

  • Outdoor Activities
    • Hiking
    • Mountain Biking
    • River Rafting
    • Blue Ridge Parkway
  • Art and Culture
    • Art Galleries
    • Museums
    • River Arts District
  • Music
    • Music Festivals
    • Concert Venues
  • Cuisine and Craft Beer
    • Farm-to-table Restaurants
    • Craft Breweries
    • Coffee Shops
  • Historic Architecture
    • Biltmore Estate
    • Downtown Asheville Architecture
  • Wellness and Spa
    • Wellness Retreats
    • Traditional Spas
    • Yoga Studios
  • Shopping
    • Boutiques
    • Antique Shops
    • Artisan Markets
  • Gardening and Botanical Interests
    • North Carolina Arboretum
    • Botanical Gardens
  • Wine Tasting
    • Vineyards
    • Wineries
  • Community Events
    • Asheville Art in the Park
    • LEAF Downtown Asheville
    • Asheville Fringe Arts Festival

4. Don’t Overlook Other Business Listings in Asheville’s Landscape

Go down this list and submit your business listings or explore the possibility of collaborating. These can increase your domain rating and bring in traffic, as well as increase your link strength among local sites.

5. Conduct Keyword Research and Optimization Tailored to Asheville’s Unique Market

The heart of any effective digital marketing campaign lies in understanding the words and phrases potential customers use when searching for services or products similar to what you offer. In a city as diverse and culturally rich as Asheville, tailoring your keyword research to reflect local nuances can be a game-changer.

Dive into Research Tools

While starting your keyword journey, it’s pivotal to utilize platforms that offer an in-depth look at search volumes, competition, and other vital metrics:

  1. SEMrush: Beyond just keyword search volumes, SEMrush provides an analysis of the organic search results, giving insights into potential competitors in the Asheville region and the keywords they are ranking for. It also offers phrase match and related keyword suggestions which can be valuable in broadening your keyword strategy.
  2. Ahrefs: This tool is renowned for its detailed backlink analysis. In addition to discovering keyword opportunities, Ahrefs can be invaluable for Asheville businesses wanting to analyze which local sites are linking to competitors, potentially revealing partnership or guest post opportunities.
  3. Ubersuggest: A brainchild of digital marketing guru Neil Patel, Ubersuggest is a fantastic free tool for keyword discovery, content ideas, and backlink data. For Asheville-centric businesses, this tool can help brainstorm long-tail keywords that might have lower competition but a targeted reach. Plus, its user-friendly interface can be beneficial for those new to the SEO world.

Localize Your Keyword Strategy

Given Asheville’s unique position as a cultural and natural hub, consider integrating local landmarks, festivals, or cultural references into your keyword strategy. For instance, “Biltmore Estate wedding photography” or “Blue Ridge Parkway guided tours” might be goldmines waiting to be tapped, depending on your industry.

Real-World Tip: Seasonality can play a role too. Asheville is known for its fall foliage, so businesses might find increased search volume around terms related to autumn activities or events.

The Impact of Targeted Terms

As highlighted earlier, by homing in on specific, localized terms such as “internet marketing Asheville” or “digital marketing firm Asheville, NC”, businesses can not only increase their site traffic but also ensure that this traffic is more qualified. After all, a visitor searching for services explicitly in Asheville is more likely to convert than one looking for more generalized terms.

Fun Fact: When businesses in Asheville optimize their content around localized keywords, they are more likely to resonate with both locals and tourists, ensuring a broader, yet still targeted, reach. This reflects the essence of Asheville – global appeal with a touch of local charm.

6. Dive into Competitor Research Tailored to Asheville’s Dynamic Market

First, go through this checklist and when you are done, make sure you are doing it all the same or better than your top competition.

  1. Recognize the Importance of Competitor Analysis: Understand that in digital marketing, observing competitors can be as crucial as comprehending your own business strategies. This is especially true in a lively and competitive scene like Asheville.
  2. Identify Your Primary Competitors: Start by listing down businesses that offer similar services as you in Asheville. While it’s essential to keep an eye on global or national brands, also focus on local agencies or companies that might have a significant presence in the Asheville community.
  3. Deep Dive into Their Content: Examine their blogs, articles, and other forms of content. Note the kind of topics they cover, especially those focusing on Asheville. Also, consider the frequency of their posts, the depth of their content, and the overall quality to gauge what might be driving traffic and engagement for them.
  4. Investigate Their SEO Approach: Utilize tools like Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Ubersuggest to discern the keywords they’re ranking for. Determine if they’re primarily targeting generic terms or if they’ve optimized their strategy around Asheville-specific long-tail keywords.
  5. Scrutinize Their Social Media Presence: Analyze the platforms they’re most active on. Is it Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or perhaps a mix of several platforms? Look at the type of posts that receive the most likes, shares, and comments. This will provide insights into what resonates with the Asheville audience.
  6. Gauge Their Local Engagement: Beyond regular posts, check if they’re collaborating with any Asheville influencers or frequently mentioning local events and festivals. Such engagements can often be a sign of a deeper connection with the local community.

