The Complete Guide to Digital Marketing for Small Businesses in Mid Wales
Running a small business in Newtown, Powys, or anywhere across Mid Wales comes with unique challenges and opportunities. Whilst our beautiful rural location offers a fantastic quality of life, it can sometimes feel like we're competing with businesses from larger cities when it comes to reaching customers online.
The good news? Digital marketing levels the playing field. With the right approach, your Mid Wales business can compete with anyone – and often with a more personal, authentic touch that larger companies struggle to match.
Why Digital Marketing Matters for Mid Wales Businesses
Digital marketing isn't just for tech companies or online retailers. Whether you're running a farm shop in Welshpool, a B&B in Machynlleth, or a craft workshop in Llanidloes, your customers are searching for services like yours online every single day.
In fact, 97% of consumers now search online to find local businesses. If you're not showing up in those searches, you're missing out on potential customers who are actively looking for what you offer.
Website Design: Your Digital Shop Front
Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Think of it as your digital shop front – it needs to be welcoming, professional, and clearly show what you do.
What Makes a Great Website for Mid Wales Businesses?
Mobile-First Design: Over 60% of searches now happen on mobile phones. Your website must look fantastic and work perfectly on smartphones and tablets.
Fast Loading Speed: Rural broadband can be patchy, so your website needs to load quickly even on slower connections.
Clear Local Information: Make it crystal clear where you're based and which areas you serve. Don't assume visitors know where Newtown is – spell it out: "Newtown, Powys, Mid Wales."
Easy Navigation: Visitors should find what they're looking for in three clicks or less.
Common Website Mistakes to Avoid
Using tiny text that's impossible to read on mobile
Hiding your contact details
Not mentioning your location prominently
Using stock photos instead of real images of your business
Forgetting to include a clear call-to-action
SEO: Getting Found on Google
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is simply about making your website easy for Google to understand and recommend to people searching for your services.
Local SEO for Powys Businesses
Local SEO is particularly important for Mid Wales businesses. Here's how to get started:
Google My Business: Claim and optimise your Google My Business listing. This is crucial for appearing in local searches and on Google Maps.
Local Keywords: Include location-specific terms naturally in your content. Instead of just "wedding photographer," use "wedding photographer Newtown Powys" or "Mid Wales wedding photography."
Customer Reviews: Encourage satisfied customers to leave Google reviews. They're digital word-of-mouth recommendations.
Local Content: Write about local events, news, or issues relevant to your community. This shows Google you're genuinely part of the Mid Wales business landscape.
Content That Ranks
Google loves helpful, informative content. Consider creating:
"How-to" guides related to your expertise
Local area guides (especially useful for tourism-related businesses)
Behind-the-scenes content about your business
Seasonal tips and advice
Social Media Marketing: Building Community Online
Social media marketing for Mid Wales businesses isn't about going viral – it's about building genuine connections with your local community and potential customers.
Choosing the Right Platforms
Facebook: Still the most popular platform for local businesses. Great for sharing updates, events, and building community.
Instagram: Perfect for visually-driven businesses like restaurants, craft makers, or tourism providers.
LinkedIn: Essential for B2B businesses or professional services.
TikTok: Growing rapidly, especially for reaching younger customers, but requires more time and creativity.
Social Media Tips for Busy Business Owners
Quality over Quantity: Better to post consistently on one platform than sporadically on three
Show Your Personality: People buy from people they like and trust
Use Local Hashtags: #NewtownPowys #MidWales #Powys
Engage with Other Local Businesses: Support each other and cross-promote
Share Customer Success Stories: With permission, showcase happy customers
Email Marketing: The Often-Overlooked Goldmine
Email marketing delivers the highest return on investment of any digital marketing channel. For every £1 spent, businesses typically see a £42 return.
Building Your Email List
Offer something valuable in exchange for email addresses (discount, guide, newsletter)
Add signup forms to your website
Collect emails at events or in-person transactions
Make it easy to subscribe but never buy email lists
What to Include in Your Emails
Welcome Series: Introduce new subscribers to your business
Regular Updates: Monthly newsletters work well for most small businesses
Special Offers: Exclusive deals for email subscribers
Local News: Share relevant local information or events
Bringing It All Together: Your Digital Marketing Strategy
The key to successful digital marketing isn't doing everything at once – it's choosing the right mix for your business and doing it consistently.
A Simple Framework for Mid Wales Businesses
Foundation (Essential):
Professional, mobile-friendly website
Google My Business listing
Basic SEO
One social media platform done well
Growth (When Ready):
Email marketing
Content marketing (blog, videos)
Additional social media platforms
Paid advertising (Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
Advanced (For Established Businesses):
Marketing automation
Advanced analytics
Influencer partnerships
Comprehensive content strategies
Getting Help with Your Digital Marketing
Digital marketing can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to run a business at the same time. You don't have to do it all yourself.
Consider working with a local digital marketing professional who understands the unique challenges and opportunities of running a business in Mid Wales. They can help you develop a strategy that fits your budget and goals, whilst you focus on what you do best – running your business.
Taking the Next Step
Start with the basics: ensure your website is mobile-friendly and your Google My Business listing is up to date. Then, choose one area to focus on and do it well before moving on to the next.
Remember, digital marketing is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, authentic effort over time will always beat sporadic bursts of activity.
Your Mid Wales business has something unique to offer. Digital marketing simply helps you share that with the people who need what you provide. Whether you're based in Newtown, Welshpool, Machynlleth, or anywhere else in Powys, there are customers out there looking for exactly what you offer.
The question isn't whether you should embrace digital marketing – it's how quickly you can get started.
