Local Clients vs Online Clients? What’s better?
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In this episode of the Deeply Rooted Business Podcast, we're tackling a question that stumps so many wellness entrepreneurs: should you focus on local clients, go fully online, or find a sweet spot in between?
Drawing from our combined experience with both local and online businesses, we break down the real pros and cons of each approach. We're sharing what actually works (and what doesn't) when it comes to building your business presence, whether that's in your hometown or across the globe.
You'll discover why starting local might be your secret weapon for faster growth, how to transition smoothly into the online space without losing your existing client base, and practical strategies for standing out in both markets. Plus, we're debunking common myths about what it really takes to succeed in each arena.
Whether you're currently serving local clients and dreaming of going digital, or feeling overwhelmed by the online space and considering a local focus, this episode provides a practical roadmap for making the right choice for your business.
The truth about online business challenges
Let's be honest: building an online business isn't the "passive income dream" many make it out to be. While your reach might be global, so is your competition. You're not just competing with other businesses – you're competing with every cat video, meme, and trending TikTok dance for your audience's attention.
Think creating content is just about posting a few Instagram stories? Think again. Successful online businesses require consistent, valuable content that stands out in an increasingly crowded digital space. It's like being a small fish in an ocean, rather than a big fish in your local pond.
How to build trust in any market
In your local market, trust often builds naturally. It's the coffee shop conversations, the community events, the face-to-face interactions that create lasting connections. Your reputation grows through real-world word of mouth, and your clients can literally see the person behind the business.
Online? You're building trust through pixels and paragraphs. Every email, social post, and website page needs to work harder to establish the credibility that comes naturally in local settings. But here's the upside: once you crack the code, your impact can scale exponentially.
How to make the local-to-online transition
Want to know the secret to successfully moving from local to online? Start where you are. Your local success isn't just a stepping stone – it's your foundation.
Those testimonials from happy local clients? Pure gold.
That refined service offering that works like clockwork? That's your online framework.
Think of it like this: if you can make it work in your local market, you've got a proven concept ready for the digital stage.
Also, you don't have to choose. The most successful businesses often blend both worlds, leveraging local connections while building online presence. It's not about being everywhere – it's about being strategic about where you show up.
Consider:
- Where your ideal clients naturally gather
- Which platform feels most authentic to you
- How much time you can realistically dedicate to content creation
- What kind of impact you want to make
Your next steps
Ready to make your move? Start by:
- Auditing your current client base
- Identifying your strengths in both local and online spaces
- Creating a realistic transition timeline
- Building systems that can scale
Remember: There's no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is finding the balance that works for your business, your lifestyle, and your goals.