7. Quick Mini Guide to Content Revision

  1. Monitor Your Content’s SERP Position
  • Regularly check where your content is ranking for its target keywords. Use tools like Google Search Console, SEMrush, or Ahrefs.
  • If previously high-ranking content starts to drop (e.g., from page 1 to page 2 or lower), it’s an indication that the content may need a refresh.
  1. Analyze Traffic and Engagement Metrics
  • Look at your Google Analytics data for that specific blog post.
  • A decline in organic traffic, reduced time spent on the page, or a higher bounce rate may suggest that the content isn’t resonating as well as it once did.
  1. Audit the Content’s Relevance
  • Re-read the content and check for outdated information, statistics, or references.
  • Ensure all links within the content are functional and still lead to relevant sources.
  1. Check the Competing Content on SERP
  • Look at the content that ranks above yours. What are they doing differently? They might have more up-to-date information, a better structure, or more engaging multimedia.
  1. Evaluate Content Depth and Quality
  • Does your content provide comprehensive coverage of the topic?
  • Consider enhancing your post by adding more relevant information, addressing commonly asked questions, or diving deeper into specific subtopics.
  1. Focus on User Experience
  • Is the content formatted well? Consider adding bullet points, headers, and images for better readability.
  • Check the mobile responsiveness of the page, ensuring it provides a good user experience across devices.
  1. Assess the SEO Elements
  • Ensure that meta titles, meta descriptions, and URL structures are optimized.
  • Check that alt texts for images are relevant and that internal linking structures are effective.
  1. Update and Enhance
  • Add any new findings, statistics, or relevant information to the content.
  • Consider adding infographics, videos, or other multimedia elements to make the content more engaging.
  1. Trim the Fat
  • Remove any redundant or repetitive sections.
  • Delete or replace outdated references, examples, or statistics.
  1. Republish and Monitor
  • Once the content is updated, consider changing its published date to the current one.
  • Share the updated content on social media platforms and your newsletter if applicable.
  • Continuously monitor the content’s performance to see how the updates impact its SERP position and engagement metrics.

Remember, revitalizing content is not just about SEO; it’s about ensuring that your readers always get the most accurate, valuable, and up-to-date information. The added benefit is that search engines reward such diligent efforts with better rankings.

 

8. Track Your Rank and Adjust for Continued Digital Dominance in Asheville

  1.  Monitor Your Content’s SERP Position
  • Regularly check where your content is ranking for its target keywords. Use tools like Google Search Console, SEMrush, or Ahrefs.
  • If previously high-ranking content starts to drop (e.g., from page 1 to page 2 or lower), it’s an indication that the content may need a refresh.
  1. Analyze Traffic and Engagement Metrics
  • Look at your Google Analytics data for that specific blog post.
  • A decline in organic traffic, reduced time spent on the page, or a higher bounce rate may suggest that the content isn’t resonating as well as it once did.
  1. Audit the Content’s Relevance
  • Re-read the content and check for outdated information, statistics, or references.
  • Ensure all links within the content are functional and still lead to relevant sources.
  1. Check the Competing Content on SERP
  • Look at the content that ranks above yours. What are they doing differently? They might have more up-to-date information, a better structure, or more engaging multimedia.
  1. Evaluate Content Depth and Quality
  • Does your content provide comprehensive coverage of the topic?
  • Consider enhancing your post by adding more relevant information, addressing commonly asked questions, or diving deeper into specific subtopics.
  1. Focus on User Experience
  • Is the content formatted well? Consider adding bullet points, headers, and images for better readability.
  • Check the mobile responsiveness of the page, ensuring it provides a good user experience across devices.
  1. Assess the SEO Elements
  • Ensure that meta titles, meta descriptions, and URL structures are optimized.
  • Check that alt texts for images are relevant and that internal linking structures are effective.
  1. Update and Enhance
  • Add any new findings, statistics, or relevant information to the content.
  • Consider adding infographics, videos, or other multimedia elements to make the content more engaging.
  1. Trim the Fat
  • Remove any redundant or repetitive sections.
  • Delete or replace outdated references, examples, or statistics.
  1. Republish and Monitor
  • Once the content is updated, consider changing its published date to the current one.
  • Share the updated content on social media platforms and your newsletter if applicable.
  • Continuously monitor the content’s performance to see how the updates impact its SERP position and engagement metrics.

11. Hire us to do it for you.

 

Remember, revitalizing content is not just about SEO; it’s about ensuring that your readers always get the most accurate, valuable, and up-to-date information. The added benefit is that search engines reward such diligent efforts with better rankings.

