The most valuable customer of a neighbourhood hardware store lives five minutes away and needs a part right now. Today that customer searches for a hardware store nearby on their phone. This guide explains how to show up.
Business profile: choose accurate categories, use your real shop name without added keywords, keep weekend and holiday hours up to date, and add photos of the storefront, shelves and services such as key cutting or paint mixing.
Reviews: ask satisfied customers for a review with a simple link. Never offer discounts for reviews or post fake ones. Reply to every review, especially negative ones, with a calm, helpful answer.
The “do you have it?” question: a visible WhatsApp button lets customers send a photo of the part they need. Use quick replies for hours and delivery areas, and make sure the phone line is answered.
A simple website: address, map, hours, product groups and delivery areas, with consistent contact details. Avoid duplicated district pages; describe real delivery areas on one page.
Keep in touch with local tradespeople through an opt-in WhatsApp broadcast list for new stock and weekend hours.
Share short how-to videos, run small local campaigns in peak seasons and measure calls, directions and WhatsApp messages.
Talk to Racoun: we are based in Istanbul and work with brands across Türkiye. Message us on WhatsApp or email ekip@racoun.com.