 

9. Explore Other Avenues in Asheville’s Dynamic Digital Landscape

In the digital realm, especially in competitive markets like Asheville, staying stagnant is akin to moving backward. Asheville’s digital marketing landscape is not a one-way street. It’s a sprawling network of opportunities waiting to be explored. From email marketing to influencer collaborations and webinars, there’s a lot more to digital marketing than meets the eye. Let’s dive into how you can leverage these opportunities to enrich your Asheville digital marketing strategy.

  1. Embrace Email Marketing

Email marketing can be a powerful tool for maintaining customer relationships and promoting your Asheville business. Whether you’re a boutique retail store announcing your latest collection, a popular Asheville eatery advertising a seasonal menu, or a marketing agency in Asheville sharing industry insights, a well-structured email campaign can keep you in touch with your customer base.

For instance, craft a monthly newsletter highlighting Asheville’s local events and how your business is participating. This not only keeps your audience informed but also helps to foster a sense of community engagement.

  1. Collaborate with Local Influencers

Asheville’s vibrant art and music scene offers a wealth of local influencers who can help you reach a wider audience. For example, if you’re an Asheville marketing agency, consider partnering with a popular local blogger for a content marketing webinar. Or, a lifestyle influencer could showcase your boutique hotel’s amenities or your restaurant’s vegan offerings.

Remember, Asheville residents value authenticity. Collaborations with influencers who genuinely love your product or service can generate far more impact than generic advertisements.

  1. Host Engaging Webinars

Webinars allow you to share your expertise with a broader audience. If you’re an Asheville marketing agency, consider hosting a webinar about “Leveraging Social Media for Asheville Businesses”. Or if you’re an eco-tourism operator, how about a webinar on “Sustainable Travel in Asheville”?

Webinars not only position you as an authority in your field but also attract an engaged audience that’s already interested in what you offer. You can then nurture these leads with tailored email campaigns, further solidifying your brand’s presence in Asheville’s digital sphere.

  1. Get Involved in Local Events

Asheville is renowned for its community events, from music festivals to art exhibits. Sponsoring, participating, or even hosting these events can increase your brand visibility. Make sure to promote your involvement through your digital channels.

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Case Studies of Successful Internet Marketing Campaigns in Asheville

While internet marketing can be effective for businesses of all types and sizes, it’s always helpful to see real-world examples of success. Here are a few case studies of successful internet marketing campaigns in Asheville:

### WNC Cheese Trail

The WNC Cheese Trail is a group of artisan cheese makers in the Asheville area. They used internet marketing to increase awareness of their products and drive sales. By creating a strong social media presence and optimizing their website for local search terms, they were able to increase website traffic and sales.

### The Hop Ice Cream Cafe

The Hop is a popular ice cream shop with multiple locations in Asheville. They used internet marketing to increase brand awareness and drive sales. By creating a strong social media presence and running targeted Facebook ads, they were able to reach a wider audience and increase sales.

### Asheville Yoga Festival

The Asheville Yoga Festival is an annual event that attracts yoga enthusiasts from around the country. They used internet marketing to increase awareness of the festival and drive ticket sales. By creating a strong social media presence and running targeted Facebook ads, they were able to sell out the festival and generate significant revenue.

The Role of SEO in Internet Marketing

One of the most important components of internet marketing is search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is all about optimizing your website and online profiles to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). By ranking higher in search results, you can increase your visibility to potential customers and drive more traffic to your website. There are many factors that contribute to SEO, including website content, backlinks, and technical factors like site speed and mobile optimization. It’s important to work with a professional internet marketing agency that understands the complexities of SEO and can help you optimize your website for maximum visibility.

Choosing the Right Internet Marketing Agency in Asheville

Speaking of internet marketing agencies, how do you choose the right one for your business in Asheville? Here are a few tips:

### Look for Experience

Internet marketing is a complex field that requires skill and experience to do well. Look for an agency that has a proven track record of success and experience working with businesses in your industry.

### Check References

Don’t be afraid to ask for references from past clients. This can give you valuable insight into the agency’s strengths and weaknesses and help you make an informed decision.

### Ask About Strategy

A good internet marketing agency should have a clear, data-driven strategy for achieving your business goals. Ask about their approach and make sure it aligns with your business needs.

Taking Advantage of the Untapped Potential of Internet Marketing in Asheville

Asheville is a city that is full of potential when it comes to internet marketing. By harnessing the power of digital channels, businesses in Asheville can reach a wider audience, engage with potential customers, and ultimately drive growth. However, in order to see results, it’s important to work with a professional internet marketing agency that understands the complexities of the field. With the right strategy and approach, internet marketing can be your key to business growth in Asheville. 

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